The Expulsive Power of a New Affection

The Expulsive Power of a New Affection (Mt 13:44-46)
Intro: 2 affections at enmity, love of God & of world
'The love of God & the love of the world are 2 affections not merely in a state of rivalship, but in a state of enmity, & that so irreconcilable that they cannot dwell together in the same bosom' (T. Chalmers, see Ja 4:4; 1Jn 2:15; Mt 6:24. Chalmers' sermon on website).

Exposition
Jesus seeks to displace love of our hearts from the world, not because the world is not worthy of it, but because God's kingdom is infinitely more worthy of it.

Doctrine: How can you incline your heart toward Christ & the good of His kingdom?

1. Recognize enemy, mistresses who seek to steal your heart away from your First Love.
   Recognize love of world for what it's called in Scripture, hatred toward God, & be put on our guard (Mt 24:43).
2. Recognize remedy, a joyful whole-hearted commitment to our First Love.
   How to destroy love of world in your heart? 'What cannot be destroyed, may be dispossessed & one taste may be made to give way to another, & to lose its power entirely as the reigning affection of the mind' (T. Chalmers, see Mt 6:33).

Application
a) to parents
b) to unbelievers hesitating to join kingdom
c) to believers w/a divided heart

Conclusion
'Let us all be humbled for the corruption of our hearts that are so eager in their affections for vanities & trifles & so hard to be persuaded to the love of Christ, who is altogether lovely' (J. Flavel).