The Word Received

Narrative Development - Scripture Builds Up

Several passages of Scripture on an identical incident or subject may augment the information given in each other. It is especially important when studying records from the four gospels to recognize that each passage of Scripture relating to the same incident may not give the same details but the Scriptures must complement and agree with each other or we do not have the true Word of God. In studying the development of identical situations in various passages of Scripture, it becomes vitally important to observe The Word with a keen eye and perceptive mind to see the depth of it. If the situations are identical, that which is set forth in one Scripture cannot contradict that which is set forth in the other. However, Matthew may report certain details, Mark may add others, and Luke still others. Put together the details from each individual record supply us with the whole picture.

The Word of God sown is received with the following results:

• It is stolen before it is believed - Received by the way side
• When pressured the believer deserts - Received on stony ground
• Pleasures choke the Word out of the believer's life - Received in thorns
• When held fast in a good heart the Word brings forth fruit - Received in good ground

The Sown Word Received

Response	Matthew 13:18-23	Mark 4:14-20	Luke 8:11-15
THE WAY SIDE	the hearer understandeth it NOT the wicked one cometh and seizes the Word	Satan cometh and hoists anchor on the Word	the devil cometh and the Word sails away lest they believe and be saved
ON STONY GROUND	the hearer receives the Word with joy has no root in himself endures for a while is pressured is persecuted for the Word stumbles	the hearer receives the Word with joy has no root in himself endures for a time is pressured is persecuted for the Word stumbles	the hearer receives the Word with joy has no root in himself for a while believes when put to the test deserts
IN THORNS	the Word in the hearer is choked by cares (business dealings) is choked by the delusion of wealth becometh unfruitful	the Word in the hearer is choked by cares (business dealings) is choked by the delusion of wealth is choked by the longing for those who have been left behind becometh unfruitful	the Word in the hearer is choked by cares (business dealings) is choked with wealth is choked by the desires and sensual delights of life brings no fruit to perfection
IN GOOD GROUND	the hearer understands the Word bears fruit 100/60/30	the hearer receives the Word paradechomai - holds it close brings forth fruit 30/60/100	the hearer keeps the Word holds it down fast in a good good heart brings forth fruit by staying constant

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