I typically do not post videos here, but this was shared with me earlier today and thought it would be worth your time. It is short, and challenging.
Question: Why do you think it is unusual to be a strong or maturing believer in today’s church?
via Mark Dever, Pastor at Capitol Baptist Church in Washington D.C.
On Friday I published an article that touched in the doctrine of predestination and the privilege we are given as the elect to preach the Gospel. This brought about a very good discussion on Twitter (you can follow me, @AikenWS) and I thought that providing a passage that would touch on the sovereignty of God in a lighter manner would be a beneficial endeavor.
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.
As with all of the passages we strive to commit to memory, do more than just memorize. Study it. Really think about the meaning (in light of the context) and how that meaning can then apply to us today (while also staying true to the original audience). I hope that you enjoy this passage!
Don’t forget to come back during the week with what you find in your studies or something of interest related to the passage that you would like to share with us. I look forward to reading your thoughts and meditating on this passage with you.
(Also, don’t forget to use the “sharing” buttons below to share this passage with friends and family. The more the merrier!)
Mark 4:24-25 (New King James Version)24 Then He said to them, “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. 25 For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
You will reap what you sow. That is what I see here. Ever wonder why God never seems to speak to you? Here’s your answer! Have you been speaking to Him, putting forth effort?
“With the same measure”, MacArthur notes, is speaking to the spiritual growth the disciples had noticed. This growth is a direct result of their efforts. “They would reap as they had sown.” The second part is even more encouraging, “Whoever has” taken spiritual truths and applied them to their life, “more will be given.” Take spiritual truths, apply them faithfully and more truths will be given to you…to apply faithfully!
This is the spiritual growth equation!
Effort+Faithful Application=Growth
This is exactly what I want.
Pray. Follow. Live. Lead.
Aaron Aiken 