Title: Parable of the Sower (4)
Contents
Parable of sowing seeds (4) (Matthew 13:18-23)
The lesson about the kingdom of God through the parable of the sower shows that the seeds that fell on good soil eventually bear much fruit. As the saying goes, “They are in the good soil, those who hear the word with an honest and good heart, keep it, and bear fruit with patience.” He showed the attitude and attitude of the human heart toward God’s word. Just as a farmer sows a field in order to obtain much fruit, God desires to bear much fruit, is pleased with it, and gives abundantly to those who ask for it (John 15:16).
What does it mean that the seed (the Word of God) fell into the good soil (a good and good heart)? What should be the attitude toward God's Word (seed) in order to bear fruit abundantly? And what's the result?
1. Seeds that fell on good soil
The sower sowed regardless of the shape of the field. Many fields did not allow the seed sown to take root and grow and bear fruit, but the good soil eventually grew and produced fruit. What is the lesson of this parable? First, he instructs that the gospel of the kingdom of God should be preached to all people. God wants all people to hear and believe in God's Word and be saved. Therefore, regardless of season or out of season, we must diligently preach the word of the gospel of God. Second, the gospel of the kingdom teaches that all people must hear, but salvation of eternal life must be those who believe and act according to God's will. Man's salvation is the result of responding to the gospel of God's grace. Third, he instructs that he is responsible for God's gospel of the kingdom. You must know that it is not God's responsibility that a person fails to reach salvation, but his own.
2. The way to bear fruit abundantly
First, it is to listen to the word of God with complete faith. Because faith comes from hearing, and salvation comes through faith (Romans 10:17), you must listen with a good heart and a clear conscience. Second, we must receive the Word with a gentle heart (Mark 4:20). Just as a seed must be sown in the ground, when the Word is received, it lives and works in the believer (1 Thessalonians 2:3). When we receive it as the word of faith (Romans 10:8) and receive it as Amen, we are glorified to God (2 Corinthians 1:20) and bear much fruit. Third, we must understand the Word (Matthew 13:23). It is grace to understand correctly. It is useless if you do not understand it (Psalm 49:20). When you ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, you will realize it (Acts 8:31) and bear abundant fruit (Col 1:6). Fourth, it bears fruit through patience (Luke 8:15). Through perseverance, you will be perfected (James 1:4), you will receive promises (Hebrews 10:6), you will receive blessings (James 5:11), and you will bear abundant fruit. Fifth, we must keep the Word. If you keep it, you will be blessed (James 1:25). Blessed are those who read, hear and keep (Rev 1:3).
3. The result of the seed falling on good soil
As a result of the seed sown on good soil, some 30 times, or 60 times, or 100 times of fruit was reaped. A life of meditating on the Word of God day and night will surely bear abundant fruit (Psalm 1:2-3). However, if the state of mind for God's word is not perfect, the fruit cannot be harvested abundantly. First, each will reap fruit according to the measure of their faith. The amount of fruit is different depending on the measure of faith. Second, it shows that good soil will reap what you sow (Galatians 6:7-8). Whatever you sow, you will reap. Third, it shows the mercy and righteousness of God (James 5:11). Just as teaching is taught through the parable of the sowing of seeds, the secret of the kingdom of heaven makes us realize that it works according to the state of man's heart toward God's Word. The law of sowing and reaping is the secret of heaven. We must renew our hearts in order to reap abundant fruit. There must be a change of character.
To meditate on the Word and share
1. Why should seeds be sown in several fields?
2. What does good land mean?
3. What is the evidence of how many times the fruit was harvested?