title page. lesson six mark 4:3-6 3 hearken; behold, there went out a sower to sow: 4 and it came to...

Title Page

Lesson Six

Mark 4:3-6

Mark 4:3-63 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow:4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up.5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth:6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

Mark 4:7-8

Mark 4:7-87 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred.

Mark 16:15-16

Mark 16:15-1615 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Focus Verse

Matthew 10:7And as ye go, preach, saying,

The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Focus Thought

If the gospel is to be preached to all creatures, even the nonproductive soil

cannot be avoided. The seed is sown and the results are in God’s hands.

IntroductionIntroductionGod spoke the first powerful words in the universe: “Let there be light: and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). The power of spoken words comes from the very heart of God. The psalmist declared, “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (Psalm 107:2).

IntroductionThe miracle of speech, which carries with it the ability to bring about change, is one thing that separates humans from the animal world. God created us with the power to speak words, and He will use our words to accomplish His will. Jesus prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word” (John 17:20).

IntroductionWe find the word preach in the Old Testament only three times, but the meaning comes through in other usages many times throughout the Bible. Solomon was called “the Preacher” (Ecclesiastes 1:2), and Noah was called “a preacher of righteousness” (II Peter 2:5). God’s plan has always been that His prophets would use persuasive speech to turn people toward Him.

IntroductionPaul clearly wrote to the Corinthian church: “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (I Corinthians 1:21). To the carnal world, preaching is indeed “foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God” (I Corinthians 1:18).

IntroductionNot only is preaching God’s method of spreading the gospel, but it also empowers the saved. Many people have come to a church service depressed but left rejoicing after the preacher’s anointed message lifted them to glorious heights of victory. However, the person through whom God speaks should always realize that his message is not his own but God’s.

IntroductionA preacher once felt lifted up because after his sermon there was such a move of God. He even felt the anointing and interpreted a message in tongues. An elder minister spoke to the young preacher, “Son, don’t get to feeling too lifted up that God spoke through you. He spoke through a donkey once.”

I. The Work of the Sower (A)The Work of the SowerA. To Prepare the Soil

Preaching should grab the attention of the person in the audience and help condition his heart to receive the seed of God’s Word. Hosea described the preparation of the heart: “Break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you” (Hosea 10:12). Fallow ground speaks of soil that has not been cultivated and prepared for seeding. Preaching enables the seed to penetrate the heart of a person, sinking deeply into his innermost being.

I. The Work of the Sower (A)Perhaps we could compare preaching to a point of sale, where the preacher challenges a person to act on his words. Many people realize that they should turn to the Lord, but they are unwilling to do so now. However, preaching persuades people to make it a priority and causes them to make a decision. No wonder the Scripture declared, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2).

I. The Work of the Sower (A)The preached Word of God breaks up the fallow ground of a person’s mind and spirit. At times, preaching causes people to be angry, which usually results in their mocking and rejecting the gospel. The skeptics responded in such a way when they observed people speaking with other tongues in the upper room on the Day of Pentecost.

I. The Work of the Sower (A)They were saying to one another that the people were drunk. In that culture, no one got drunk until the evening time, which is why the apostle pointed out that it was only between 8:00 and 9:00 am, the “third hour of the day” (Acts 2:15). Peter was breaking up the fallow ground of their minds with practical reality, and God was working on them as well.

I. The Work of the Sower (A)In our postmodern culture, we hear more about repressed thoughts and psychological and emotional problems than ever before. The preached Word has a way of separating reality from fantasy and helping people to deal with hurts and wounds that they have suppressed.

Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any

twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,

and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents

of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

I. The Work of the Sower (A)The preaching of God’s Word also brings conviction and a reckoning of eternity. It will do the work that God intended if both the speaker and the hearer apply its principles. (See I Timothy 4:16.) It is important that people be able to hear the words of a sermon clearly, for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Quality sound equipment in a church helps to clarify the words of the preacher.

I. The Work of the Sower (A)Moreover, we should eliminate any unnecessary distractions to a person’s coming to the Lord. Some churches even provide a staffed nursery and discourage bringing children less than two years of age into the sanctuary during preaching due to possible distraction.

I. The Work of the Sower (A)That is not to say that children should not be in the service and learn how to be quiet, but at that age little can be done to help the child in a church service, and the child is capable of greatly hindering what is happening during the preaching. We should remember that life’s greatest decisions come during the time of preaching.

I. The Work of the Sower (B)B. To Sow the Seed

A sower knows the quality of the seed before he takes time to plant it. The preacher should adhere to the Word so that the seed will grow with biblical results. Any attempt to change the seed of God’s Word will not bring spiritual results. God gave instructions for planting: “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns” (Jeremiah 4:3).

I. The Work of the Sower (B)This does not mean that we should never plant among the thorns, but it means to break up the ground first and give the seed a chance ahead of the thorns. Thorns may come back after the plowing, but the seed’s positive growth caused by fertile, cultivated soil will have a better chance of outgrowing and surviving the thorns.

I. The Work of the Sower (B)The wise man Solomon described it this way: “A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). The time to sow, or plant, is a season, and the time to “pluck up,” or harvest, is a season. However, God’s Word finds the condition of individuals’ hearts different. To some, we sow now; to others, we wait until it is the right time.

I. The Work of the Sower (B)Solomon also wrote: “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30). Perhaps, then, the understanding of preaching “in season and out of season” has to do with the variety of souls to whom a minister is preaching. To some in the audience, it will be “in season”; but to others, it will be “out of season.” To further demonstrate this principle, Jude penned the following words of advice:

Jude 22-23

“And of some have compassion, making a difference: and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire;

hating even the garment spotted by the flesh” (Jude 22-23).

I. The Work of the Sower (B)To be a wise sower, one must study the characteristics of the seed and know what it takes to get it to grow. Many modern planters purchase computerized seeding processors that measure the amount of acidity in the soil, apply the correct fertilizer, measure just the right depth for planting the seed to gain the quickest growth, and measure the moisture content of the soil. This process provides the modern farmer the information regarding how much and when to water to maximize his crop.

I. The Work of the Sower (B)How much more should a sower of the Word of God—whether minister, teacher, or believer giving his testimony—prepare himself to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15).

I. The Work of the Sower (C)C. To Reap the Harvest

The laborer in the field sows the seed, but God brings the harvest. The amazing principle of sowing is that one seed produces multiple seeds beyond our expectation. We discover Paul’s summation of this process in his letter to the Corinthians: “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

I. The Work of the Sower (C)So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (I Corinthians 3:6-9, New International Version).

I. The Work of the Sower (C)Some people think—especially the sower—that the sower always will reap the harvest. However, that is sometimes not the case. Often, ministers have worked in a particular area of the country but seemingly nothing transpired. However, some years later, a harvest came and a church was built. As sowers, we should remember that we are working on God’s timetable.

I. The Work of the Sower (C)We should simply do our part and be thankful for the opportunity that we have to sow. Then we can rejoice when the harvest comes, or we may have to wait until eternity to see what good we did. The same is true for a child of God who witnesses. He may not see results immediately, but he can rest assured that the harvest will come in due season.

II. The Message of the Sower (A-B)

The Message of the Sower

Paul’s instruction to the young minister Timothy was a solemn charge: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (II Timothy 4:2).


Timothy’s primary job was to “preach the word.” Peter illustrated this concept well when he wrote, “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (II Peter 1:20-21). This does not mean that the preacher or teacher should only preach with fervency and refrain from expounding on the Word of God.

II. The Message of the Sower (A-B)The teaching ministry is vital to the health of the

body of Christ. Moreover, in Nehemiah’s time, the Bible described this principle: “So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading” (Nehemiah 8:8).

II. The Message of the Sower (A-B)However, while exposition on the Word is

necessary, we should be careful never to explain Scripture in a way that changes its integrity. The Scripture solemnly warns against a person taking such liberty with God’s Word. (See Revelation 22:18-19.)

II. The Message of the Sower (A-B)Paul’s instruction to Timothy to reprove means “to

convince another of truth” while the infinitive phrase to rebuke means “to take authority over another.” Not only should a preacher know the reasons why one should obey the truth, but he also should be bold enough to express the consequences of not doing so.

II. The Message of the Sower (A-B)Both of these require study and sincere work on his

part. If we are intent on convincing another of truth, we must sincerely and consistently work at it. The words to exhort mean “to call to or preach to.” We should note that the sower is to do all of this with longsuffering, which means that we are not to become frustrated because we do not see immediate results.


A. Jesus

The Lord sent His Word unto Israel and called this preaching of Jesus Christ the gospel of peace. Ironically, we read the response of Israel as one of extreme hatred, even to the point of causing Jesus’ death.


However, in the scope of time we see that God really was bringing peace between Himself and the human race through the people of Israel. This is the purpose of preaching Jesus Christ to the world—bringing peace between God and mankind.


The preaching of Jesus Christ should be the central theme of the successful sower. After the healing of the lame man, Peter told those who were amazed at the working of this miracle that they should repent and be converted. (See Acts 3:11, 19.) The miracle of healing was a result of faith in the name of Jesus Christ. Philip went to Samaria, and his message was to preach Jesus Christ (Acts 8:5).


Immediately after the Damascus Road experience, Paul began to “preach Christ” (Acts 9:20). From this beginning to his time in prison, he mentioned many times that he “preached” about Jesus.


Of interest is his observation in his letter to the Philippians stating that most of the ministers were encouraged to preach more fearlessly since he was imprisoned. (See Philippians 1:14-18.) However, he knew that some preached out of envy and rivalry but others, out of sincere love. Even though the preaching of some was out of selfish ambition, he still rejoiced because “whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached” (Philippians 1:18, NIV).


Jesus gave similar guidance in answer to John when He stated, “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us” (Luke 9:49-50).


Devils could be cast out only by using the name of Jesus, but the greater issue involved sowing the seed of faith in the name of Jesus. We should rejoice when God uses a person who preaches truth, whether or not he belongs to a particular organization.


B. The Kingdom of GodThe Bible speaks of the importance of preaching “the kingdom of God.” One man Jesus called to follow Him asked to be excused because of the need to bury his father. Some believe this meant that the disciple’s father was in bad health or near death, and it would be a while before he could do the task to which Jesus had called him. Jesus replied, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60).


Barnes’ Notes offers the following observation of this idea from the companion passage of Luke 9, Matthew 8:21: “[Suffer me first to go and bury my father] This seemed to be a reasonable request, as respect for parents, living or dead, is one of the first duties of religion.


But the Saviour saw that in his circumstances there might be danger, if he was thus permitted to go, that he would not return to him: and he commanded him, therefore, to perform the more important duty—the duty of attending to the salvation of his soul even at the risk of the apparent neglect of another duty. The first duty of man is religion, and everything else should be made subordinate to that.”

II. The Message of the Sower (A-B)Jesus promised a reward to those who would give

up anything in order to go preach the gospel.

Mark 10:29-30“And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that

hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or

children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an

hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and

mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to

come eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30).

II. The Message of the Sower (A-B)This does not mean that one should turn his back

on his natural family, for this would make him worse than an infidel. (See I Timothy 5:8.) Paul also admonished those who were not married that they could be of more benefit to the kingdom of God if they did not have the care of a family (I Corinthians 7:8). Although preaching the kingdom of God may require sacrifices on our part, we do know that God is just in rewarding us bountifully.

II. The Message of the Sower (C)

C. The Gospel

Jesus was the first to preach the gospel in Galilee (Matthew 4:23). We find the word gospel 101 times in the New Testament. The English word comes from the Anglo-Saxon word godspel, which means “a good story.”

II. The Message of the Sower (C)In the early Greek form, it means “a sacrifice

offered in thanksgiving for such good tidings having come.” Later, it came to mean just “good tidings” or “good news.” In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul equated the gospel to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 15:1-4).

Matthew 24:14

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then

shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14).

II. The Message of the Sower (C)Paul, a devout Jew, was “not ashamed of the

gospel of Christ” (Roman 1:16). Although the Jews could not see that the plan of God included the Gentiles, Paul was thankful that God had given him a “dispensation of the grace of God” for the Gentiles. (See Ephesians 3:2.)

II. The Message of the Sower (C)This lesson cannot adequately describe the many

usages of the word gospel that the New Testament writings so beautifully illustrate. However, the believers at Rome received great instruction from the apostle Paul:

Romans 16:25-27“Now to him that is of power to stablish

you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to

the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but

now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to

the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: to God only wise, be

glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen” (Romans 16:25-27).

III. The Spirit of the Sower (A-B)

The Spirit of the Sower

A. Passion

The sower should be sure of his purpose in sowing the most precious seed on earth. Sowing the seed of God’s Word should be an ever-consuming passion from which we never retreat.


The word passion is used only once in the Scriptures, referring to the suffering of Christ on the cross for the salvation of mankind (Acts 1:3). Webster’s Dictionary describes passion as “intense or violent emotion.” If a child of God does not experience intense emotion regarding lost souls, he never will suffer to see people born into the kingdom of God.


Vesta Mangun admonished a group of young people at a Louisiana camp meeting: “If you do not witness, pray, and fast for souls, somebody will, and they will receive the reward.” She questioned many individuals’ passion in doing the will of God. She stated, “If you do not want to knock doors in Alexandria, Sister Claire and I will—even if it takes us years.” They knocked every door in that city.


Having new people come into the church deeply moves those who are actively involved in winning souls. They make sure that the visitor receives a warm welcome, and they may even ask the visitor to sit with them during the service. After the service, they may invite him or her out to eat, which may be inconvenient or even costly. However, true passion involves suffering. If a person really sacrifices, it may hurt; however, sacrificing for souls brings eternal rewards.


B. CompassionOften the Scriptures record instances when the Lord was “moved with compassion.” One such time occurred when He responded with compassion as He observed the crowds who stood lost in their sins. (See Matthew 9:36-38.) The meaning of the word compassion is “pity aroused by the distress of others, coupled with a strong desire to help them.” Certainly, our churches should feel compassion for those who are lost.


Bus ministry workers see the distress of children in numerous undesirable settings, many of which are quite abusive. A loving church worker, a caring Sunday school teacher, and an understanding pastor—all should show compassion for these children and their families. The apostle John even equated compassion for the lost to God’s love dwelling within us. (See I John 3:17.) Indeed, the love of God causes believers to act with compassion.


C. Commitment

Commitment is a continuing obligation. Although the King James translators never used the word commitment, many Bible authors used its meaning numerous times.

III. The Spirit of the Sower (A-B)Paul used the phrase “instant in season, out of

season” (II Timothy 4:2), which means to be constant and committed to the preaching of the gospel. It carries with it the meaning of a continuing obligation. If the sower is intent on sowing because of a love for his Savior, he will plant the seed at any time, anywhere, and in any place.

III. The Spirit of the Sower (A-B)One should seize every opportunity to share the

good news of Jesus Christ. Paul knew this firsthand. According to history, he often converted the soldiers posted to guard him while he was in prison. The Romans had to change the guards more frequently to try to avoid the conversion of the soldiers.

ReflectionsThe Lord commanded us to go with the gospel. We are to preach Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God everywhere we can. That means that we are to speak words concerning these issues that will bring about changes in the lives of people, which is what the Lord desires. It may seem foolish to some, but it is God’s method of converting souls to His kingdom.

ReflectionsA sower should sow whenever and wherever he can. This may involve personal suffering, but a passion for the Word of God drives him to scatter the seeds of the gospel. Breaking up the fallow ground of people’s minds involves studying and knowing the Scriptures so that we have the power to convince others.

ReflectionsThe sower also should attend to his personal spiritual walk before effectively bringing about spiritual change in others. Clearly, if the sower sows the seed as God commanded, God will work the miracle of harvest.

title page. lesson six mark 4:3-6 3 hearken; behold, there went out a sower to sow: 4 and it came to...

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