Appraising Your Spiritual Life

The two circles in the diagram below represent two kinds of lives: the self-directed life, and the Christ-directed life.

The one on the left illustrates a life with self in control, and depicts a stressful, chaotic life.

The circle on the right represents a life with Jesus Christ in control, balanced and orderly, with a potential for rich, productive experiences.

Which circle best represents you?

Which circle would you like to have represent your life?

Meditate on each question in this lesson as well as on the answer. Make this a personal appraisal of your spiritual condition.

Types of Soil

Read the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:3-20, and Luke 8:4-15.

To what does the seed refer? (Mark 4:4)

What are the four kinds of soil refered to in Matthew 13:4-8?


 

1. What does each kind of soil represent? Compare Matthew 13:4;with verses 18 and 19.
   
   
   
   
   

   Compare verses 5 and 6 with 20 and 21.

   Compare verse 7 with 22.

   Compare verse 8 with 23.
   

2. What must happen for the roadside soil to be changed? (Hebrews 3:15)
3. How can unproductive, rocky ground be made productive? (I Corinthains 10:13 and Proverbs 29:25)
4. How can individuals described as thorny become vital and effective Christians? (I Peter 5:7, Matthew 6:19-21 )
   
   
   
    

Result of Dwelling in Good Soil

1. What condition in a Christian results in abundance of fruit? (Mark 4:20, Luke 8:15)
2. What type of soil do most of the professing Christians you know represent?
3. What type of soil woud you say your life represents, and what kind do you want it to represent?
   
   
   
   
    

Life Application

1. How must the soil of your life be changed to become good ground or to increase its fruitfulness?
2. List several problem areas that need changing.
3. What must you trust Christ to do?

Adapted from The 10 Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity, by Bill Bright, co-founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. © Cru. All rights reserved.