I Was Watching Satan Fall From Heaven Like Lightning

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 30, 2009

As believers, you and I are in constant spiritual warfare.  Often, however, we fail to recognize our battles as such.  In addition, we are often ignorant of Satan’s mode of operation.  And finally, we regularly fail to fight from a position of victory.  Although this is a lengthy study, I would like to simply note several verses and then conclude by noting how we live from victory and not for victory.

First, let us begin by noting how the devil’s defeat is already secured.

“But no one can enter the strong man’s house and plunder his property unless he first binds the strong man, and then he will plunder his house” (Mark 3:27).

This parable tells us that Jesus has bound the devil and has placed him in a position of subjection.  Jesus is the strong king who has conquered His enemies.

“Now judgment is upon this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out”  (John 12:31).

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Why Are You Afraid? How Is It That You Have No Faith?

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 26, 2009

Mark 4:35-41 has a distinct place in Mark’s narrative.  It is intentionally placed just after an extended discourse that explained kingdom ideas.  Jesus has clearly shown from the parables the distinction between children of light and those who continue to abide in darkness.  He has equally shown how the rule or control of God continues to steadily unfold and moves toward ultimate fulfillment with certainty and confidence.

The story before us reinforces these truths.  He is God and has absolute authority and control over all things created.  I believe the storm was a test to see if they learned what He had just taught.  Some tests are “passed” and others are “failed” but all are intentional and purpose filled.

Here is my premise: All of life’s storms are an intentional part of God’s redemptive purpose for us.  Romans 8:28 says that everything works together for good.  The “good” concerns our justification, our sanctification, and our glorification.  The “everything” includes all of life in all of its joys and sorrows.

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He Was Speaking the Word to Them, So Far As They Were Able to Hear It

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 22, 2009

With many such parables He was speaking the word to them, so far as they were able to hear it; and He did not speak to them without a parable; but He was explaining everything privately to His own disciples.

Read Mark 4:33, 34

Verses 33 and 34 are Mark’s editorial on the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ.  They form a fitting conclusion to the parables found in verses one and following.  There are two questions confronting us in these two verses.  Was what Jesus taught understandable by His immediate audience?  And secondly, why did Jesus not explain everything to everyone rather than only to His disciples?

First, it must be understood how He taught with plainness and simplicity (v. 33).  He did not preach what he could not illustrate; and when he was finished, the people who heard him understood what he had said.  “Our Lord spoke in parables, adjusting His discourse to their capacity to understand.  The implication is clear that parables were employed to make truth plain.”[1] They understood what He said in a context.  The circumstances of the moment lent itself to interpreting the story.  What might appear confusing to us was possibly apparent to His immediate audience.  The larger idea presented by our Lord was clear.  What He wanted them to understand could be understood.

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The Seed Sprouts and Grows

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 18, 2009

Read Mark 4:26-29

. . . ²⁷ and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows-

how, he himself does not know.  ²⁸ “The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade,

then the head, then the mature grain in the head^.

²⁹ “But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

As is true of all parables there is a large, singular idea that needs to caught by the listener.  The intent of the parables as found in Mark 4 is to encourage His disciples as to the certainty of the work in which they are engaged and to instruct them as to the character of this kingdom.  There are three aspects to this kingdom as it is described in the parable.  First, the growth of the Kingdom is always constant.  Second, the growth of the Kingdom is unavoidable.  And finally, the growth of the Kingdom is complete.

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Nothing is Hidden, Except to Be Revealed

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 14, 2009

Read Mark 4:21-25

“The opening for of verse 22 indicates a close connection with what precedes.  What had just been said in figurative language is now elucidated in literal terms.  The double statement stresses the idea of purpose.  The underlying law is that when things are hidden, the intention is that in due time they will be revealed.”  (D. Edmond Hiebert, Mark: A Portrait of the Servant, 107).

In our context, what was unknown about the kingdom is now being made known.  Jesus is unfolding and revealing those things that were previously unknown and concealed.  His disciples are to be assured of the kingdom’s victory.  The truth of God will triumph.  Those who are opposed to Him are equally assured of their demise.  No matter what man might do, God will win.

The Pharisees and Herodians sought to destroy Him (3:6) and the scribes accused Him of being demonic (3:20-30).  This parable speaks directly to their actions.  Instead of celebrating and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, they sought to place it under a peck-measure or a bed (4:21).  Jesus assures His disciples that what they seek to hide will be disclosed and what is secret will come to light.  Like the previous parable of the soils and the triumph of the good soil producing abundance, so also this parable assures His audience that victory is certain.  The program of God is unstoppable.

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They Yielded a Crop and Produced. . .

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 10, 2009

Read Mark 4:1-20

This parable of the soils is part of our Lord explaining the mystery of the kingdom of God.  There are aspects of the promised kingdom presently being manifested.

An aspect of the kingdom revealed is pictured in the wide broadcasting of seed.  The seed finds various receptions.  The truth of God’s kingdom will be openly resisted by some.  And because of misunderstanding of the true program of God, others will initially receive it with joy, but in time will abandon it because of failed expectations.  Only a remnant will receive it with joy and see enduring fruit.  This parable explains what is happening.  In Mark 1 the authority of the King is established.  In chapters two and three there is open resistance to the authority.  Now in chapter 4 the reason this is true is explained.   The primary idea in the parable of the soils is not to emphasize the ¾ who resist, but the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom in the world.

So far in the narrative, Mark has placed the person and work of Jesus in a context of strenuous opposition, whereby the religious establishment and political authorities are openly hostile to Him and are desirous of seeing Him destroyed.  In this context, anyone who would claim to be His disciple would be discouraged and depressed.  This parable seeks to show them the end of God’s program.  In so doing, His disciples are to be greatly encouraged.

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For Whoever Does the Will of God, He is My Brother and Sister and Mother.

Posted by Pastor Pat on May 6, 2009

Remember the previous paragraph.  Jesus notes how those who are for Him are a part of His kingdom.  Those who are against Him have committed an unpardonable sin.  The issue in our present paragraph is not whether you are in His immediate family by physical descent, but if you are born again and have pledged your allegiance to King Jesus.

What is interesting about this statement is what is not said.  First, our union with Christ is not based on one’s social standing.  Whether you are a Pharisee, tax-collector, scribe, or sinner, none of these things matter as it relates to one’s inclusion in God’s family.  Second, our union with Christ is not based on one’s financial wherewithal.  Whether one is rich or poor, financially strapped or independently wealthy, none of these things matter as it relates to one’s inclusion in God’s family.  Third, our union with Christ is not based on one’s genealogical alliances.  One’s pedigree has no bearing on whether or not one is included in God’s family.  Such preferences often related to heritage are of no consequence when it relates to one’s inclusion in god’s family.  Finally, our union with Christ is not based on gender.  Whether you are male or female, rich or poor, bond or free, all may be included and no one will be excluded if the right path is chosen.

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