Outline
INTRODUCTION:
The growth of a Christian is a strange thing indeed. It is interesting to note that there is no place in the Scriptures -- Old or New Testament -- where God gives a specific scale for spiritual growth. That we are to grow is the lesson throughout the Bible, but not a week-by-week or yearly schedule. In this lesson, we shall learn that the maturing of the seed is a gradual process, and that man is not the author of it. The Lord has everything under control, and if we will but allow Him to have His way, the results will be truly magnificent. Pray for great insight and wisdom as you teach this lesson.
Texts: MAR 4:26-29 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground; [27] And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. [28] For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. [29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
LESSON PLAN I. OBJECTIVES A. General 1. To explain God's plan of maturity and harvesting of the crop of souls He has planted. B. Specific 1. To show that the maturing process is God's responsibility, and is different for each one of us. 2. To teach that the maturing is gradual. 3. To teach that at the end of the maturing process is the harvest. II. Presentation A. Teacher's presentation 1. Scriptural Basis a. EXPOSITORYMAR 4:26-29 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
FIRST COMES THE SOWING. THE SEED INTO THE GROUND IS THE WINNING OF NEW SOULS FOR THE KINGDOM (IN THIS PARABLE)
[27] And should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how.
HERE IS A GREAT LESSON!!
"NIGHT AND DAY" = DEMONSTRATES THE PASSING OF TIME
THE SEED'S SPROUTING AND GROWING IS A MYSTERY TO THE MAN.
GOD KNOWS HOW TO GROW CHRISTIANS, BUT MEN ARE NOT PRIVILEGED TO KNOW THIS.
ILLUSTRATION:
When Dr. Moore was called to preach he was not even attending a local church. In his frustration of seeking one which honestly ministered to the everyday people of his area, he had simply stopped. Secondly he had no Bible College education when Dr. Curtis Hutson encouraged him in founding our church. Either of these would have caused most counselors to tell him NOT to begin a church. Yet this was God's path for him. It is a mystery to men, but not to God how Calvary Baptist Church could today be such a flourishing ministry, and how our preacher could now have received an earned Masters of Theology and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Pastoral Ministry.
God does the sprouting, the growing, and eventually the harvesting.
[28] For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.
PERHAPS THE LESSON HERE IS NOT TO BE CONSTANTLY EXAMINING THE SEED FOR GROWTH.
IF A FARMER WERE TO DIG UP A SEED EACH DAY OR TWO TO SEE IF IT IS GETTING READY TO SPROUT, OF COURSE IT WOULD PERISH!
TOO MANY OF US IN THE CHURCH ARE CONSTANTLY READY TO BE GROWTH INSPECTORS. TRUE, THE BIBLE DOES EXPLAIN TO US THAT THE WAY TO KNOW A GOOD TREE IS TO INSPECT ITS FRUIT, BUT THAT IS NOT THE SAME AS OUR SITUATION HERE.
AS LONG AS WE ARE WORKING ON OUR OWN SPIRITUAL GROWTH, THE TRUTH IS THAT WE WILL NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT TIME TO BE ALWAYS CHECKING ON THAT OF THOSE AROUND US ALSO.
WE OUGHT TO MIND OUR BUSINESS, AND LEAVE THE BUSINESS OF "GROWING OTHERS" TO GOD, WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY IT IS.
[29] But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come.
HERE IS A STRANGE VERSE INDEED.
ANY GARDENER OR FARMER RECOGNIZES THAT THERE IS A "PEAK HARVESTING TIME" AFTER WHICH A CROP BEGINS TO DETERIORATE OR SPOIL. NO DOUBT THIS WOULD BE TRUE OF BELIEVERS ALSO.
WE BELIEVE THAT ONE QUITE PROBABLE EXPLANATION FOR THIS STATEMENT IS THAT GOD WILL HARVEST THOSE SOULS WHO ARE THROUGH GROWING TO MATURITY. THAT WOULD FIT WITH THE "SIN UNTO DEATH" VERSE AS WELL. (1 JOHN 5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.) I.E., WHEN A PERSON HAS GONE SO DEEPLY INTO SIN THAT THERE IS NO RETURNING, THE GRACE OF GOD WILL DEMAND THEIR DEATH RATHER THAN SEE THEM CONTINUE HARMING THEIR OWN ETERNITY, AS WELL AS THEIR CHRISTIAN TESTIMONY. [[THIS IS FAR OFF THE LESSON, AND PRIMARILY FOR YOUR INFO.]]
AT ANY RATE, WHEN GOD HARVESTS, THAT MEANS THAT THE SOUL IS FINISHED WITH IT'S GROWING RESPONSIBILITIES.
2. Simple, Practical Basis a.There are a couple of lesson here, as we see above. The first is the very clear instruction that God is the One to whom we must answer for our spiritual growth, and not one another. THIS BRINGS UP ANOTHER SITUATION, HOWEVER. We are taught that membership in a local church, as well as membership in the fellowship of believers demands that we behave in a certain fashion. These demands include how we relate to God, to our fellow saints, and to the unsaved world in general. Does no one have any authority? THAT IS NOT THE LESSON HERE!.
Hebrews clearly instructs believers to be under the authority of their pastor as relates to the church. Jesus said to render to government a citizen's proper respect. Timothy's letters (from Paul) instruct us to pray for our national leaders. Servants are directed to be obedient to their masters (workers to their employers). IT IS JUST THAT NO ONE CAN "MAKE" SOMEONE ACTUALLY GROW IN SPIRITUAL MATURITY. SINCE NO ONE CAN MAKE SPIRITUAL GROWTH OCCUR, THEN NO ONE HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO THE LORD FOR ANOTHER'S GROWTH!
THAT SHOULD BE GOOD NEWS FOR EACH OF US!
b.THE NEXT LESSON IS THE LESSON OF TIME AND ENVIRONMENT!
Just as in the parable, seeds highlight the necessity of time and environment for proper maturity, so too do the souls of men need time to mature.
THINK ABOUT IT. HAVE YOU EVER HEARD SOMEONE SAY, "I AM EXACTLY THE SAME MAN I WAS TEN (OR 20 OR 30) YEARS AGO!" That is a terribly foolish statement, for it indicates the person has not learned anything to improve his mind or life or spiritual existence over that time period.
Oh, Christian, please! We are kidding ourselves if we think we can read the Scriptures, pray sensibly, and spend time under Godly Bible preaching and not learn how to grow. WE HAVE ALL HEARD SOMEONE SAY ABOUT A PREACHER, "I DON'T GET ANYTHING FROM HIM!" Dr. B.R. Lakin answered that by saying, "Yes, and you sure didn't bring anything to get it in, either!" What person who is honest and sensible could not learn something from even the simplest of folks?
When a seed is planted in the soil, given moisture, warmth, and time, it will sprout, grow and bear fruit. That is God's plan and God's promise.
THEN WE MUST ALLOW HIS PLAN TO WORK.
DON'T BE "DIGGING" ON YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS!!
3. TIPS FOR THE YOUNGER CLASSESYOU ARE GOING TO TEACH SOMETHING THAT YOUR CLASS HATES!
THE NECESSITY OF TAKING TIME TO GROW UP! THE 3 YEAR OLD WANTS TO BE 4 OR 5 SO THEY CAN GO TO KINDERGARTEN. THE K4-5 WANTS TO BE 6 SO THEY CAN GO TO REGULAR SCHOOL. THE 9 YEAR OLD WANTS TO BE TEN SO THEY HAVE 2 DIGITS TO THEIR AGE. THE 12 YEAR OLD WANTS TO BE A TEENAGER. THE 15 YEAR OLD WANTS TO BE 16 AND ABLE TO DRIVE THE 16 YEAR OLD WANTS TO GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND GET TO COLLEGE THE COLLEGE STUDENT WANTS TO GRADUATE AND GET TO WORK, MARRIED, ETC. THE WORKER WANTS A CHANCE TO GO BACK AND START OVER, THIS TIME KNOWING HOW IMPORTANT THOSE YEARS WERE.
BUT NO ONE CAN EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE IT TO "THE HURRIERS"
... BUT YOU ARE GOING TO TRY.
DEMONSTRATION:
DANDELIONS.
DIG UP A SERIES OF DANDELIONS: 1. THE PLANT WITH NO SPROUTS 2. PLANT AND BUDS, BUT NO BLOSSOMS 3. PLANT, BUDS, FLOWER, NO SEEDLINGS 4. PLANT, BUDS, FLOWERS, AND SEEDLINGS.
THE ONLY DIFFERENCE IN THESE IS "TIME."
THAT IS THE MESSAGE THAT GOD HAS FOR US. (THAT, PLUS THE TRUTH THAT EVEN THE LOWLY DANDELION IS BEAUTIFUL IN ITS OWN WAY.)
4. DEMONSTRATIONS / ILLUSTRATIONS / SONGS / QUOTES (see Footnote 1) a.Every natural fact is a symbol of some spiritual fact.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Nature [1836],sec.4
Reason is the greatest enemy that faith has: it never comes to the aid of spiritual things, but-more frequently than not-struggles against the divine Word, treating with contempt all that emanates from God.
Martin Luther
Table Talk [1569],353
Great men are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Letters and Social Aims [1875].Progress and Culture, Phi
Beta Kappa Address [July 18, 1876]
To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions, hurry never. In a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.
William Henry Channing
My Symphony
A powerful agent is the right word. Whenever we come upon one of those intensely right words in a book or a newspaper the resulting effect is physical as well as spiritual, and electrically prompt.
Mark Twain
Essay on William Dean Howells [1906]
I have known no man of genius who had not to pay, in some affliction or defect either physical or spiritual, for what the gods had given him.
Sir Max Beerbohm
No. 2. The Pines
Affirmation of life is the spiritual act by which man ceases to live unreflectively and begins to devote himself to his life with reverence in order to raise it to its true value. To affirm life is to deepen, to make more inward, and to exalt the will to live.
Albert Schweitzer
Out of My Life and Thought [1949]
The words of a gospel song, "Just be patient, God's not finished with me yet," bring to mind a story written by a man who had visited a piano manufacturing plant. He said that the guide took him first to a large workroom where men were cutting and shaping wood and steel. Nothing there bore any resemblance to a piano. Next they visited another department where parts were being fitted into frames, but still there were no strings or keys. In a third room, more pieces were being assembled--but still no music. Last of all, the guide took his guest to the showroom where many fine instruments were on display. A skilled musician sat at one keyboard playing the music of the masters. The visitor had expected the finished product to be beautiful, but not until he actually saw the piano and heard its tone could he fully appreciate all the steps of its development.
i.An old farmer frequently described his Christian experience by saying, "Well, I'm not making much progress, but I'm established!" One spring when he was hauling some logs, his wagon wheels sank down to the axles in mud. Try as he would, he couldn't get the wagon out. Defeated, he sat down on the logs, viewing the dismal situation. Soon a neighbor who had always felt uncomfortable with the farmer's worn-out testimony came along and greeted him, "Well, brother Jones, I see you're not making much progress, but you must be content because you're well established!" Yes, a Christian may be "established" in his sanctification, but if he is "stuck," he's not very productive. Yet many of us are like that farmer.
j.There is an interesting fact about fruit trees. Sometimes they seem to be dormant, for they produce almost nothing. When that happens, a knife-slash around the trunk can shock them into fruitfulness. Luther Burbank must have discovered much the same thing from his experience with plant cultivation. He came to realize that injuries or other adverse factors are not necessarily harmful. They actually make the organism stronger. He cited the cactus as an example. For centuries it had endured all kinds of terrible conditions such as incessant heat, searing winds, and parching drought. Yet is did not die but proved to be extremely hardy. Adverse conditions contributed to its ability to adapt. The God who built into plant life this marvelous quality would do no less for man, the crown of His creation. Strong Christians are not grown in the hothouse of a controlled spiritual climate.
k.Some of the most beautiful carpets in the world are made in India. Most of the intricate patterns are woven to the sound of music. The unique designs are handed down from one generation to another, and each pattern has a tune of its own. In fact, the instructions for making these rugs are outlined on pages of script that resemble sheets of music. First the foundation cords are stretched on a great wooden frame, and a group of workers are seated on a long bench behind this webbing. Then the music begins as the master in charge gives directions for each stitch in a strange chanting tone. Even the colors he wants are denoted by the particular rise and fall of his voice as he sings the unusual and haunting aria.
l. In the rough, a diamond looks like a common stone, but after it is cut, its hidden beauty begins to emerge. Even then, the stone must undergo a finishing process to bring out its full radiance. This is accomplished by a skilled craftsman who holds the gem against the surface of a large grinding wheel, since no other substance is hard enough to polish the stone. This process may take a long time, depending on the quality desired by the one who will wear it. If the diamond is being prepared for a king or for some other prominent person, great care and many hours are spent perfecting it. What a picture of the way God works with us! The procedure is not pleasant, nor is it intended to be. The Divine Workman, however, has our final glory in view.
5. QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK TO BRING OUT YOUR STUDENT'S MINDS AND LEVELS OF LEARNING: a.IF WE ARE NOT TO JUDGE EACH OTHER'S SPIRITUAL GROWTH, THEN MUST WE KEEP QUIET ABOUT A FRIEND'S SINFULNESS?
NO, WE DO NOT HAVE TO OVERLOOK SIN IN THE LIFE OF A FRIEND. IF A FRIEND IS UN-REPENTANT ABOUT SINS IN HIS LIFE, WE ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO FELLOWSHIP WITH THEM. IN FACT THE BIBLE CLEARLY TELLS US TO AVOID THAT PERSON IF THEY REFUSE TO LIVE THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.
IT IS JUST THAT WE CANNOT CHANGE THEM. WHAT WE CAN DO IS SPEAK TO THEM LOVINGLY ABOUT THEIR BEHAVIOUR AND WE CAN PRAY FOR THEM.
b.HOW CAN I KNOW THAT I AM GROWING PERSONALLY? I AM A LOT MORE CONCERNED WITH THAT THAN I AM JUDGING ANOTHER PERSON'S SPIRITUAL MATURITY.
THERE ARE FOUR STAGES TO DEVELOPMENT. THEY ARE:
1. GROWTH - IN THIS STAGE, WE ARE ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT LIFE, LEARNING, NEW CHALLENGES, SERVICE, AND RESPECTFUL OF THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US.
2. MANAGEMENT - HERE WE FIND THE DOMINANT ACTIVITY IS MAINTENANCE. WE ARE NOT LEARNING NEW THINGS AS MUCH AS ORGANIZING THE NOTES FROM LAST WEEKS LESSONS. WE FEEL THAT WE "HAVE EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL" AND SUBCONSCIOUSLY BEGIN TO THINK VERY HIGHLY OF OURSELVES.
3. EXCUSES - IT IS IN THIS STAGE THAT WE BEGIN TO EXCUSE OURSELVES FOR NOT ATTENDING REGULARLY TO THE BASICS OF OUR FAITH. PRAYER, BIBLE READING AND STUDY, CHURCH ATTENDANCE, TITHING, SOULWINNING AND VISITATION ARE FOR OTHERS MORE THAN OURSELVES AND WE FIND EVERY REASON UNDER THE SUN TO LEAVE THEM TO OTHERS WHOSE DUTIES ARE "NOT AS IMPORTANT" AS OUR OWN.
4. BLAMING - WHEN WE DESCEND TO THIS STAGE, WE ARE NOT GROWING AND HONESTLY KNOW IT... BUT IT IS NOT OUT FAULT. THERE IS ALWAYS SOMEONE OR SOMETHING ELSE TO BLAME. IT IS THE BORING SERMONS, THE UNINSPIRING TEACHER, THE TIME OF THE SERVICES, THE DEMANDS OF OUR OWN DUTIES, AND ON AND ON, AND ON, UNTIL WE BECOME SELF-RIGHTEOUS, EMBITTERED, DROP OUT AND ALMOST NEVER RECOVER. EVERY ONE IS AT FAULT BUT US.
TEACHER... TEACH THESE STAGES TO TEENS AND ABOVE IN THIS CLASS!
c.YOU HAVE A FRIEND WHO WANTS TO GROW SPIRITUALLY BUT YOU DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW TO HELP THEM. WHAT DO YOU DO?
d.YOU HAVE A FRIEND IN ONE OF THE LAST THREE OF THE FOUR STAGES.
WHAT DO YOU DO TO HELP THEM MOVE BACK TO NUMBER ONE?
6. APPLICATIONS a. SPIRITUAL EVALUATION:1. AM I GROWING SPIRITUALLY?
2. AM I EXCITED ABOUT LEARNING NEW BIBLE TRUTHS AND LESSONS?
3. AM I EXCITED ABOUT SEEING SOMEONE COME TO SALVATION?
4. AM I EXCITED ABOUT SHARING NEW-FOUND TRUTHS WITH OTHERS?
5. AM I A POSITIVE PART OF MY CONGREGATION?
6. DO I ATTEND ALL THE SERVICES REGULARLY SO AS TO ACCELERATE MY OWN GROWTH?
7. DO I PRAY AND READ MY BIBLE AS I SHOULD?
8. AM I A COMFORT TO OTHERS AND AN ENCOURAGEMENT?
9. DO I SERIOUSLY AND CONSCIOUSLY WORK IN THE CHURCH?
10. DO I EVEN CARE ABOUT THE THINGS OF THE LORD?
b.YOU ARE WITH A FRIEND AND THEY ARE GRIPING AND COMPLAINING ABOUT SOMEONE IN THE FELLOWSHIP. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP THEM WITHOUT BEING NEGATIVE YOURSELF?
c.TODAY, WHAT WILL YOU DO TO ENCOURAGE YOURSELF TO GROW AS A CHRISTIAN?
d.WHAT IS THE COMFORT ZONE OF A PERSON, AND HOW DOES ONE OVERCOME IT?
HOW I WOULD TEACH THIS LESSON1. READ THE PARABLE VERSES, AND COVER EXPOSITORY COMMENTS
2. DISCUSS "SIMPLE PRACTICAL" SECTION
3. SHOW DANDELION DEVELOPMENT STAGES AND DISCUSS HOW WE ARE LIKE THAT IN OUR OWN SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT.
4. DISCUSS THE FOUR STAGES OF GROWTH AND INDICATORS OF EACH.
5. DO THE SPIRITUAL EVALUATION BY READING THE QUESTIONS AND ASKING EACH MEMBER TO ANSWER FOR HIMSELF.
6. COVER SOME OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS
7. DISCUSS QUESTIONS AND APPLICATIONS, PLUS ANY OTHERS.
Footnote 1: Please note that the use of a quote or a reference to a person does not indicate that we hold them in high esteem; only that the item can be used in some way in a lesson. In fact, you will find some statements actually oppose or disagree with Bible-believing philosophies in some outlines so that you can use them as arguing points.