Mark 4:4-15 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.… He hinders men in sundry ways from profiting by the Word. 1. By keeping them from hearing it; stirring up occasions of worldly business or some other impediments on the Lord's day to keep them away from church. 2. By keeping them from attending to it when they do hear it. 3. By blinding their minds that they may not understand it. 4. By labouring to hold them in infidelity that they may not believe and apply the Word to themselves. 5. By using means to thrust the Word heard out of their minds that they may not remember it. 6. By keeping them from yielding obedience to the Word. See from this what need we have to be watchful over ourselves and against Satan and his practices when we are to hear the Word. How needful to watch before we hear, that he may not lay blocks in our way to hinder us from hearing. How needful in time of hearing to watch against Satan, that he hinder not our attention by suggesting to us roving thoughts. How needful to pray to God not to suffer him to blind our minds or harden our hearts in unbelief, that we may not understand or believe the Word. How needful also to watch against Satan after we have heard, that he do not quickly thrust the Word out of our minds and memories. Look to these things therefore everyone that would profit by hearing. The more malicious and politic Satan is to hinder us from profiting, the more wise must we be and careful to disappoint him of his purpose. (G. Petter.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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.WEB: and it happened, as he sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it. |
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