Spiritual Asphyxiation

“…some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.” Mark 4:7

“Now these are the ones sown among thorns; they are the ones who hear the word, and the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.” Mark 4:18-19

The word choke in this parable, is the word, sumpnigō From G4862 (sun) primary preposition denoting union; with or together) and G4155; Strengthened from G4154; to wheeze, to throttle or strangle (drown): – choke, take by the throat.) to strangle completely, that is, (literally) to drown, or (figuratively) to crowd: – choke, throng. Strongs Hebrew and Greek Dictionary

The ground upon which the seed fell was capable of producing. However, the thorns were not removed, therefore, when the seed began to grow, the thorns likewise grew in unison causing spiritual asphyxiation. Asphyxiation occurs when the body’s oxygen supply is limited, leading to unconsciousness or fatality. The idea behind choking out the word in this context is the same, the cares and riches of this world asphyxiate the ability of the word to grow in our heart, leading to spiritual fatality.

If we are to be successful bearing fruit for the Lord and maturing in our faith, we must be sure that we are doing the things necessary to keep those thorns out of our lives. The Word of God cannot grow alongside the cares, riches, and pleasures of life and be successful. Sooner rather than later we will experience spiritual suffocation. Be sure to tend to your heart; remove those thorns and keep them out.