Definition: And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Mark 4:17. It's a pretty profound idea about how faith can be tested and ultimately protected. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about believers facing challenges – opposition, hardship, or even danger – to the gospel (the good news of Jesus). It suggests that our faith isn't just about having faith, but also about remaining steady and not being easily shaken . Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And have no root in themselves…” – Imagine you’re a tree. A strong, healthy tree roots deep into the ground, drawing nutrients and water. Your roots are what keep you stable and secure. This part of the verse means that our faith isn’t tied down to our feelings or opinions. It's not about clinging to a specific belief or viewpoint. We don't need to be dependent on anything for our comfort. “…and so endure but for a time…” – This is the key part. Just like a tree doesn’t last forever, so does our faith. It will face difficulties and setbacks. This phrase suggests that our faith isn’t meant to be an unchanging, permanent thing. “Afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake…” – This is where it gets interesting! “Affliction” means hardship, suffering, trouble, or difficulty. "Persecution" means being persecuted or opposed for your beliefs. This phrase says that when God calls us to share his message , things will become harder for us. We’ll face opposition – maybe people don't understand our faith, they criticize it, or even try to stop us from sharing it. So, what does this mean practically? It means: We should be prepared for challenges! Our faith is a resilience - the ability to withstand pressure and remain steadfast in our belief, even when things are tough. It’s about not being discouraged by opposition; rather, it encourages us to continue sharing the good news despite it. In essence, the verse is encouraging us to trust that God will protect our faith even when it's tested. Does this have any deeper meaning for you? Do you want to explore a specific aspect of this verse further (like why it’s often used in sermons or stories)?