Three Insights About Spiritual Maturity (Jn. 14:9)

1. Longevity ≠ intimacy.
2. Proximity ≠ revelation.
3. Access ≠ understanding.

Enemies of The Seed (Mk. 4:13-20) (Part 4)

THE SEED ON THE ROCKS (4:16-17)

• The enemy here is certainly not depression or discouragement.
• These people hear the Word with ______ (joy).
• The enemy here is not tribulation or persecution.
• Don’t get me wrong.
•  Jesus said you would have tribulation (Jn 16:33).
•  Jesus said you would experience persecution (Mt 5:10-12).
• If the enemy is not depression, and it’s not discouragement, and it’s not trouble, and it’s not persecution, then what is it?
• What do these hearers lack?
• They lack ______ (root).
•  In context, “root” means maturity or depth.
• You can endure for a time just on the emotion of joy, but it will eventually wear out.
•  Joy is much more than a feeling.
•  Joy is the belief that God is in control of all things at all times; therefore, I have nothing to worry about so long as I’m living obediently.
• If you are to properly hear, understand, and respond to God’s Word, the second enemy you must conquer is immaturity.
• There must be a root.