When we don’t see or understand how God is working in the world, we might imagine He isn’t at work.

KEY VERSES

Mark 4:26 (NASB)

26 “And He was saying, “The kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil”

Mark 9:27-29 (NASB)

27 “and he goes to bed at night and gets up daily, and the seed sprouts and grows—how, he himself does not know.” 28 “The soil produces crops by itself; first the stalk, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. 29 Now when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

UNDERSTANDING

• What is one thing you do not fully understand and cannot fully explain, yet use on a daily basis? Is it necessary to fully understand how something works in order to use it?

• Do you feel as though you fully understand the way God works in the world? Should that prevent you from joining Him in His work?

• Be honest. Do you sometimes wonder whether God is still at work in the world? What makes you believe He is?

• What do you think the kingdom of God is?

• What do you notice about the farmer in verse 26? Is there anything we can learn about his ability as a farmer from this verse? Explain.

• Since this is a parable, who was the farmer intended to represent?

• Do you ever feel unfit to serve God? Despite any “inexperience” in ministry, how has God encouraged you to serve?

• In what sense did the farmer have to “trust the seed”?

• How do you know if you trust the seed of the gospel?

• What role does trust play in your willingness to be involved in kingdom work?

• Do you ever get discouraged when you see little or no evidence of God at work? What are some ways to be encouraged? What specific Scriptures encourage you? (e.g., John 5:17).

• What truth do you think Jesus intended to emphasize when He said the soil produced a crop “by itself” (v. 28)?

• What does it look like when God includes us in the harvest?

• How does knowing that God’s Word has the power to take root and grow without your help—or even in spite of you—make you feel?

• If God’s Word can be spread without our help, why do you think God asks us to join Him?

• As a believer, you participate in kingdom work, but are not responsible for making God’s kingdom grow. How does this truth encourage you?
  

APPLICATION

• Is there an area in your life where you struggle to believe God is really in charge? How does this parable encourage you?

• Dr. Hull explained, “We will never know in this life the result of most of the seeds we scattered. It’s secret.” How are you involved in scattering the seed? How are you demonstrating trust in God for the harvest?

• What step can you take to join God in His kingdom work this week?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

Everything that happens at LCC is because of your generous gifts. When you give to God through LCC, you're helping reach thousands with the Gospel each week and are making a difference for the Lowcountry and around the world.