Day 7: Kingdom Parables (4:1-20)
Discussion Questions
(1) What are some examples of being good soil? Would they be similar or the same to having the fruit of the Spirit?
(2) What are some examples of ways we are to be doers of the Word and not just hearers? How do you put the Word into practice in your daily life?
(3) What kind of soil are you?
I think about this passage often because it was one of the first parables I learned as a new believer. I heard the word. Accepted it and my life , by Gods grace has produced fruit. I long for that for everyone who hears, however, I can only be faithful to share the word–trusting God for the results. We can all water gospel seeds planted along the way, yet God gives the growth.
It’s now thing to read the Word, but its another to meditate on the Word. I feel like meditating on what you are reading instead of just gliding your eyes over words on a page is a sure fire way of helping the Word seep deep into your mind as you chew on God’s Word. That being said, when the going get’s rough, and tests are thrown at you left and right the moment you step outside your door to go to, let’s say, work, that is when the real opportunity begins to be a doer of the Word.
I don’t know if I have ever thought about the relationship between the Fruit of the Spirit and kinds of soil found in this parable. I see the soil as the condition of my heart and my willingness to bend to God’s will but I see the Fruit of the Spirit as what God has done in me despite my sinful nature. The relationship to me is like what is written in Mark 4:26-27: “He also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.'” I do not know how I grow, but I do know whom it is that causes me to grow, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Exactly! Well said, Beckham. We’re depepent upon the Lord and called to participate in our sanctification with him.
*dependent
Question 3: I know in my heart, I’m saved so I must be good soil ultimately. However, I’m struck by how often I live and act like one of the other soils in my behavior. I may have the fruit of the Spirit but there are days when it really doesn’t show. Thank God for His mercies that are new every morning!
Amen! Thankful that he who began a good work in me will complete it!