Mark 4:21-25

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

Spiritual Truths Shared

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. The truth will come to light.

  2. The possession of spiritual truth follows the law of supply and demand.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. If you're willing to draw water, your well will never run dry.

  2. Use it or lose it.

QUESTIONS

  1. Describe each of the following in terms of the First Century: A. lamp or candle B. bowl, basket or bushel C. bed D. lampstand

  2. Re-read Mark 4:21-22. What do these items represent in a Christian's life?

  3. What are the two popular interpretations of Mark 4:22?

  4. What happens when you take heed to what you hear? What happens when you turn a deaf ear to God's word?

  5. What does it mean to "keep drawing water?"

  6. What happens when you do not apply what you know from God's word?

ANSWERS

  1. a) the lamp was a small ceramic container of olive oil with a floating wick, carried by hand, b) a bowl was used as a measure of dried grain, which could be put over the lamp to extinguish it, c) a soft mattress or pad that could be rolled up during the day, and d) the support walls or pillars had niches in them that could be used as shelves to hold the lamps.

  2. a) the lamp represents God's truth, revealed to believers, b) the bowl speaks to believers that they are not to dim the lamp by placing a bowl over the light, c) nor are believers to be lazy, as represented by the bed, and d) Christians are to place the light so all can benefit from it.

  3. a) we are to take the truth and explain it, bringing it to light for all who are seeking, which means digging out the truth and studying it in order to explain it, and b) there is nothing hidden that will not someday be revealed. There is a coming day of review and reward for servants. See also Luke 12:2-3.

  4. In the measure that you obey after hearing God's word, you receive blessing in like measure. See Mark 4:23-25.

  5. In reference to God's truth, the more you dig in, study and become involved in the work of the Lord, the more you will know God's truth.

  6. Mark 4:25 refers to spiritual truths. When you fail to apply what you've learned, and if you are not using what you know or have, you will lose it. Even as the body, so the soul can atrophy when unused.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Review what happens when you take heed of what you hear. Review what happens when you turn a deaf ear to God's word. Give specific life examples.

  2. If you are not already in a group Bible study, explore that possibility, either as a participant or as a leader.

CHALLENGE

  1. Keep drawing water.

KEY VERSES

  • "Jesus said, 'Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." (Mark 4:24-25).



Mark, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsMark 4:21-25