Lesson 05 - Along the Path - Articles / Class Lessons

Articles / Class Lessons

“Lesson 05 - Along the Path”

Russ Robins
01/04/12 - Christian Growth (Wednesday)

Lesson Five

Along The Path

Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:13-20; Luke 8:11-15

Last weeks lesson dealt with the initial reaction that takes place when one hears the gospel message for the first time. It illustrated what happens when Satan snatches away the seed before it can take root and grow. This comparison is made to the hard soil and the result that occurs when seed falls on that impervious surface.

However, a harsh reality is that even those of us who have been in the Kingdom for many years can develop a “hardness” that makes it difficult to be effective in the effort to sow seed.

Luke went on to provide additional information about the importance of realizing how precious the message is. It needs to stay alive in our hearts and resulting actions to demonstrate the beauty of the Kingdom. Luke 8: 16-18 shows us the importance of allowing the light to illuminate for all to see.

The Story:

Matthew 13: 4-8

⁴ and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them: ⁵ and others fell upon the rocky places, where they had not much earth: and straightway they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: ⁶ and when the sun was risen, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. ⁷ And others fell upon the thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked them: ⁸ and others fell upon the good ground, and yielded fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

An Explanation

Mark 4:15

¹⁵ And these are they by the way side, where the word is sown; and when they have heard, straightway cometh Satan, and taketh away the word which hath been sown in them.

An Explanation

Luke 8:12

¹² And those by the way side are they that have heard; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved.

The Conflict

As Mr. Dement explained in the film, it is natural to have seed fall on the roadways bordering fields. Such an overflow is a consequence of seeding by hand. In the first century, the land was divided up into arable portions with paths running between them for access or for travelers. It is a simple picture to imagine the seeds falling on the hard-packed ground, then being trampled by feet (as Luke tells us) and eventually eaten by birds. The first comparison is between the hard path and those who reject the word of God immediately. Jesus’ own ministry was filled with people who were hard paths. Just a few chapters before, Matthew recounts how Jesus proclaimed woes on a number of the cities who did not repent even though they had seen many of Jesus’ miracles. (Matt 11:20-24)

The second comparison is between the birds and Satan. Jesus tells us that as soon as some hear, Satan comes and takes away the word. Exactly how he does this is not said, but clearly he has spiritual influence over those who are his. This actually explains a lot about those people who reject Christianity out-of-hand, almost without thinking about it. Some of us today don’t like to consider the spiritual powers that surround us, and although they certainly can be taken out of context, in instances where people are blatantly rejecting the word, Jesus tells us that Satan has a direct hand in this rejection. As we learn from the Apostle John, Satan “leads the whole world astray.” (Rev 12:9)

This should remind us that there are two kingdoms at war in the world. The kingdom of Satan strives against the Kingdom of God, and there are gains and losses on both sides. We know from the Bible that Christ’s Kingdom is already victorious – but it does not mean that Satan and his minions have given up the fight. Satan wants as many hearts and minds as he can have before the end. Matthew gives us additional insight into what happens in the heart of this type of hearer: he does not understand the word of God. A spiritual comprehension of the things of God is necessary to accept them. Isaiah prophesied this lack of understanding in the passage Jesus quoted between His telling and explanation of the parable. The verb “to understand” can also be translated “to grasp” or “to comprehend” and refers to taking Jesus’ teaching to heart, to living it, as opposed to merely listening and not letting it go any deeper.

To stand against Satan we need to develop an approach that includes:

1. Planning for growth

2. Coming out of problems

3. Strong bible teaching

4. Totally committed Disciples

5. Happy moral lives

6. Close caring “family” love

7. Every member committed to growth

8. Great enthusiastic bible classes

9. Good calm steady leadership

The fastest growing religious groups only grow about 3% per year. 95% of our adult converts began their journey to a new life when they were impressed by the good life of a godly person they had observed. That is why it is so important we constantly keep the light shining brightly. Consider 1^st Pet. 2:11-12 & 3:16

We live in a world unparalleled in history with public access to actions and thoughts. Just look at the number of cameras watching our movements everywhere we go. Instantly our thoughts and actions are communicated to thousands through social media outlets. While those opportunities abound for good it can also be destructive if care is not given to the things do or the things we post.

Questions:

When one hears the gospel and becomes part of the Kingdom, why is it important to let the light of living in Christ shine?
When one enters into the Kingdom does Satan stop his efforts? List ways he tries to continue the fight to snatch away believers.
The Gospel message doesn’t change? However the world changes over time. Should the Church adjust its approach to reach out to the world? How can it do so and when does it go too far?
When a congregation loses its hunger for souls it quits working. What would you like to see happen in the next 5 years in our congregation?
Is there value in living happy moral lives? Why?
Can we have a positive impact through our communicating via social media? How?

THOUGHT QUESTION:

Change is sometimes difficult. We all respond differently to things we are not used to. How do you react when change takes place that you may not feel comfortable with. What course of action should you take if you have concerns?

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