Mark 4:28

“For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself, etc..] Without any further help, or cultivation from the husbandman; though under the influence of the sun, dews, and showers of rain from heaven: this is said, not to denote that man of himself, upon hearing the word, can bring forth the fruit of grace in himself; he cannot regenerate himself, nor quicken, nor convert himself; he cannot believe in Christ, nor love the Lord of himself; nor repent of his sin, nor begin, or carry on the good work; he can neither sanctify his heart, nor mortify the deeds of the body; or even bring forth the fruits of good works, when converted. For all these things are owing to the Spirit, power, and grace of God:…”

“For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself - That is, it is done without the power of man. It is done while man is engaged in other things. The scope of this passage does not require us to suppose that our Saviour meant to say that the earth had any productive power of itself, but only that it produced its fruits not by the “power of man.” God gives it its power. It has no power of its own. So religion in the heart is not by the power of man. It grows he cannot tell how, and of course he cannot without divine aid, control it. It is by the power of God. At the same time, as without industry man would have no harvest, so without active effort he would have no religion. Both are connected…”

“the earth: Gen 1:11, Gen 1:12, Gen 2:4, Gen 2:5, Gen 2:9, Gen 4:11, Gen 4:12; Isa 61:11 first: Mar 4:31, Mar 4:32; Psa 1:3, Psa 92:13, Psa 92:14; Pro 4:18; Ecc 3:1, Ecc 3:11; Hos 6:3; Phi 1:6, Phi 1:9-11; Col 1:10; Th1 3:12, Th1 3:13 blade: Mat 13:26 Mark 4:29”