Wednesday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 8:7, 14
7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants...14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
7 Other seed fell among thorns that grew up with it and choked out the tender plants...14 The seeds that fell among the thorns represent those who hear the message, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the cares and riches and pleasures of this life. And so they never grow into maturity.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
8:14 The third kind of soil, containing thorns, describes those who initially embrace the message (start on their way) but do not persevere to maturity and so fail to produce mature fruit because of the cares (cf. 12:22–34; 21:34), riches (6:24; 12:15; 16:1–13), and pleasures of life.
Study Questions:
- Next type of heart Jesus reveals to us through this parable is the DISTRACTED heart. This is the seed that falls among the thorns, and the Gospel message is eventually crowded and choked out. Whereas the shallow heart turns away because of shallow roots, the distracted heart turns away because of life's pleasures. Their hearts are divided. They love Jesus but they also love the stuff of the world. They attempt to have all the pleasures of life and then add a little Jesus to it. Can you truly say your life is built around Jesus and his word? Or is he just something else that's sprinkled in when you have time?
- God's word says that we cannot serve "both God and wealth." So all of our stuff and activities and busy schedules start to choke out the Gospel in our lives and we don't grow. This is the trap that so many of us fall into. Growth takes intentionality, it doesn't happen on its own or by accident. Doing these devos is a great start! Question: Do your work, sports, hobbies, kids' activities determine your spiritual life, or does your spiritual life determine the rest? Where do you struggle to keep God first? What are the idols in your life? What needs to change?
Pray:
- That your life would be built on God and his Word.
- That you would rid your life of any idols and put him first.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
2. Are there sources outside the Bible that confirm the Biblical account of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead? Many Roman and Jewish historians have confirmed that the apostles died as martyrs for preaching that they saw Jesus risen from the grave. No one dies for something they know to be a lie.
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
(Luke 1:1-4; Acts 26:26; 1 John 1:1-4, Josephus, Clement, Hegesippus, Tertullian, Origen, Polycarp)
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