Mark 4 -study

Basically…
I learnt that the parables were used for 2 reasons: 1. bcz it was prophecies that He would speak in parables 2. As an act of mercy cz if He gave them the truth clearly and directly and they still rejected they would be more accountable than just being indifferent to the message. Cz those who wanted to know truth went and asked Him the meaning and those who didn’t care continued on their way.

And with the different grounds: like the message and sower is the same (God and His word) but the soils are different (different hearts and how they receive it). I feel like I’m one of em but dk which one, I just know it’s hard to fully follow Him with like all of life (uni, work- tryna make it in life) and having no one that’s serious about walking with Him, to hold me accountable😭

And then with the light: like the truth that God has taught me all of it (10 commandments, no secular music, no swearing etc) I’m not supposed to hide these things, it’s supposed to show in my life and to share the truth with others when asked or given opportunity.

And then the seed: like through all the parables the seed remained the seed, not mixed with anything, and people preaching shouldn’t try mix the seed (His word) with anything else, cz it’s enough, it doesn’t need help, no theological study knowledge, stories etc can make the truth better. The word is enough, there’s life and power to transform in it- that our own intelligence can’t do. Nothing but the seed can lead to growth-fruits-developing character of Jesus. So preachers should only be preach what thus says the Lord.

And then how we in our own strength can’t bring the growth, it’s by the Spirit, so all we can do is prayerfully share the word and let God do the rest. And how just like Jesus came to serve, and the plant doesn’t grow for itself but to give us fruits to eat, we’re to forget ourselves and our lives to be about service.

And lastly: we can hasten His return by allowing the transformation of our characters and our characters being the ones to spread the gospel, cz it’s one thing for people to hear us talk about Jesus, but it’s another (effective) for them to see Him in us (our characters) as Jesus showed us the Father through His character

Adding on.- we should understand that it’s a necessity that our life should be made like Christ’s life and the character should be of Christ only that’s in us. Self denial daily will grow our love, dependency on Christ because by this; the influence/pleasures from the world will lose their power on us more and more. As you said our actions will attract those of interest to God than just our words or image we put out

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