INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. The Sower (The Preacher)
2. The Seed (The Word of God)
3. The Soil (The Hearers)
Introductory Remarks.
1. There is much warning in the bible to the hearers of the word of God. Jesus spoke: "of the wise and foolish hearers," Matthew 7:24-27. James declares: "we ought to be doers of the word and not just hearers only," James 1:22. And Paul states: "Not the hearers of the law shall be justified, but the doers of the law," Romans 2:13. Thus, our lesson today is concerning the hearers of the word of God. Jesus again is preaching of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with Him. He likened His work to "sowing the seed of the kingdom." He spake unto the people in parables. The word “parable” in Gr., is parabole or par-ab-ol-ay', which means to place a thing alongside another for comparison: (a spiritual truth alongside a natural one). Someone has said it is “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” Jesus places His work in preaching alongside sowing seeds in a field. Ordinary people then would understand the truth of His teaching of the kingdom of God. He outlines three factors at work in this parable. They are,
2. First, He describes the sower’s work in this parable. He says: "A man went forth to sow seed in a field," Luke 8:5. After that, the sower's job was done. Ministers and teachers are all sowers of the word. We may plant or water, but the job of raising the plant is the work of God. Members and ministers are often discouraged when they see loved ones and friends continually visiting, listening to the word of God, but never obeying. Today we are going to learn why! And consider just what the responsibilities of the sowers entail. Paul speaks to the questions of the prophet Esaias. "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" Romans 10:16. Further, he asks: "But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world," Romans 10:18.
3. Next, He defines the seed sown in the fields. It is the word of God. It is a precious seed—the seed of the kingdom of God. The Lord has placed the life of every seed within itself. God's word is "quick and powerful," Hebrews 4:12. It is "the spirit that quickeneth…these words I speak unto you," John 6:63. And we have His eternal promise, "So shall the word be that goeth forth from my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it will accomplish which I please, and prosper in the things whereto I send it," Isaiah 55:11. Jesus said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall never pass away," Matthew 24:35. And even with unimaginable odds working against it: somehow, it always finds root in the "good and honest heart."
4. Finally, He explains the soil to be the human heart. The soil is pictured as four types of hearts. Each represents the believer’s faith after hearing, believing, and receiving the word of God. The "wayside soil" was void of faith; because "the devil came and stole the word from his heart, lest he should believe and be saved." The "rocky soil" is one with a "little faith" because it lacked roots, "he believed for a while and in time of temptation fell away." The "thorny soil" is one of a "weak faith." It is involved in the activities of the world and became choked with the "cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and did not bring forth fruit to perfection." And lastly, there is the "good ground," which represents a "great faith" where the word fell on receptive hearts, which "having heard it, kept it, and brought forth fruit with patience." I now ask this audience, "what type of soil are you?" Only God knows! Let's notice the sower's work in this parable as we begin.
BODY OF LESSON
I THE SOWER (THE PREACHER)
A. Luke wrote: "A sower went forth to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it," Luke 8:5. The Lord begins by describing the sower's work in this parable. And that was to sow the seed (preach the word). The seed that the sower sowed was the preaching of the kingdom of God.
1. Sowing the seed is the work of preachers, teachers, and leaders. They are charged to sow the seed of the kingdom, to preach the word. We should examine this verse more closely. Observe,
a. The word “sower: in Gr., is speiro or spi'-ro, which means to scatter or to (sow): —sow (-er), one that soweth seed or seed sown. This is the person doing the sowing.
1) In this parable, the word spi'-ro or sower is masculine in gender: (a man) is sowing this seed. Jesus is referring to himself. Observe,
2) He said: "Verily, verily, I say unto you: Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone, but if it dies, it bringeth (forth) much fruit," John 12:24; John 12:32-33. Paul wrote,
3) Jesus Christ “Is the firstborn among many brethren,” Romans 8:29.
4) He is the “Firstfruits of them that slept,” 1 Corinthians 15:20-26.
b. The word “sow” in Gr., is also speiro or spi'-ro, which means a scattering (of seed), seed (as it is sown): —seed. The sower scattered the seed, which fell into four types of soil.
c. The sower's job was not to plow the field, fertilize the ground, or select the soil. The Lord gave the seed to the sower, and as he went into the field, he sowed it faithfully in all types of soil.
2. Preachers are the sowers; however, many attempts to grow the plant. But that's God's business. Paul wrote: "I plant, Apollos water, but God giveth the increase," 1 Corinthians 3:6-8. The sower is not as important as the seed or the message he has been sent to sow! I wish I had some help.
3. Paul wrote to Corinth: "And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you is puffed up one against another," 1 Corinthians 4:6. I'm trying to help!
a. Genuine charity (love): "Is not boastful, lifted with pride, or arrogant; nor does it behave rudely or unseemingly (out of character)," 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This love is predictable.
b. The apostle’s point in this was that he and Apollos were stewards of the mysteries of God.
c. And as stewards, we must be found faithful in the work of the Lord, 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.
d. Religious leaders are the most vulnerable to pride and a haughty spirit, Matthew 15:7-9. I have been going this way for forty years, and I’m not turning around now, John 5:39-47; Matthew 23:13-15.
NOTE: Remember Apollos? A rabbi from the city of Alexandria, Egypt. He had a good and honest heart! He was converted to Christ by Priscilla and Aquila in Ephesus, Acts 18:24-28.
e. Therefore, “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart: and then shall every man have praise of God,” 1 Corinthians 4:5. Notice James on this point,
4. He wrote: "My brethren, be not many masters (here he means teachers), knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation," James 3:1. Ministers must be examples of their preaching. NOTE: Illustrate Romans 2:21-24. Preach and teach with integrity and in truth.
B. Teachers are to be an example to the believers. Paul instructed the young preacher Timothy: "Let no man despise thy youth; but you be an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity," 1 Timothy 4:12. Paul further instructs him to: "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee," 1 Timothy 4:16. Continue in the faith of the gospel. Your example and faithfulness will save you and those who follow and practice the same.
C. The ideal of sowing is spoken elsewhere in the word. Men sow and reap. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked," Galatians 6:7-8. Whatever we sow is coming up again! Our words, actions, misconduct, and sins are all coming up again.
NOTE: Illustrate, sons, planting two roles of corn seed before going to town. It’s coming up!
1. Jesus said: "For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known. Therefore, whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and what ye have spoken in the ear in the closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops," Luke 12:2-3.
2. Jesus again: "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words, thou shalt be condemned," Matthew 12:36-37.
3. Solomon wrote: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil," Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Ecclesiastes 11:9.
4. Paul wrote: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether good or bad. Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God: and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences," 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Romans 2:11-16; Hebrews 9:27.
D. Nations can also sow and reap. Israel has sowed in unrighteousness and has reaped the wrath of Jehovah. Hosea wrote: "They have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind…Israel is swallowed up...for they have gone up to Assyria," Hosea 8:7-9. Observe,
1. Jehovah had said of Israel: "I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly and right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerated plant of a strange vine unto me?" Jeremiah 2:21.
NOTE: Illustrate the USA, Proverbs 1:23-33. Read and comment, time permitting.
2. The prophet Hosea cried: "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap mercy; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till he comes and rain (pours out) righteousness upon you," Hosea 10:12.
3. Solomon wrote: "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people," Proverbs 14:34.
4. Isaiah wrote: "For when thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness," Isaiah 26:9. As a nation, we cannot continue our course of actions without coming to a total and swift destruction.
NOTE: Illustrate, Human rights, morality, and justice. Speak about Congress, the courts, and the rule of law.
E. Sower must sow the seed. He must speak of judgment, as well as justice; of God's punishment; as well as His love and goodness.
1. Like Jeremiah of old. He preached for 23 years without one positive response. He wanted to quit preaching because of ridicule, despised looks, harsh words, and criticism from degenerated people. He wrote: "Then I said, I will not mention him, nor speak anymore in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing and I could not contain," Jeremiah 20:9. The man of God cannot hold his peace; he must speak the word of God.
2. The apostles were threatened, beaten, and commanded not to speak anymore in the Name of Jesus. But "Peter and John answered and said unto them, whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge you. For we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard," Acts 4:19-20.
3. Peter and the apostles. Luke wrote: "Peter and the other apostles answered and said, we ought to obey God rather than men," Acts 5:29.
4. Gamaliel, a doctor of the law. Luke penned: “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or work is of men, it will come to naught: But if it is of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God," Acts 5:38-39. The same is true today. If a work of sowing is not the truth of God, it will become useless and avail nothing healthy, sound, or bear the fruits of righteousness. Now, let's notice the seed that is sown in this parable.
II THE SEED (THE WORD)
A. The seed: “is the word of God," Luke 8:11. Notice the power of the word! Paul wrote: “It is quick (lively) and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword…piercing even…and is a discerner of the thought and intent of the heart,” Hebrews 4:12-13. James wrote,
1. It has saving power: "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which can save your souls," James 1:21.
2. It has cleansing power: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you,” John 15:3. David wrote: "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed to it according to thy word," Psalms 119:9.
3. It has quickening power: "It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing, the words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life," John 6:63.
4. It has converting power: "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple," Psalms 19:7.
5. It has perfecting power: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works," 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalms 19:14. I wish I had some help in this lesson!
B. The word is the gospel, Romans 1:16. Through it, we are born again. Peter wrote: “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever,” 1 Peter 1:23; John 3:1-5. We are born again through the word. It must be believed and obeyed. There is power in it to save through the gospel of Christ. Our faith must be in it, not men's words or wisdom.
1. Paul wrote to Corinth: "And I, brethren, when I came unto you," 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. The gospel has called us. Paul preached the gospel in Corinth: "Many of the Corinthian's hearing believed and were baptized," Acts 18:8-11. He preached the message: "The faith he once attempted to destroy…the gospel of the grace of God," Galatians 1:23-24; Acts 20:24.
2. He wrote to Thessalonica: “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 1 Thessalonians 2:13-14.
3. Isaiah again: “So shall the word be that goeth forth out of my mouth," Isaiah 55:11. "It will abide forever," Matthew 24:35.
4. It cannot be changed or altered, Proverb 30:6, Revelations 22:18-19.
5. It is settled in heaven. "Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven," Psalms 119:89.
NOTE: Illustrate that verse (Acts 2:38) is not in my bible. A woman shouted out at brother Keeble during one of his gospel meetings. He stopped preaching, went down to her, and asked: Can I see your bible, please? She gave it to him. He looked, and sure enough, it was not in her bible (she had taken a razor blade and cut it out). Brother Keeble returned to the pulpit and said to the audience: “Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” Psalms 119:89. For it to make a difference, you must cut it out of the book in heaven. Amen, brother Walls.
C. The gospel seed, when preached, makes children of the kingdom, Acts 11:26. We all must learn to become fruit inspectors, Matthew 7:17-20.
1. To become a Christian, you must obey the gospel seed, which makes a Christian, Acts 11:26. Just calling yourself a Christian or being around them doesn't make you one. No more than an old gray mare hanging around a horse stable will make her a prize-winning stallion! She will never win the Kentucky Derby.
2. Every seed brings forth fruit after its kind. God has placed within the seed; its DNA that will bring forth after its kind. God has so ordained it to be so, Genesis 1:11-12.
3. Jehovah said of Israel: "Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerated plant of a strange vine unto me?" Jeremiah 2:21. I planted thee right – but you have degenerated!
4. Divers seeds. Moses warned: "Thou shalt not sow thy vineyard with diver seeds: lest the fruit of thy seed which thou hast sowed, and the fruit of thy vineyard, be defiled," Deuteronomy 22:9. Illustrate: Denominational seed that has been sown. They are tares among the wheat.
D. Tares have been sown among the wheat. Jesus gives: “Another parable – a man sowed good seed in his field,” Matthew 13:24-30. The enemy went behind him and sowed tares among the wheat! Jesus’ explanation of the parable, Matthew 13:36-43. Notice our Lord’s explanation:
1. Sower of the good seed – is the Son of Man.
a. The good seed are the children of the kingdom.
b. The good seed is wheat.
c. They have been scattered everywhere in the field.
d. The wheat can be distinguished from the tares.
2. The sower of the tares – is the Devil.
a. Tares appear to be like wheat.
b. Tares are the children of the evil one.
c. Tares are sown among the wheat.
d. The evil one has ministers and a message, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 Timothy 4:1-5.
3. The field is the world (not the human heart).
a. The children of the kingdom are sown (or scattered) into the world.
1) First, “Therefore, they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word,” Acts 8:4. These new converts went everywhere (into the world) preaching the word! Matthew 28:19-20. Making disciples, children of the kingdom, Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.
2) Further, “Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution about Stephens traveled as far as Phenice, Cyprus, and Cyrene, which when they came to Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only,” Acts 11:19-26; Acts 2:5-11.
3) Next, “James…to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting,” James 1:1. See KJV, page 1528.
4) Finally, “Peter…to the strangers scattered (dispersed),” 1 Peter 1:1. See NRSV, page 1182.
b. So are the children of the evil one (scattered into the world).
c. Should we root up the tares? No.
d. Let them grow together. Why?
e. Lest we root up also some of the wheat (some behave like tares).
NOTE: I once was a tare. I would not be a Christian today if the tares were rooted up. Jesus said: “let them alone. Let them grow together. The angels will root ‘em up." They will remove the "tare from the wheat at the harvest." Till then, God might: “Deliver some of them from the power of darkness and translate them into the kingdom of His dear Son,” Colossians 1:13; Acts 2:41; Acts 2:47. Thank you, Lord, you prepared for me a place in your kingdom! Amen, brother Walls! The Lord explains,
4. The harvest is the end of the world (the separation will occur then).
5. The reapers are the angels. They shall go forth,
a. First, gather up the tares and bind them in bundles to be burned.
b. Then, to gather from the kingdom all that offends and those that do iniquity. 1 Peter 4:17-19.
c. Conclusion: After the gathering and separation,
1) Both shall be cast into a furnace of fire to be burned.
2) There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
3) Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.
6. Application: “Whoso hath ears to hear, let him hear!” As sowers, we are charged to "speak the truth in love," Ephesians 4:15. As listeners, we are encouraged to "receive with meekness the engrafted word, which can save our souls," James 1:21. It's appropriate to admonish all who attend our services (in person or online) that each is blessed to hear God's word and must obey it, regardless of how it is presented.
E. Sometimes, the seed works slower than we think it ought to. Some people don't seem to obey. Or, members don't seem to want to be faithful. Is the word of God at fault? Are we to blame God? No, so many blame the preacher. It's his fault.
1. If he's a gospel preacher, and he is preaching the word. Is it his fault that folk don't obey? Illustrate Meeting results.
2. Has he preached the "whole counsel of God?" "Wherefore I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God," Acts 20:26-27.
3. If so, he has "delivered his soul." Let’s hear now God’s charge to Ezekiel and his preaching to the people of God who are now in captivity for not hearing the word of the Lord. Jehovah said,
a. A watchman unto the people: “I have made you a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore, hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.”
b. A warning unto the wicked: “When I say unto the wicked: Thou shalt surely die,"
1) "And thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at thine hand."
2) "Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turns not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul." Jehovah continues, again,
c. A warning to the wayward: "When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die,"
1) "Because thou hast not given him a warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand."
2) “Nevertheless, if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live because he is warned; also, thou hast delivered thy soul," Ezekiel 3:16-21.
d. Conclusion: Preachers, teachers, and leaders: we are all watchmen and must warn the people if we are to save ourselves. In summary,
1) The preacher: “Take heed unto thyself, and to the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee,” 1 Timothy 4:16. Paul warned Timothy.
2) The brethren: “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him: Let him (them) know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins,” James 5:20. James warned the brethren.
3) The apostles: “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I should be a castaway," 1 Corinthians 9:27. Paul speaks of his faithfulness, 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
4) The elders: “Take heed, therefore, unto yourselves, and to all the flock (church), over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he purchased with His blood. For I know this…Also of your selves shall men arise…Therefore watch, and remember…And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which can build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all sanctified," Acts 20:28-32. (Text shorten for brevity). See also 1 Timothy 5:17-20.
5) The saints: “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are
over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them highly in love for their work’s sake. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men,” 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17; and Hebrews 7:24. And be at peace among yourselves.
4. Our lesson will begin earnestly with Jesus discussing the "four types of soil." Up to this time, we were instructed in the sower's work. We were made aware of the power that resides in the seed: the word of God. Now we will consider the hearts of the listeners of the parable who heard the word of truth and are encouraged to respond to it in faith and obedience! Now, let's consider the soil in this parable.
III THE SOIL (THE HEARERS)
A. If the preacher is proclaiming the "whole counsel of God" and folks are not obeying, the fault is in the soil. Never can the seed, the word of God, be at fault. Sometimes, the preacher could be the problem regarding his delivery methods or mannerism. But remember, the power is in the word, the message, not the messenger.
1. It is dishonest to blame the preacher for your lack of faith or unwillingness to obey God. No one else is the blame: but you! Some people judge the church unworthy of its companionship and membership. Sometimes because of the preacher or one of its members. However, down inside, the real problem resides in your heart. You are the problem or the cause of your lack of faith and disobedience.
2. It may be pride, guilt, selfishness, jealousy, stubbornness, or many other reasons. All these things are expressions of the heart. See James 3:14-16.
3. Beloved in the Lord, I am preaching to all of you; but only the “good soil” will hear and obey the word of the Lord. Some have already shown dishonesty and are void of a “good and honest heart.” Some have judged themselves "unworthy of eternal life," Acts 13:46.
NOTE: Illustrate, show me where I'm wrong, and I'll change. You were, but you did not! Why?
4. Are you the sincere and honest person you claim? Remember our Lord: "the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience," Luke 8:15. And Paul: "Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen," Ephesians 6:24.
B. Jesus describes this soil as those who hear his word and obey it. Like Amos of old, "There is a famine in the land for hearers of the word of God," Amos 8:11.
1. Paul wrote: “That the time will come they will not endure sound doctrine – but with itching ears, they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables," 2 Timothy 4:3-5.
2. Paul penned: “They will be enticed by: good words and fair speeches, that will deceive the hearts of the simple,” Romans 16:17-18.
3. And such teachers will not only deceive others; but will also be deceived.
4. Paul again: “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” 1 Timothy 3:13.
C. Discuss the four types of soils. The Lord now gives His apostles the inside story of this parable. To the people, He spake in parables. To them now, He conveys the true meaning of this parable of the kingdom of God. Observe,
1. The "wayside soil" was a heart “void of faith.” Jesus taught: "Those on the wayside are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved,” Luke 8:12. The wayside soil,
a. Heard the word but did not believe it or guard it in their hearts.
b. They were indifferent and indecisive in responding to the "good news."
c. They were void of faith and unable to obey the gospel's truth.
d. They could not commit themselves unto the Lord.
e. Therefore, “the devil taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.” Listen to Jesus: “Lest they should believe and be saved!”
2. The "rocky soil" is one with a "little faith." Jesus taught: “They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away,” Luke 8:13. The rocky soil,
a. Heard the word, believed it, and received it with joy.
b. Their response to the word was more emotional than true conversion.
c. The word did not grow into maturity in their hearts.
d. They were convinced and convicted but not genuinely converted to Christ.
e. Therefore, in times of trial, temptation, and trouble, they fall away from the faith.
3. The "thorny soil" is one of a "weak faith." Jesus taught: “And they which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with the cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection,” Luke 8:14. The thorny soil,
a. Heard the word, maybe believing and obeying it, but were overcome by the world.
b. They perhaps were convicted, convinced, and converted to the message.
c. But they were not truly committed to Christ or His work.
d. They permitted the cares, riches, and pleasures of life: to choke their faith to death!
e. Therefore, they did not bring forth fruit to perfection (but became overburdened by the world).
4. The "good ground" represented a "great faith." Jesus taught: “But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience,” Luke 8:15. The good ground,
a. Heard the word, believed it, obeyed it, and guarded it in their hearts.
b. They responded to the gospel's truth with “a good and honest heart.”
c. They were convinced, convicted, and truly converted to the Lord.
d. They were committed to the work of Christ and the kingdom of God.
e. Therefore, they kept the word, nurtured it in their hearts, and brought forth fruit with patience.
5. Conclusion: I ask this audience again: "What type of soil are you?" We need to be mindful of what the Master taught. The hearer of the word of truth must believe it, receive it, obey it, and bring forth fruit with patience. The good ground was the only soil that remained faithful and productive to Christ. They guarded the word in their hearts, overcame trials, temptations, and troubles that befell them; they kept from their lives the cares, riches, and pleasures of life that they might bring forth fruit to perfection. Indeed, they "were not overcome with evil, but overcame evil and the world with good," Romans 12:21. As we conclude, I ask again, knowing now the real meaning of this parable. I ask,
D. Who’s at fault? Not the minister, not the message, but the hearers of the word. Christ's warning to hear, "take heed how you hear," Matthew 13:18. The bible’s somber warning to all concerning their responsibility for hearing and obeying.
1. Jesus’ application of his sermon on the mount. "Therefore, whosoever heareth these saying of mine, and doeth them," Matthew 7:24-27. (Text shortened for brevity).
2. James wrote to be "doers of the word and not just hearers only," James 1:22.
3. Paul wrote: "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip," Hebrews 2:1-4. (Text shortened for brevity).
4. Conclusion: When the man of God has preached and taught the word of truth unto a sincere believer, nothing will keep them from confessing Christ to be the Son of God and being baptized for the: "remission of sins to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Acts 19:1-7.
NOTE: Illustrate the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is not the baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire, with evidence of speaking in tongues. This baptism occurred with the 12 Apostles on Pentecost, Acts 2:1-18. The gift of the Holy Ghost is promised to all baptized believers, Acts 5:32.
5. To whom does this lesson apply? It applies to all the soil gathered here today. Each member, visitor, and friend are soil.
a. Members. Some have been guilty of murmuring, causing discord, and speaking out against the leadership. You did it behind their backs because you disagreed with them. "Take care, how you hear."
b. Non-members. I encourage you to strive to have a good and honest heart. There are many good people, as determined by their standards of faith. However,
1) Many do not have a "good and honest heart!"
2) We now know what that means because of Jesus' parable.
3) They hear, believe, and obey the gospel.
4) Then they will remain faithful to the Lord and His kingdom.
NOTE: Illustrate Cornelius, and his family, Acts 10. This family obeyed the gospel because they had “good and honest hearts.” This truth is seen in the faith and obedience of Cornelius and his entire household. Again, a good and honest heart will hear, believe, and obey the gospel! There is another group of people we must now discuss. Observe,
c. Some believers rely upon their own "religious experience" rather than an authentic conversion to Christ by sincere faith and obedience to Christ’s gospel message. Let me clarify this point from the Baptist's Manual, the Methodist Discipline, and other men's writing about the term "religious experience.” Stay with me, please. We will consider their words next. I must confess,
d. One’s religious experience. Having such an experience does not mean that person has been saved! I say this because Paul, Cornelius, and the Jailer never claimed their “religious experience” had saved them, Acts 9, 10, 16.
1) At one time, I would speak with disbelief at such claims. Now, I listen to them with kindness and understanding.
2) These experiences are not an assurance that one is saved, even though one could have experienced something unexplainable to themselves and others.
3) Let's consider our last thought in this lesson, which describes an “emotional experience.” That which was described and represented the "little faith." Recall it was "more emotional" than an authentic conversion experience. Consider,
E. Religious experience. Some claim to have had a religious experience (i.e., heard voices, seen an angel, received a revelation, etc.). These experiences - I call a "significant emotional event." I will not argue they did or didn't occur. But surely, this cannot make void what Jesus said: "you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free?" John 8:31-32. Nor of His explanation of the “soil” in His parable of the sower? Let's notice three "significant emotional events" in the Book of Acts. Observe,
1. Paul had a "significant emotional event." He never claimed his salvation was due to his talk with Jesus on the Damascus highway, Acts 9:1-18; Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:1-32. Consider,
a. After Paul had questioned the Lord. The Lord said: "Go into the city, and it will be told thee what thou must do."
b. The Lord did not tell him he was saved or what to do to be saved.
c. This instruction came from Ananias, which included Paul's faith and obedience to the gospel, Acts 9:17-19; Acts 22:16.
2. Cornelius experienced a "significant emotional event." But he never claimed salvation due to his talk with an angel in his house, Acts 10:1-48. Consider,
a. The angel of the Lord said to him: "Send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, who shall tell you words, whereby thou and thy house shall be saved," Acts 11:14.
b. Peter spoke to Cornelius and his household about the message of God's saving grace.
c. He and his entire family were "obedient to the faith," Acts 6:7; Romans 10:16-18.
3. Neither Paul nor Cornelius relied upon their experiences - or "significant emotional event" as proof of their salvation. You cannot rely upon yours if you claim to have had one!
4. The Jailer's “significant emotional event," Acts 16:25-34. The Jailer was awakened out of his sleep at midnight. Observe,
a. He saw the prison doors were opened: "And supposed the prisoners had fled." Why didn't he get up and look? He almost committed suicide. Like many today, they willingly commit spiritual suicide - "supposing that they are saved." Why don't you look for what they believe in the scriptures? Open your bible and find what you believe, John 5:39; Acts 17:11.
b. The Jailer brought Paul and Silas out of the prison cell and asked them: "what must I do to be saved?" In acts 16:30, Paul and Silas instructed him to " believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that he and his entire house can be saved,” Acts 16:31.
c. The Jailer took Paul and Silas to his house, and they taught him and his house the word of the Lord. The same "hour of the night he and all his house was baptized straightway," Acts 16:32-34. Neither of these obedient believers ever professed that their "religious experience" saved them. They all had a "good and honest heart." After hearing the gospel and believing it, they were all baptized to complete their obedience to the gospel message. You must do the same thing! I recall my prayer at the mourner's bench. Notice,
5. The "mourner’s bench experience." Or coming forward to be prayed over by the Pastor and reciting the "sinner's prayer" for forgiveness. Many have claimed a similar experience at their altar call or prayer of forgiveness.
a. The Pastor finally came to me. I confessed that "I prayed through." After crying unto God on my knees. He asked: “Do you believe God, for Jesus Christ's sake: has forgiven you of your sins?”
b. I answered: "yes, I do." This prayer was my "significant emotional event." And for years, I believed I was saved by this prayer to God.
c. Only to learn later I had relied on my significant emotional event and had not believed and obeyed the gospel of Christ. And here is why,
NOTE: Hiscox Guide (for Baptist Ministers) contained these comments about the “Christian experience, saving faith, baptism, and the forgiveness” of sins without faith and obedience to the gospel. It reads,
1) First, “Baptism may not be necessary to salvation, but it is essential to obedience.”
2) Further, "We utterly repudiate the dogma of baptism for the remission of sins."
3) Next, “Baptism is to be administered to those, and to those only, who have exercised and professed saving faith in Christ; that is, to believers (already saved).”
4) Finally, "Baptism, therefore, is an act of obedience, but it possesses no power to remit sin, to change the heart, or to sanctify the spirit." All these quotes are the writings of men. They are not in the bible! Consider,
d. In denominationalism (Baptist and Methodist beliefs), the saved are baptized because they claim to (profess a saving faith in Christ), thus, already forgiven of their sins.
1) They teach and believe the word: "for" in Acts 2:38 means "because." Baptism is done "because of the remission of sins." They reject the teaching of “baptism for the remission of sins.”
2) Therefore, to them, “baptism is an outward sign of inward grace.” [It possesses no power to remit sin, to change the heart, or to sanctify the spirit.]
3) Baptism is administered only to the saved believers: to announce their walk with Christ and union with their denomination. (Don't take my word for this, ask your preacher!)
4) Denominations do not teach or believe that: “Baptism is necessary for salvation” or "to receive the remission (forgiveness) of sins," as taught and practiced in the "first-century" church.
e. In the Christian System (the truth that makes one free), sinners are baptized "for the remission of sins," Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16.
1) This is part of the “apostles’ doctrine.” Acts 2:42.
2) This is that “truth which is after godliness;” and that “form of doctrine;” which makes one “free from their sins,” Titus 1:1-3; Titus 3:4-7; Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22. Amen, brother Usher.
NOTE: Download our lesson entitled: Baptism "for" or "because" of Remission. By Ron Freeman, Evangelist from SermonCentral.com. It refutes this denominational error.
3) You too must understand the difference. We desire that all people obey the gospel of Christ. That Christ might set them free from all their sins, John 8:31-36; Romans 6:17-18. Before I conclude, let me review what we have discussed….
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. The Sower (The Preacher)
2. The Seed (The Word of God)
3. The Soil (The Hearers)
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, Jesus described the sower in this parable. He said: "a man went forth to sow seed in a field," Luke 8:5. After that, his job was done. Ministers and teachers are all Sowers of the word. We may plant or water, but the job of raising the plant is the work of God. Members and ministers are often discouraged when they see loved ones and friends continually visiting, listening to the word of God, but never obeying. Today we learned why! And consider just what the responsibilities of the sowers entail. Paul speaks to the questions of the prophet Esaias. "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who believed our report" Romans 10:16? Further, he asks: "But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world," Romans 10:18.
2. Next, Jesus described the seed sown in the fields. It is the word of God. It is a precious seed, the seed of the kingdom of God. The Lord has placed the life of every seed within itself. God's word is accurate, "quick and powerful," Hebrews 4:12. It is "the spirit that quickeneth…these words I speak unto you," John 6:63. And we have His eternal promise, "So shall the word be that goeth forth from my mouth, it shall not return unto me void, but it will accomplish which I please, and prosper in the things whereto I send it," Isaiah 55:11. Jesus said: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall never pass away," Matthew 24:35. And somehow, even with uncontrollable odds it always finds root in the "good and honest heart."
3. Finally, our Lord explained the soil. The soil was pictured as four types of hearts. Each, in their way, represents the believer, the hearer, as they progress in faith. The "wayside soil" was void of faith; because "the devil came and stole the word from his heart, lest he should believe and be saved." The "rocky soil" is one with a "little faith" because it lacked roots, "he believed for a while and in time of temptation fell away." The "thorny soil" is one of a "weak faith." It is involved in the activities of the world and became choked with the "cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and did not bring forth fruit to perfection." And lastly, there is the "good ground," which represents a "great faith" where the word fell on receptive hearts, which "having heard it, kept it, and brought forth fruit with patience." I now ask this audience, "what type of soil are you?" Only God knows!
C. Invitation. What kind of Sowers are we? As ministers, we ought to walk "giving no offense in anything that the ministry be not blamed," 2 Corinthians 6:3. Be an example, 1 Timothy 4:12. We should not handle the word of God "deceitfully, dishonestly or in craftiness," 2 Corinthians 4:2. We must "rightly divide the word of truth," 2 Timothy 2:15. Remember the power of the written word, and its condemnation, John 12:48. As believers "we ought to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath," James 1:19. [Explain the pattern of conversion, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God; and then, by obeying the gospel; that is to: “repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38; Romans 6:17-18; Ephesians 1:12-14.]
D. Exhortation. Let it not be said of us: “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved,” Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: “Save thyself from this untoward (wicked and ungodly) generation,” Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Credits and Contributions.
I give credit to my contributors; I, therefore: "Render to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor, (is due)," Romans 13:7. I thank and acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors in this lesson.
References.
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory, and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
7. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
8. Merriam-Webster Online Thesaurus © 2015 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated; Springfield, Massachusetts, 01105.
9. Smith's Bible Dictionary, William Smith, Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Printing 1884.
10. The Hebrew-Greek Key Study Bible, King James Version, by Spiros Zodhiates, Th, D., AMG Publishers, Chattanooga, TN, U.S.A., Third Printing, May 1994.
11. New Revised Standard Version Holy Bible, Copyright 1989, Published by Zondervan, 3900 Sparks Dr., SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
Worldwide Ministry Church of Christ.org
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org
https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
Contact me at: wwmcoc@earthlink.net
or refreeman@earthlink.net
Sermon updated: 11/29/2022.
Visit and worship with the Church of Christ at Pickensville, AL, every Sunday at 11:00 AM and Wednesday at 6:00 PM. The call-in number is: 1-302-202-1110, Pin # is 214733. These men and women “know the Shepherd!”
