Following Christ: The Parable of the Sower - Mark 4:1-20
Receptivity and the Word of God - Mark 4:1-20
Those Who Sat Around Him - Mark 4:1-20
Message Slide
Resources
Sermon Outline
The Parable of the Sower
Jesus teaches in a parable that the Word of God must be received and retained in order to produce fruit. (Mark 4:1–12)
• Teaching in Parables (4:1-2)
• The Roadside Soil—unreceptive hearts (4:3-4)
• The Rocky Soil—shallow hearts (4:5-6)
• The Thorny Soil—distracted hearts (4:7)
• The Good Soil—receptive hearts (4:8)
• The Mystery of the Kingdom (4:9-12)
The Interpretation of the Parable
Jesus interprets the parable by explaining that the Word of God must be received and retained in order to produce fruit. (Mark 4:13-20)
• A parable about receptivity to the Word (4:13-14)
• The Roadside Soil—snatched by Satan (4:15)
• The Rocky Soil—dismayed by affliction and persecution (4:16-17)
• The Thorny Soil—distracted by consumerism, wealth, and pleasure (4:18-19)
•. The Good Soil-receptive and productive (4:20)
For the word of God to be fruitful/productive in your life
you must be receptive and focused.
Next Steps
• Are you bearing spiritual fruit in your life right now? What kind of soil are you today?
• What must change for you to be fruitful soil? How are you responding to the Word of God?
• Accept (παραδέχομαι- to receive as a welcome guest) the word of God.
Home Church Questions
Read Mark 4:1-20
“He was teaching many things in parables.” (4:2)
1. Explain these principles of interpreting parables:
• Parables are clear to the receptive and confusing to the resistant.
• Parables usually have one major lesson.
• Don’t make a parable walk on all fours?
“The Sower sows the Word.” (4:14)
2. Who is the sower(s), and what is the Word?
“Those who hear the word and accept it…” (3:14)
3. What does it mean to hear the Word and accept (παραδέχομαι) it? Ken highlighted that the word means to “receive as a welcome guest”. Make that practical for you this week.
4. What does it mean to bear fruit?
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”…” (James 1:22)
5. What did you learn about God in this passage? How does this affect you?
6. How are you encouraged or challenged by this passage?
7. How will you respond to God this week?
Mission Focus
UPG FOCUS: The Tanaoli in Pakistan
The Tanaoli of Pakistan (around 673,000) are an unreached Muslim people group living in the mountainous regions of northern Pakistan. Known for their strong family ties, warrior traditions, and agricultural lifestyle, they face challenges including limited education, healthcare access, and difficult living conditions. They follow Sunni Islam, and few, if any, are known to follow Christ. Pray that God would send loving workers to share the gospel, that they would encounter Jesus through Scripture and media in their language, and that a disciple-making movement would begin.
Finances
Weekly Budget 35,915
Giving For 09/27 15,972
Giving For 10/04 35,127
YTD Budget 502,810
Giving 435,962
OVER/(UNDER) (66,848)
Announcements
Belize Medical Missions Interest Meeting!
Sunday, October 18, at noon, Fellowship will host an interest meeting for the next Belize Medical Missions trip that will take place April 3-11, 2027. If you are interested, but cannot make the meeting, please fill out the interest form so we know you are interested. For more information or to sign up for the meeting go to
fellowshipconway.org/register.
New to Fellowship?
We are so glad that you chose to worship with our Fellowship Family this morning. If you are joining us for the first time or have been checking us out for a few weeks, we are excited you are here and would love to meet you. Please fill out the “Connect Card” and bring it to the Connection Center in the Atrium, we would love to say “hi” and give you a gift.
Fellowship Connect
Looking for a place to connect at Fellowship? Fellowship Connect is a 10-week opportunity to meet people, build meaningful relationships, and discover what it means to be part of our church family. Learn more about who we are, what we believe, and ways to grow, serve, and connect—including experiencing Home Church and building community with others. Fellowship Connect meets September 27-November 29, 1st Service in the Fireside Room (2nd floor) For more information, email Michael Harrison at mharrison@fellowshipconway.org.
Home Church
There is still time to get connected in a Small Group! Go to fellowshipconway.org/homechurch to get connected!
Equipping Courses
• Biblical Indispensable Relations: October 4 - November 1, 9-10:15 a.m.
• Facilitating for Transformation in Small Groups: October 4 - October 25, 9-10:15 a.m.
• Praying the Bible: November 15, 9:00 a.m.
For more information, or to register, go to fellowshipconway.org/equipping.
Women’s Retreat - October 23-25
Step away from the busyness of life and make space to rest, connect, and draw near to God. Enjoy worship, biblical teaching, meaningful conversations, fun activities, and time to relax and build friendships with other women. Come be refreshed in God’s presence, encouraged by His Word, and reminded that you don’t have to walk alone. To register, go to fellowshipconway.org/register.
Fellowship Women’s Hike
Ladies, come hike with us! Join us Saturday, October 17, for a morning of hiking, fellowship, and enjoying the beautiful fall weather! We’ll meet at Fellowship at 9:00 a.m. to carpool to Petit Jean State Park, where we’ll hike the Seven Hollows Trail. Bring a friend and enjoy a morning of fun, fresh air, and fellowship!
Feed the Need | October 25 | 10 - 2:00 p.m.
Join us for this incredible one-day opportunity to serve our community and make a tangible difference! Fellowship will host the Walmart Neighborhood Market location as part of this countywide effort benefiting our local partner, Conway Ministry Center. We’ll offer two volunteer shifts, register at fellowshipconway.org/register for the spot best for you!
Fall Widows Luncheon
Join us for our Fall Luncheon as we celebrate dishes from around the world prepared by Chef Tara, Thursday, October 29th, noon at 3680 Gresham Drive. Please RSVP to Ambra (501-730-6795) by Monday, October 19.