The Parable Of The Sower
Matthew 13:1-23
Pile Up The Rocks (vs. 6, 20-21)
Rocky terrain was the norm in Palestine, and seeds could not grow long and lasting roots on top of rocks. The farmer spent many long, hard hours removing rocks from the field and piling them along the edges. Rock removal wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for fertile soil. So too with us. We must make the effort to remove the things which keep God’s Word from making a difference in our lives. We must rid ourselves of the rocks.
Colossians 3:8, Ephesians 4:31, and 1 Peter 2:1 say we must get rid of what things?
How have these attitudes and actions created problems in your life?
Whom do you stay mad at the most and why?
Whom are you the most bitter at and why?
Whom do you envy the most and why?
Whom do you slander (talk badly about) the most and why?
By God’s grace and power, these actions and attitudes, which were a normal part of our lives before we became Christ-followers, can now be eliminated. And they should be. Three of the best “Rock Removal Tools” are found in Ephesians 4:32.
1.__________________________
How has someone’s kindness to you made a difference? How will you show kindness to the person you envy most?
2.__________________________
Think of the person you are mad at the most. What root causes could be the reasons for their wrong or offending actions toward you? Ask God to give you a heart of compassion, even as you deal with their choices.
3.__________________________
Bitterness might start out as a small stone, but it quickly grows into a big boulder which crowds out the good and much of God in our hearts. Forgiveness – letting go of my right to hurt you for hurting me – is the only way bitterness can be removed. Whom do you need to forgive? How will you begin to let go and let God handle the situation and heal your pain?
Keep piling up the rocks and cleaning out your heart!
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