Mark 4: 1-20

My notes

Summary of 1^st soil THE PATH…

Some people are like soil that has been trampled down by life and people so that they are not RECEPTIVE to the word… because of this, when the word is given to them, sewn into them, it doesn’t sink in…and is easily taken away by our enemy (Satan)

End results…no fruit…soil didn’t do it’s intended purpose…. to nurture the seed and allow it to transform into a plant … that with the continuing nurturing of the soil, will produce a harvest of fruit.

How do we help Break up or loosen the packed down soil?

Through New Relationships (caring) – Not a lot of training needed to do this, nor is there a lot of work required. Just need to care about others and give a little time. It’s just like taking the shovel and turning over the soil, loosing it up, one shovel full at a time.

Summary of 2^nd soil ROCKY PLACES…

Some people are like soil that has rocks under its surface. The seed is initially received, and the soil above the rocky place begins to nurture the seed so that it transforms into plant. However, before it can bear fruit, the scorching heat of trouble and persecution drains all the life from the plant, because it needs deep roots to survive the withering environment above the surface.

End results…no fruit…soil didn’t do it’s intended purpose…to nurture the seed and allow it to transform into a plant … that with the continuing nurturing of the soil, will withstand troubles and persecutions…and will produce a harvest of fruit

How do we help to remove the rocks from under our soil?

Through Mature Relationships (accountability). This takes a little more time and effort. It is being close enough with someone else that you can hold them accountable when the “rocks” show up. It means getting your hands dirty and helping the other people remove the rocks under the surface.

Summary of 3^rd soil THORN INFESTED…

Some people are like soil that is growing both thorns and the farmer’s seed. The soils is actually nurturing both plants, and because of the nature of the thorns, they are quick growing and begin to compete for the same space that is needed for the farmers plant to grow, ultimately choking it out before it can bear fruit…

End results…no fruit…soil didn’t do it’s intended purpose….to nurture the seed of the farmers and allow it to transform into a plant … that with the continuing nurturing of the soil, will produce a harvest of fruit

How do we protect against the thorns?

Through Discipleing Relationships (learning & application). This is the most difficult, and requires the most training and guidance to be able to help. This is also the most dangerous because of the nature of the thorn.

Summary of 4^th soil GOOD SOIL…

Soil did it’s intended purpose….it nurture the seed and allow it to transform into a plant and continued nurturing of the seed and plant and allowed for large crop….

This is what we are striving for in our own lives and should be striving to help others achieve as well.