Shipwreck Study Guide
Don’t be a Shipwreck Series Study Guide
Holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith.
1st Timothy 1:19
“Hear then the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Matthew 13:18-23
Natural Cause #1
Shipwreck caused by failure of design. Not that the design was flawed but rather that the ship was used for a purpose other than it’s intended design. Ex. A kayak was not made for the Atlantic Ocean and a Yacht was not made for a creek.
Spiritual Cause #1
Failure of investment. This is defined by the 5 ‘C’s (Checkbook, Calendar, Contacts, Capabilities, Conversation). How are you investing those things that God has gifted you STEWARDSHIP over?
Parable Parallel #1
This is the seed upon the road. The ground (heart) was too hard and therefore the seed (Word) was never actually planted. It was only surface level Christianity.
Scripture References
Matthew 25:14-30, Luke 6:38, 2nd Corinthians 9:6-7, Malachi 3:8-10, Genesis 14:20, 2nd Kings 18:19-21
Natural Cause #2
Shipwreck caused by Navigational Error. This is twofold: it is either a latitude or a longitude miscalculation.
Spiritual Cause #2
An error of RELATIONSHIP. Relationship is both horizontal (fellowship) with other believers and vertical (Lordship) with God.
Parable Parallel #2
Seed sown on rocky ground. This is seed that becomes invested but has no actual attachment to provide support and life-help when times become difficult. Left alone without root to wither and die.
Scriptural References
Romans 10:9-10, Matthew 25:31-46, 1st John 1:7, 2:9-11, 4:19-20
Natural Cause #3
An extension of navigational error is running into the shore at night. The navigation was pretty accurate but there was no light to ensure a safe harbor.
Spiritual Cause #3
WORSHIP. Having an incorrect idea of what worship is or having an artificial display of worship with no light, live, passion, authenticity, etc.
Parable Parallel #3
Seed sown on rocky ground. This is seed that becomes invested but has no actual attachment to provide support and life-help when times become difficult. Left alone without root to wither and die.
Scriptural References
Colossians 3:12-17, Philippians 1:20, Psalm 51:1-4, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Exodus 33:13
Natural Cause #4
Circumstance. Either internal such as an onboard fire, mutiny, etc. or an external circumstance such as enemy attack, weather, etc.
Spiritual Cause #4
Lack of DISCIPLESHIP. Discipleship and becoming mature Christians prepares us for both internal struggles and external attacks.
Parable Parallel #4
This is seed among thorns. The cares and struggles of the world choke the Word and prevent true growth.
Scripture References
1st Timothy 1:1-5 & 12-19, Matthew 28:19
We are not responsible for the Sower or the Seed: we are responsible for the ground; this is the condition of our hearts. We must try and present our hearts as good and fertile ground ready to receive the Word of God and endeavor to have a harvest produced in our lives and reproduced in the lives of others.