Conceiving the Truth Vol. 2 Part 4
The Stony Heart Hearer
Sunday, December 3, 2023
I.Conceiving the Truth
A. Parable of the Sower
1. Jesus explained that the keys to understanding the kingdom of God are hidden for believers in the parables. He further taught the master key to all the parables is the parable of the Sower. (Matt. 13, Mark 4, Luke 8)
2. (Mark 4:3-20) Parable of the sower.
3. Key to the parable of the sower:
a.We are the sowers.
b.God’s Word is the incorruptible, infallible seed.
c. The four types of ground (wayside, stony, among thorns, and good ground) are four conditions of the heart that affect the seeds growth.
d. Only the good ground was able to produce and sustain a harvest (but at varying levels).
e. Common denominator – all heard the word.
~Wayside hearer didn’t understand the word therefore Satan immediately came and stole the word from them.
B. The Stony Heart Hearer
1. (Mark 4:5-6, 16-17 AMP)
a. “receive and accept and welcome it with joy”
~This person gets an understanding of the word and is excited yet has not taken the time to meditate the word to cause it to take root in the heart.
~(Jos. 1:8; Ps. 1:1-3) meditate, imagine, conceive, study, ponder, speak, mutter.
~meditate – to think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with muttering.
b. “they have no real root in themselves, and so they endure for a little while”
~This person lives off of someone else’s revelation of the word and not their own.
~Junior High science class terrarium illustration.
~Chinese Bamboo Tree – is the fastest growing plant on Earth; it has been measured surging skyward as fast as 48 inches in a 24hour period, and can reach maximal growth rate exceeding 39 in. per hour for short periods of time. Many prehistoric bamboos exceeded heights of 250ft. Unlike other trees, all bamboo has the potential to grow to full height and girth in a single growing season of 3-4 months. Trees can grow as much 90 ft. in one year. How can this be?
c. “WHEN trouble or persecution arises on account of the Word”
~Satan doesn’t care about you. He’s coming for the word that’s in you.
d. “they immediately are offended (become displeased, indignant, resentful)”
~(Prov. 18:19)
[Pastor Lee Stokes]