The Cares of This World

Episode #16: The Cares of This World

1. Choosing the Better Thing – Mary vs. Martha (Luke 10:38-42)

• Mary sat at Jesus' feet while Martha was distracted by busyness.
• Jesus said Mary had chosen the better part—to be with Him rather than be busy for Him.
• Lesson:
  • We must put down the things we think we need to do and spend time with Jesus.
  • Prioritizing relationship over routine deepens our spiritual life.

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2. The Parable of the Sower – Mark 4:3-20

• Jesus teaches that the Word of God is like a seed, and people respond to it differently.

1. Some seed fell by the wayside (Mark 4:4)

   • The birds (Satan) immediately stole it.
   • Lesson: We must protect the Word we hear so the enemy cannot take it.

2. Some fell on stony ground (Mark 4:5-6)

   • These people received the Word with excitement but had no foundation.
   • When afflictions and persecutions came, they gave up.
   • Lesson: A strong foundation in God’s Word is essential for lasting faith.

3. Some fell among thorns (Mark 4:7)

   • The cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and lust for other things choked the Word.
   • Lesson: We must guard our hearts from distractions that keep us unfruitful.

4. Some fell on good ground (Mark 4:8)

   • These people heard, received, and applied the Word—producing 30, 60, or 100-fold return.
   • Lesson: A heart prepared to receive God’s Word will experience abundant fruitfulness.

• Key Question: Are you one of those on the inside, given the knowledge of the Kingdom (Mark 4:11)?
  • If you spend time with the Father, you will be spiritually inside the mysteries of the Kingdom.

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3. The Importance of Growing in the Word

• The Word is a spiritual truth that transforms us.
• It is our responsibility to make it grow strong in us.
• If Satan can steal the Word from you, you become:
  • Weak
  • Ineffective
  • Lifeless
  • Poor in spirit
• Satan tries to steal the Word immediately.
  • The longer it stays in you, the harder it becomes for him to remove.
  • The more the Word grows, the stronger you become and the more effective you are for the Kingdom.

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4. How to Protect the Word

• Spend time in the Word daily.
  • This strengthens your spiritual foundation.
• When we spend time in the Word, we learn:
  • God’s character – Who He is and how He loves us.
  • God’s desires for us – His plan and purpose for our lives.
  • How to be spiritually strong – Walking in faith and victory.
  • Satan’s tactics – Recognizing and resisting his attacks.
  • How to get the victory – Applying God's promises in our lives.

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5. Taking Control of Our Thoughts – 2 Corinthians 10:4-5

• We need to bind evil thoughts and replace them with scriptural truth.
• Paul’s Example in Prison
  • Paul rejoiced in prison despite his circumstances.
  • He didn’t rejoice to get free—he got free because he rejoiced.
  • Lesson: Worship shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power.

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6. Living in the Joy of the Lord

• We rejoice because we love God—not just to receive something.
• Life with Jesus is amazing—He desires a personal, daily relationship with us.
• Jesus wants to hang out with us—not just be part of our prayers but part of our entire lives.
• God created the earth to operate by itself, but He desires to operate with us.
  • We are not just observers; we are partners with Him in His Kingdom.

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Final Thoughts

• We must prioritize time with Jesus over busyness.
• The Word must be protected, nurtured, and applied in our lives.
• Satan will try to steal the Word, but the stronger it grows, the less power he has over us.
• Rejoicing in the Lord is a key to victory—not a response to victory, but a cause of it.
• A life centered on Jesus brings strength, peace, and fruitfulness in the Kingdo