Abide - Part 7: Growing in the Holy Spirit

Like a farmer, the Holy Spirit wants to cultivate a relationship with us, but in order for things to grow, the conditions must be right. To be the good soil that He calls us to be, we must be willing to slow down, seek relationship, let go of control and desires, and earnestly strive for relationship with Him. Are you willing to listen to what He is saying to you and let go of the control that you hold onto so tightly? Review the three types of soil that the seeds are thrown on in the parable and what each means. The path (Mark 4:4,15): too busy, distracted, maybe a hardened heart. Warning: slow down and don’t miss what he is saying to you The rocky ground (Mark 4:5-6, 16-17): following emotions rather than cultivating relationship Warning: beware of emotional, quick responses to his word. Let your roots go deep. Seek relationship not results. The thorns (Mark 4:7, 18-19): stress, anxiety, or cares of this world, control; deceitfulness of riches, lust: the desires for other things. Warning: Don’t let the cares of your life, choke out the like of Jesus in you! The good soil (Mark 4:8, 20) hear His word, accept it into your life, and it will produce fruit. For the rest of your discussion this week: 1. Pray 2. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak 3. Read each parable 4. Listen to what the Lord is speaking to you and your group. You can use the provided discussion questions or just follow where the Lord is leading you and your conversation. Don’t feel like you have to use all the questions or in the order they are written, be open to where the Lord leads your discussion. Read: Mark 4:21-25 1. What is the Spirit speaking to you in this parable? 2. What does the lamp represent? 3. What do you think Jesus is saying in this parable? 4. How does this parable make you feel? Why? Read: Mark 4:26-29 1. What is the Spirit speaking to you in this parable? 2. What does the seed represent? Who is the man representing? What about the earth? 3. What do you think Jesus is saying in this parable? 4. How does this parable make you feel? Why? Read: Mark 4:30-34 1. What is the Spirit speaking to you in this parable? 2. What does the mustard seed represent? 3. What do you think Jesus is saying in this parable? 4. How does this parable make you feel? Why?