What is holding people in bondage is sin.  It is sin keeping people from the abundant life Jesus spoke of.

You don’t bring a knife to a gun fight, right?  So what makes you think you can truly take an opponent sworn to keep you from a better life, the abundant life?

But how do you take a gun to a gun fight? Well, The parable of the Sower spoke of having seed in deep soil (correct teaching) and daily pulling weeds (resisting things of the world). Ultimately, only those with a deep love God cam live a life acceptable to him.

The Pharisees were too strict with regards to the law, even stricter than God which, of course, meant they weren’t really following the law.

Well, the law said no work on the Sabbath, but works of mercy were implied as being OK.

So now Jesus heals on the sabbath and this is cynically called a work by the Pharisees.

In this current age of a mental health dilemma, what does it take to be strong? Well, Jesus described those leaning on God as building a house on a rock rather than sand.

Where can a blueprint for a successful Christian walk be?  Well, it’s contained in this parable.  It lists the major things which come against success and it gives a clue how to fight back.

Coming Against You

• Being Around Weak and/or Incorrect Teaching
• Being Tempted By Things of the World

How to Fight Back

• Be Around Strong and Correct Teaching
• Refuse Things of the World

Metaphors for What’s Against You

• Rocky Soil
• Weeds

Metaphors for Success

• Good Soil
• A Good Soil Garden where Weeds are Cut (assumed, not said)