Conditions of the thorny ground

He hears the Word

Mark 4:18  

Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word;

The seed takes root and sprouts

Luke 8:14  

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

The thorns sprang up with it

Luke 8:7  

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.

Conditions affect the seed:

The thorns choke the Word

Mark 4:19  

But the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

They are choked with anxieties

Luke 8:14  

The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

The briers grew and smothered them

Mark 4:7

  

Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain.