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Mark 4:24, 25 - Use It Or Lose It.

Mark 4:24, 25 - Use It Or Lose It.

Mark 4:24, 25 (NLT) And be sure to pay attention to what you 
hear. The more you do this, the more you will understand--and even 
more, besides. 25 To those who are open to my teaching, more 
understanding will be given. But to those who are not listening, even what 
they have will be taken away from them." 

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Three brief illustrations have a distinctive meaning here in 
Mark (4:21-25). Christ, the lamp, will not always be hidden (vv. 
21-23). Till then, the more a person appropriates what Jesus says the 
more one will understand about Jesus (v. 24), while failure to 
respond to Jesus now will mean the loss of all spiritual insight (v. 
25). [Victor Bible Reader's Companion] 

Each of the three brief sayings in these verses is found in 
other Gospels -- with different applications. Such proverbs were 
undoubtedly used frequently by Jesus to make differing points, depending on 
the context in which they were used. [Victor Bible Reader's 
Companion] 

COMMENTARY

The more of the Word we receive and share, the more God will 
give to us. [Chapter by Chapter Bible Commentary by Warren Wiersbe] 

Truth that is not understood and appropriated will be lost, but 
truth that is used will be multiplied. [NIV SB 2008] 

As we put God's teachings into practice we will understand and 
see more of the truth. The truth is clear, but our ability to 
understand is imperfect. As we obey, we will sharpen our vision and 
increase our understanding (see James 1:22-25). [Life Application SB] 

We must appropriate what we learn, and use it. The more we apply 
truth the better able we are to understand and apply more. On the 
other hand, if we fail to apply what we learn, we soon lose it and the 
capacity to learn more. There's a saying that sums up this teaching most 
effectively. Use it. Or lose it. [The 365-Day Devotional Commentary] 

ILLUSTRATION

   "What a shame," people say. "She had so much potential, but 
she has really wasted her talent." We hear it said of athletes, 
young scholars, artists, and other talented people.  
   Jesus has more than head shaking for those who do nothing 
with their God-given talents. He uses a story about investing to 
convince his listeners that when God gives us an asset, he expects us to 
invest it.  
   In the parable of the loaned money, Jesus gave his disciples 
a picture of our own service to God. The master entrusted three of 
his servants with money to invest; in a similar way, God entrusts us 
with skills, money, time, and other resources. The master gave each 
servant only as much money as he felt the servant could handle; God 
gives us only what we can handle. The master rewarded those who 
invested his money; God rewards us when we employ his gifts in his 
service. And the master punished the servant who hid his money instead of 
investing it; God takes away what we refuse to use.  
   God has given each person many talents and other resources to 
use for his service. What has God given you to glorify him? Invest 
those gifts by serving him and the people he loves. He will ensure a 
good return. [The One Year Through the Bible Devotional by Dave 
Veerman re Mat.25:14-19] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

The more one tries to explain the word of God to others, with a 
love for souls, the plainer it becomes to himself. The more we use 
our knowledge and exercise our powers, the more knowledge and power 
we shall have.  {COL 354} 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT:

Seeking God Video Clip: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice