Satan ... (1)

Satan takes away the word we have heard from our hearts,

preventing us from believing in Jesus and obtaining salvation

(Lk. 8:12).

Satan prevents the roots of the word received with joy from going deep into our hearts,

so when faced with trials,

we may briefly believe but fall away, betraying Jesus (v. 13).

Satan hinders us, who have heard the word,

from bearing fruit completely

by being choked with the cares, riches, and pleasures of life (v.14).

But the Lord, with kindness and a good heart,

enables us to hear and keep the word,

producing patience and fruitful endurance in us (v. 15).