Inattention

Worries of the world

Deceitfulness of riches

Desires for other things

"And others are the ones on whom seed was sown among the thorns; these are the ones who have heard the word, and the worries of the world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. (Mark 4:18-19).

The third major problem that makes us irresponsibly deal with our anxieties is inattention.

Inattention means that we are too preoccupied with other matters to rightly face our worries. We are blinded by busyness with other affairs. We must make room for God's Word in our hearts or there will not be any ability to accept it.

Jesus says there are three things that can and will choke out the effectiveness of the Word of God: worries of the world, deceitfulness of riches and desires for other things.

One of these things is worries. Actually, all three are entangled together rather closely.

Riches promise a worry–free world. Jesus says that riches actually bring more worry!

What about the desire for other things?
How many times have your worried over something you did not have because it promised to make your life more happy, stress free, etc. When I was in university, it was a simple calculator that promised better grades and brought the competitive edge. You could take a slide rule or calculator to the exam. Only a few could afford the most basic calculators back then. Or how many have thought, if you were more attractive, you would get a husband? If you had a nicer car, you would find some good friends. The desire for things sets us up for worry. (1)

Some might suggest that God's Word is not that powerful because it cannot penetrate our difficulties. No. Not at all.

Right now God's Word is breaking down these walls. Remember that we need to make room for God's peace. Repentance makes this needed room. This brings us to the pointed question, "Do we really want God's peace or are we looking for a fix?"

We gain God's peace when we gain God. God's Word enters our soul, and we are changed by His presence. We will in another session see the way this is done.

But for now, we need to see that God is laying out the requirements for His peace. The problem goes back to the kind of people we are. We were designed not to worry. Adam had everything well cared for because of his trust in God to take care of anything that might trouble him including finding a wife (which was much more difficult for him since there were no such creations back then!).

We noticed three things that keep God's Word ineffective: worries of the world, deceitfulness of riches and desires for other things. I believe He wants us to give Him full rule in these three areas right now. The Lord promises the Word of God will powerfully touch our lives with amazing results if we just make room for it to grow some 30, 50, 100 times!

What worries of the world trouble your heart? War? Economy problems? Do you believe that if you had more money your life would be less stressful and happier? Do you think that having certain things would make life better?

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Biblical Foundations for Freedom