1. We will continue with our study of the word "perseverance." Refer back to the Assignment for August 15th to get some scriptures to start with.
2. We looked at a "kernel of wheat" to help transition us from the Parable of the Sower to the study of perseverance. Once the seed of God's Word has been sown in us our ultimate call is to become a seed ourselves by dying to self. We are following Jesus' example when we do this.
John 12:23-26- Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.24 Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.25 Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.
There are 3 parts to a seed. After a seed is placed in the ground the germ begins to grow. It consumes the endosperm and eventually bursts through the outer bran shell.
We are like a seed in that we have 3 parts:
germ = spirit
endosperm = soul
bran = body
The process of Christian growth starts when we are born-again and God's Holy Spirit comes into our human spirit. As our spirit cooperates with God it begins to consume our soul (mind, will and emotions). Our thoughts change. Our feelings change. Our choices change. This is turn causes us to resist the temptations of the flesh so the life of God can burst forth from us.
3. Strong's Concordance can be used to look up the meanings of the original words in the Bible. An online Bible program that has Strong's Concordance is: https://biblehub.com/ You may need some help navigating the program but it is learn-able, more thorough and much quicker than using the book. Let me know if you need help.
4. A simple English dictionary is helpful to gain insight.
-perseverance: steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
The translators of the Bible had a reason for choosing the particular English words they did. So, even if we don't know anything about the original languages, we can glean much by looking up the word in an English dictionary to gain different shades of meaning.
5. A "Prescription for Joy" was shared with us.
Each day for 21 days write down 3 things:
1. Something you are thankful for
2. Something that makes you happy
3. Something you are looking forward to
Please note: You cannot repeat an item. Each one must be new.
Then pick someone to share your list with each day. They will be part of the prescription.
1. Reread the assignment for August 8th particularly focusing on the blue parts.
2. Look up in your Bible references with the word "persevering." Also check other forms of this word: persevere, persevered. Also check for words that would be similar: like endurance or steadfastness.
3. Here are some examples to get you started:
Romans 5:3-4, 2 Peter 1:6, Hebrews 12:1, James 1:3-4
1. Review the assignment from July 25 . Be sure to read the part in blue.
2. Go through the parable and write out the verses from each Gospel for both the story and the explanation of the "good soil."
3. Note the differences and similarities.
4. Do the amounts stated, 30, 60 & 100 fold, mean that only the "100 fold people" got it right?
Discoveries
The "Good Soil" part of the Parable:
1. Matthew and Mark were very similar in the telling of the parable. Only difference was the order of the numbers: 30, 60, 100.
2. Luke's account was very brief and only used the number 100.
The explanation:
1. Matthew states that the good soil represents a person who hears the Word, understands it and produces a crop.
2. Mark uses the words, hear, accept and produces.
3. Luke uses hear, retain, and by persevering produces a crop
He also describes the person as one with a "noble and good heart."
4. Some conclusions made by combining all three: There is a progression of growth as we move from hearing the Word. First there is understanding, then accepting and finally retaining.
"Noble" in the Greek literally means "beautiful." Also means good- valuable or virtuous for appearance or use.
"Good" in the Greek is a primary word meaning "good."
So, "noble" refers to the outer appearance and "good" to the heart.
As we discussed the germination of seeds and how they each reproduce after their own kind, God gave a us a gem:
The Word of God is the only seed that will produce many different kinds of fruit from the same seed. The same seed can bring salvation, healing, deliverance, meet financial needs, relational needs and much more. This can be illustrated during by what happens during a sermon. The exact same message is heard by all who listen, but each hearer is receiving what they need from God at that juncture in their lives.
We discussed what kind of a harvest or fruit are we supposed to bear. There are several kinds of fruit listed in the Bible.
1. The fruit of the Spirit- Galatians 5:22-23
2. Character development- John 15:1-11
3. Leading someone to Christ- Psalms 126:6
4. Moving in the gifts of the Spirit- John 14:12
