Mark 4:26-34

Welcome

Sanctification

The process in which we become more like Jesus. This is both in part by the holy spirit and our efforts to accept Jesus.

this word isn’t found in the bible however is is expressed and shown through stories. Such as Peter, Doubting Thomas, Saul who became Paul.

Mark 4:26-34

English Standard Version Chapter 4

26 And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how. 28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29 But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

English Standard Version Chapter 4

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

I find my self nervous to teach out the bible often. I want the word to be accepted so badly by the people I’m talking to. So i think of ways to maybe doctor it up or maybe leave and “offensive part out” especially to new believers. But look back at vs. 26, 27, 28 with me.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. 27 He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

We dont need to come up with new doctorine we the bible got it right. we can share from it and share our the stories of our God unapologetically. Gods spirit is the the reference to the Earth.

Coming back to vs 28 its how the seed grows that is captivation. The idea of the blade cutting growing through the seed and sprouting is our first steps into christ. Often time a painful process.

Who hear has ever had growing pains?

when I was going into Middle school. I was growing so fast and i had troubles running. i probably went through 4 different pairs of shoes because i would get sharp pain through my feet into my knees.

Again the bible talks about this like a growing process. Spiritual maturity is described as Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindess, Goodness, faithfullness, and self-Controll. This is a process to grow into.

Jesus said it like this in Matthew ch16:24-26

English Standard Version Chapter 16

24 Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?

What are the things that keep you from blading out of the seed? That keep you from putting down roots?

Deny the flesh and temptation.

Deny yourself to lashing out in anger, to spending your money loosely, being to embrassed to help out the person sitting across from you because they arnt the “popular one”, deny yourself to pornography, deny yourself from drugs/alcohol. anything that would keep you from growing close with God.

James says anyone who knows what is right and does not do it for that person it is sin!

Pick up your suffering (the cross), do it because your life depends on it. Anyone who saves his life, Saves the flesh, will lose it. There is no profit for any of these things.

look at how he was tempted in the garden, Lord if there is any other way please take this cup from me.

Jesus didnt want to go to the cross to endour suffering. He prayed against it. To the point of shedding his own blood.

Hebrews 12:4 you have not resisted temptation to the point of shedding your own blood.

This is what spiritual growth looks like. This is what faith looks like.

I want to show you though how awesome our God is. Jesus is tempted in the wilderness. He is tempeted in the flesh, the spirit, and his soul. After withstanding Temptation god sends his Angels for Jesus. He will send his spirit for you.

I want to come back to vs 28

English Standard Version Chapter 4

28 The earth produces by itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

The earth is commanded by god and his spirit is what will grow you and build you up into the full ear. Convictions will come through the spirit correction will come through the spirit. Remember Sanctification is the process between God and Yourself. He is the pilot. I Know he wont leave you in your current position.

English Standard Version Chapter 4

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,...

I could probably leave the sermon here and let it hang. However..… then we would never know what the kingdom of heaven is like.

Lets continue on in vs. 30

English Standard Version Chapter 4

30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

The mustard seed being the smallest seed in the area but well known. It really is the place where faith starts.

Jesus can do a lot with a little faith.

English Standard Version Chapter 17

Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you

What are the mountains that are standing in your way. What seems to be to hard to conquer. Jesus says all you need to have is a little Faith and the mountains move. Its incredible isn’t it. That you can literally overcome anything with a little faith.

I want to say this again Jesus is for you and not against you.

and here is the thing is that once you step out in faith you give the opportunity for faith to grow. You can bloom into this beautiful tree.

A tree that can protect your loved with gentle shade. A tree that can provide fruit. Truth is Growing in the spirit and the process of sanctification will make us more like Jesus. Loving God and Loving others.

The last part of our passage today

English Standard Version Chapter 4

With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.

Jesus provides wisdom to all who ask. I know this sound cliche from a church leader however prayer has changed my life. God speaks to me and i know he will for you as well. All you need is a little faith.

what can we take home?

Growing pains Hurt, However God is faithful.

Little Faith Can Move mountains.

God is for you and wants to Grow you

God will grant you wisdom along the way. All you have to do is ask.