Mark 4:21-25 — What it’s the “MORE”? FREEDOM that comes from FAITH / SECURITY that comes from HOPE / SIGNIFICANCE that comes from LOVE 

 

1) DOUBT — Questioning God’s truth and/or it’s relevance 

  • PROMISE: “If you continue in my word, you really are my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31–32, CSB) 
  • QUESTION: Where am I doubting God’s truth because of my circumstances or cultural voices? 
  • REMOVAL: Name the specific doubt before God and bring it into conversation with Scripture and trusted believers. 
  • REDEEMED: Faith replaces suspicion, and there is a settled confidence in Christ’s sufficiency even when all questions are not answered. 

2) DISTRACTION — Turning to other things to disengage from God 

  • PROMISE: “You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, CSB) 
  • QUESTION:  What is most often crowding out my attention to Christ’s work? 
  • REMOVAL: Identify one recurring distraction, and identify the reason for it.  Knowing the reason, pray and release it to God.  
  • REDEEMED: Attention shifts from constant noise to an awareness of God’s presence, towards peace replacing restlessness. 

3) DEFENSIVENESS — Self-justifying actions or unbelief 

  • PROMISE: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, CSB) 
  • QUESTION: When I am corrected, do I confess honestly, or do I defend and explain away my actions? 
  • REMOVAL: Stop mid-defense, confess plainly, and entrust your protection/reputation to Christ. 
  • REDEEMED: Humility and openness mark your relationships, and correction becomes a moment of growth rather than shame. 

4) DIVISION — Withdrawing from relationships where vulnerability is expected 

  • PROMISE: “God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.” (Psalm 68:6, CSB) 
  • QUESTION: Where am I avoiding community because of fear or past hurt? 
  • REMOVAL: Take one small but deliberate step back toward Christian community, ie. Engage a friendship, ask/answer a question. 
  • REDEEMED: Relationships become a source of mutual encouragement, trust is rebuilt, and God’s grace is experienced through His people.