Some Things Never Change – Wk 1

Genesis 8:22 (NLT)

22 As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.”

Mark 4:1-13 (NLT)

1 Once again Jesus began teaching by the lakeshore. A very large crowd soon gathered around him, so he got into a boat. Then he sat in the boat while all the people remained on the shore. 2 He taught them by telling many stories in the form of parables, such as this one:

3 “Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. 4 As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate it. 5 Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. 6 But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots, it died. 7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. 8 Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they sprouted, grew, and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” 9 Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

10 Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.

11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secret of the Kingdom of God. But I use parables for everything I say to outsiders, 12 so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled:

13 Then Jesus said to them, “If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?

God’s word never changes. However, your willingness to listen and accept it is essential for it to change you.

Mark 4:14-20 (NLT)

14 The farmer plants seed by taking God’s word to others. 15 The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. 16 The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. 17 But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. 18 The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, 19 but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced. 20 And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

FOUR CONDITIONS OF THE HEART IN RESPONDING TO GOD’S WORD:

1. Indifferent.

2. Shallow.

3. Distracted.

4. Listen and accept.

COMMUNITY GROUP MEETING OUTLINE

Where your faith intersects with real life!

Reconnect:

Each person shares a recent high and low from their life.

Explore:

Review the message notes.

Big Idea: God’s word never changes but your willingness to listen and accept is essential for it to change you.

Consider:

Choose one or two questions for your Group to discuss as time allows.

▶ Read Genesis 8:22. What is a seed you planted last year that you are reaping a harvest from this year?

▶ Read Mark 4:1-13. Watch for the response of explorers, doubters, disciples, and cynics. Which do we see most of in our society today? Do you think those who reject God’s word do it intentionally or unintentionally?

Activate:

Spend a moment in silence to consider your response, then share your decision with the Group.

Read Mark 4:14-20. What would it take for you to take the challenge and…

1. Read one chapter per day?

2. Write for ten minutes? Listen. Keep your heart humble. Keep it from getting hardened.

3. Apply to your life? Discuss what personal obstacles you may have and brainstorm ways to get past them with your group.

Prayer:

Thank God  for the highs and lift up the lows.

Pray for our church and our world, that we would be intentional to root ourselves more solidly into God’s word.

Want to go deeper?:

More thoughts from Pastor Matt can be found at mattmylin.com! Scroll down to view “How To Build A Bible Reading Habit” PDF.