Epaggelia

The Sower (Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, and Luke 8:5-15)

The gospel writers spend more time & effort recording this parable, than any other, it’s importance can not be over estimated, an emphasis is put on the way his listeners are hearing it Mt. 13:9, Mk. 4:3 7 9, Lk. 8:8. What are the four different kinds of soil representing?

1. __________

2. __________

3. __________

4. __________

What does the seed represent?

What are three responsibilities of the sower?

1. ________________________

2. ________________________

3. _________________________

Make a list of things you believe hardens human hearts. Does God harden a person’s heart before a person themselves harden their own heart?

1. ___________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________

How does the good hearer receive the seed? See Matthew 13:23

How does the good hearer, bear fruit? See Luke 8:15

How much of what we do as a Christian is based on genuine understanding instead of superficial knowledge?

Parables Teaching on The Spirit’s Purpose: Luke 11:9-13, Matthew 12:44-45 & Mat. 25:1-14

The hardness of hearts, was mentioned in the most popular parable of the gospels, and we know God has been active historically in hardening hearts of rebellious people. So do we consider the human heart as something God could condition?

Do we see The Spirit of Christ affecting the condition of the Christian’s heart in view of His fruit? See the Parable of the Seed in Mark 4:26-29, and compare it to John 3:8.

Luke 11:9-13,  Fathers & Their Children = The Spirit is the Best Gift God Gives !!!

Matthew 12:44-45 & Luke 11:24-28, Seven Unclean Spirits = Be Filled With God’s Spirit !!!

Matthew 25:1-13, Ten Virgins = Don’t Run Out of Oil !!!

What does the oil represent? See the following passages:

1st Samuel 16:13

Priests, Kings & Prophets were anointed with oil with the purpose of sanctification for the work and presence of God in their lives.

Isaiah 61:1-3

The prophetic promise of salvation and healing for lost Israel is in Isaiah 61 & 62, which can not be made without the use of oil in it’s language.

Acts 10:38, Jesus is anointed with the Spirit and with power!

1st John 2:20-27 & 5:6-8 Christians are taught the Spirit, Anointing, Water, Truth & Blood are all pointing to the same purpose. Sanctification of our spirit in salvation. Can you run out of this?

According to Titus 3:4-6, what does the Holy Spirit do? 

What is the promise God is making in Acts 2:38-39?

Parables Teaching on The Kingdom: The Darnel (weeds) ~ Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43,

 The Cast-Trawl Net ~ Mt. 13:47-50, & Sheep & Goats ~ Mt. 25:31-46.

The idea of good and bad co-existing in the same field, or same net or same pasture creates a problem for many people, but for Jesus it was a reality that can help Christians learn to let Him be the King and/or Judge. On this fact, refer to Luke 19:12-27 for the Nobleman who worked with 10 servants in business, the servants were not all good. Notice that the servants are not the citizens! The citizens that sent the delegation in the beginning of the parable, are described as enemies at the end of the parable. It is the nobleman turning into the LORD that does the judging.

Who exactly are the good seed in the field of the parable of the ‘weeds’?

Who are the bad seed in the same field?

Who performs the judgment in the field?

How does Jesus define the Kingdom in Matthew 16:18-19?

In the parable of the “Cast-Trawl Net”, fish are either one of two things? 

What exactly is the net?

Do these 2 parables make the kingdom sound like the church?

Should we apply Matthew 7:1 in the church or in the world or both?

How should we apply John 7:24?

After the Kingdom/Church was established in Acts 2-10, how did the disciples preach judgment in Acts 17:30-31 ?

Paul teaches Christians in Rome that “ ________ of us will give an account of himself to God, therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer…” (Rom. 14:12-13)

Why was the brother in 2nd Corinthians 2:1-11, disfellowshipped?

The Parable of Budding Fig Tree ~ Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33

Fig trees have a prominent role in the life, work and teaching of Jesus. Luke also records the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Lk. 13:6-9 along with this parable of the “Budding” Fig Tree. Also notable is that both Matthew & Mark record the cursing of the fig tree during the last week Jesus had before he sacrificed himself, Matthew 21:18-22 & Mark 11:12-25. 

Why do you believe Luke says the Budding Fig Tree parable can be applied to all trees? (Lk. 21:29)

Luke points out that the coming of the Kingdom is imminent, (Lk. 21:31) while Matthew & Mark says it points to “all these things”. Name at least two other “things” that are connected to the coming of the Kingdom?

1. ____________________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________________

Compare the way the Kingdom is spoken of in Matthew 24:14 & Luke 17:20-21, then describe the contrast.

The fig tree that buds is bringing what very soon? ___________

According to Mark 9:1, the Kingdom will come with power. What kind of power was displayed on Pentecost in Acts 2, and who displayed the power?

Read Galatians 5:22-25, and ask yourself; Is there any kind of power mentioned in this passage? Yes or No?

When Jesus cursed the fig tree in Matthew 21:18-22 & Mark 11:12-25, why did he kill it?

The Parable of The Faithful Servant, Matthew 24:42–51, Mark 13:34–37 & Luke 12:35–48

Can You Identify The Characters?

There is a Master/Householder.

There is a Servant/porter/manager.

There are many Servants.

There is a Thief.

This parable is recorded by each author a little differently, but it’s essentially the same story. Luke gives more details than Matthew & Mark. Many English versions use the word “slave” instead of “servant” because the word in Greek is Doulos, best translated, “bondservant” (ASV) it indicates one who willingly sells himself into slavery to another. But as this is archaic, few today understand its force. Also, many slaves in the Roman world became slaves through Rome’s subjugation of conquered nations, kidnapping, or by being born into slave households. Luke uses Doulos as a slave who was regarded with some degree of affection, possibly a personal servant.

“Prepared & Dressed for Service”: What do you think the proper dress represents?

Burning Oil Lamps: What does the oil represent? 

See the following passages: 

Matthew 25:1-13 & 1st Samuel 16:13 & Isaiah 61:1-3

Priests, Kings & Prophets were anointed with oil for the purpose of The Holy Spirit’s sanctification in the work and presence of God. The prophetic promise of salvation and healing for lost Israel is in Isaiah 61 & 62, which can not be made without the use of oil in it’s language.

Serviceable Table Waiters: Why are the servant-waiters waiting on tables?

Serviceable Watchmen/Guards: The Master representing the “Son of Man” being Christ wants his house protected for what purpose?

Does Jesus answer Peter’s question in Luke 12:41 with clarity?

Grammatically three gospels (Mt. Mk. & Lk.) give over a third of their content to the Parables of Jesus, so why do you think John & the rest of the N.T., contain no parables and only one allegory? See John 16:25 & Galatians 4:24-31.

Two parables in the Old Testament are truly parables, but why is one more popular than the other?

Isaiah 5:1-7

2nd Samuel 12:1-7

In what way does Luke 4:22-24 contain a parable, and yet, is not a parable?

When we try to interpret a Parable of Jesus, what is the first and most important thing to do?

Which parable do you believe is the most popular parable in the world today?

Why do you believe Jesus most often spoke in parables? See Matthew 13:10-17

Here is a list of some parables that appear in multiple gospels & are almost verbatim repeats. The Sower: Found in Matthew 13:3-23, Mark 4:3-20, and Luke 8:5-15. This parable is particularly significant because it’s one of the few Jesus explained himself, and the explanation is also included in all three synoptic Gospels.

The Mustard Seed: Appears in Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. 

New Wine into Old Wineskins: Found in Matthew 9:16–17, Mark 2:21–22, and Luke 5:36–38.

The Lamp Under a Bushel: Shared in Matthew 5:14-16, Mark 4:21-22, and Luke 8:16-18.

The Budding Fig Tree: Located in Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33.

The Wicked Tenants: Appears in Matthew 21:33–41, Mark 12:1–9, and Luke 20:9–16.

The Faithful Servant: Recorded in Matthew 24:42–51, Mark 13:34–37, and Luke 12:35–48. 

The Talents, Told in Matthew 25:14-30 & Luke 18:11-27.

Here is a list of parables that are unique and not repeated by other gospel writers:

BY MATTHEW:     The Tares, 13:12-30 Sheep & Goats, 25:31-46

Hidden Treasure, 13:44

Precious Pearl, 13:45-46

Dragnet, 13:47-50

Householder, 13:51-53

Unmerciful Servant, 18:23-35

Workers in the Vineyard, 20:1-16

Two Sons, 21:28-32

Marriage of the King’s Son & The Wedding Garment, 22:1-14

10 Virgins, 25:1-13

BY MARK:       Seed Growing, 4:26-29 Porter on Watch, 13:34-37

BY LUKE: Two Debtors, 7:36-50 Dishonest Steward 16:1-9

Good Samaritan, 10:25-27 Master & Servants, 16:1-9

Friend at Midnight, 11:5-10 Persistent Widow, 18:1-8

Rich Fool, 12:16-21 Pharisee & Tax Collector, 18:9-14

Watchful Servants, 12:35-38

Barren Fig Tree, 13:6-9

Chief Seats, 14:7-11

Feast for the Poor, 14:12-14

Great Supper, 14:16-24

Tower, 14:28-30

King, 14:31-33

Lost Coin, 15:8-10

Prodigal Son, 15:11-32

The Beginning of David’s Reign (2nd Sam. 2:1-11 & 5:1-5)

In what city did David reign 7 ½ years?

Where was David when he received the news that both Saul & Jonathan were dead? See 2nd Sam. 1:1.

Who was Saul & Israel’s army fighting when Jonathan was killed?

Who took the body of Saul from public shame to be buried with dignity? 

When David moved to Judean territory to reign, who were his wives?

Who anointed David a second time?

Who anointed David a third time?

Who was Saul’s army commander that propped up the house of Saul?

What is the name of Saul’s son who reigned for 2 years in the northern part of Israel?

How old was David when he began his reign in Hebron?

About how many times in the gospels is Jesus anointed?

(Mt. 26:2, Mk. 14:1, Lk. 7:37-50, Jn. 12:1)

About how old was Jesus when he was crucified, buried, raised & ascended? See Luke 3:23.

In what sense could it be said that David was a good “politician”, and yet he is described as the “Shepherd King”?

Before Jesus wore the crown of thorns and was crucified as “King of the Jews”, he proclaimed he was what kind of a Shepherd? 

David, Bathsheba & Nathan (2nd Sam. 11:1-17 & 12:1-15)

Some theologians speculate that Nathan the prophet originated from one of the groups or schools of prophets which Samuel led when he was Judge over Israel, mentioned in 1st Sam. 10:5 & 19:20. Nathan served in the succession of Solomon to the throne of David. What did Nathan prophesy that would be elaborated on throughout the Bible? See 2nd Samuel 7:12-17.

________________________________________________________________

See 1st Chron. 17:13-14, Isa. 9:6-7, Psa. 89:3-4 & 132:10-12, Luke 1:32 & Acts 2:29-30

What was David doing while his army Commander Joab and his people were besieging Rabbah?

What action did David take to try and cover up his sin with Bathsheba?

Who delivered the verdict on David’s sin?

David confessed he stated he sinned against The Lord, But 4 people in this event were sinned against, who are they? 

1. _______________________  2. ____________  3. __________  4. __________

What was the biggest difference between David’s rule before knowing Bathsheba to his rule after his adultery? See 2nd Sam. 13:10-15

What was the result for David’s reign from his adultery with Bathsheba and murder of Uriah? See 2nd Sam. 16:21-22

What is needed in Church leadership, that we can learn from David’s sin during his reign?

Who is the only King mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11?

From 2nd Sam. 11:1, What do you believe Church Leadership could learn?

See 2nd Timothy 2:1-4

Solomon ~ 1st Kings 1:22-40

In order to understand the significance of the Kingship of David’s throne and dynasty, we need to see Christ’s understanding of the Kingdom in Matthew 21:9-15. See also Luke 1:32. How Jesus receives the title “Son of David” is very alarming!

What did David promise Bathsheba about the Kingship?

What claim did David’s son Adonijah have to succeed David as King?

What did Adonijah do in preparation for his ascending to the throne?

Where did David instruct Nathan to take Solomon to anoint him King?

Who anointed Solomon?

What was the symbolic importance of Solomon riding on David’s mule?

Why would the ascension of Adonijah to the throne have been a death sentence for Bathsheba & Solomon?

In Colossians 1:1-13, The “Kingdom of His dear Son” is what “Saints and faithful 

brethren” have been translated into from what? The power of __________________

In Colossians 1:1-13, how many times is Jesus referred to as “Christ”?

What is the Kingdom called in Ephesians 5:5 ?

Solomon’s Strength & Sin – 1st Kings 3:1-15 &11:1-13 & 11:42-43

What did Solomon’s first treaty with Egypt involve?

Solomon ________ the Lord but he sacrificed at the high places, 3:3

Where did the Lord first appear to Solomon?

What do you think was the best purpose in Solomon’s prayer?

What do you think was the most important request in Solomon’s prayer?

How did the Lord feel about Solomon’s prayer?

What was the underlying reason for Solomon marrying so many wives?

What was God’s reaction to Solomon turning his heart away from him and toward his wives?

What was Solomon’s physical achievement?

What was Solomon’s spiritual achievement?

What does God typically do with great physical achievements? See Luke 1:52-53 & Luke 16:15

Do the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:23 apply to Solomon?

What was the only reason Solomon’s son Rehoboam would have any kind of reign at all?

Since idolatry is essentially people making gods of their own choosing, what signs do we have today in Christ’s Kingdom/Church of this being true?

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise ~ Ephesians 5:15

Diligent, carefully, circumspectly and perfectly are all 4 English words used to translate the Greek word “akribos”. It’s not the word usually translated “wise or wisdom”. The Greek word “sophos” is consistently translated wise, which appears at the end of the verse. Walking diligently is best described as fully knowing your entire environment while you’re walking. Being aware of all your options when you make any decision in life is good practice. Circumspectly is an old word we don’t use in modern English, but “perfect” is a word we all use in common, the same way circumspectly can be used. When a child receives his report card with straight “A”s on it, his parents can appropriately proclaim “PERFECT”! That doesn’t mean the child was an absolutely perfect student, it simply means that the child fully understood every assignment and did all the work expected of him to prepare for his exams. It’s better than the old saying “B’s & C’s get degrees”, because his straight A’s, are above that, in a sense, he was the “AKRIBOS” (perfect) student. A Christian’s goal should be to have a lifestyle or walk that is carefully diligent. The Governor Felix had an AKRIBOS knowledge of The Way, which the apostle Paul was being tried upon, see Acts 24:22.

A good example of a physical application of the word in the Bible is the way evil Herod told the wise men to search “carefully” for baby Jesus and then return to him and tell him his location, see Matthew 2:8. If we lived our life in a careful search for Jesus, we would be so blessed!

A good example of how the same word is used to treat the Bible itself is in Acts 18:25-26. Apollos was a (AKRIBOS) careful preacher of Jesus Christ, but only knew the baptism of John, however Apollos was blessed with Aquila & Priscilla teaching him the way of the Lord more perfectly (AKRIBOS). Apollos shows a progression of diligence in learning the truth of the gospel.

Factually, none of us are perfect if we use the word in the absolute sense, but if we use it the way Paul did, we can appreciate what Jesus said in Matthew 5:44-48. The word perfect is in the Greek “TELEIOS”, it actually means fully mature. Loving your enemies is as fully mature as God created us to be. His image he created us in, was for this goal to be met, with a spirit that can grow the fruit of His Spirit, and come to love our enemies. That is what it means to both walk in love, Eph. 5:2, and walk circumspectly!