How can I understand the Bible?

### I. The Parable of the Sower v.1-20

- insider vs. outsider

- disciples of Jesus are inside the house

- outsiders think Jesus is crazy!

- secret (singular) of the Kingdom

- understanding the parable of the sower helps us understand the other parables

KEY - The Word of God - message, scripture, gospel of the Kingdom

- our reception of God's Word - hear

- When we share God's Word ... should understand how it is received by others.

Satan can disrupt our sense of hearing God.

- trials/troubles

- worldly desires

#### II. Lamp parable v.21-25

- meaning of God's word is hidden in order to be revealed to the one who pays attention

- [ ] Pay Attention v.23-24

#### III. Parable of the Seed's Growth

- seed grows of itself - the Word has generative power.

- apart from man's work. God gives the growth.

- progressive development - final product - maturity - harvest time.

Christ calms a storm - who then is this?

Fear vs. Faith

### Truth

Christ gives understanding to the one who hears and pays attention to the Word of God.

The Word does the Work.

**illust**. Let the Hammer do the Work.

### App

- Do you accept the Word's of God?

- How close are you paying attention? - measure

Read from:

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®)

© 2001 by Crossway,

a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

All rights reserved.

Mark 4: Hear the Word