RESULTS OF GOD’S WORD SOWN
In a parable of a sower, the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of seeds sown on the grounds of people’s hearts. Some seeds was said to fall on good ground; others, on unproductive ground. (Luke 8:4-15). For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness (Romans 10:10)
THE WORD UNDERSTOOD
By Jesus giving the meaning of the parable, people have an opportunity to examine themselves and become more productive for God. THE LORD SAID, THIS IS THE MEANING OF THE PARABLE:
THE SEED IS THE WORD OF GOD: (The Scriptures say people should live by every word of God–Matthew 4:4).
SOME SEED FALL ALONG THE PATH. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
SOME SEED FALL ON ROCKY GROUND. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.
SOME SEED FALL AMONG THORNS. 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.
SOME SEED LAND ON GOOD GROUND. The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
RESPONDING POSITIVELY TO THE WORD
We all have opportunity to respond positively to the Word and be productive for God, be blessed.
- If we have not already done so, we may repent and believe in the only begotten Son of God and be saved from our sins (John 3:16).
- While we may be among those who are saved—we recognize our righteousness is of Jesus Christ and not ourselves (Philippians 3:9). We have not yet arrived at our heaven home where we will be completely changed into the likeness of our Lord (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2). We still have areas of imperfection that we can continue to work on (Philippians 3:13-14; Hebrew 12:1).
- We can ask the Holy Spirit to check our lives and hearts, like the Lord’s psalmist David did, to see where we may fall short; and ask him to “renew a right spirit” in us as he sees needed (Psalm 51:10).
- Being led and enabled by the Spirit, this may help us in sowing seeds of the Word to bring others to Christ (Mark 16:15-16; Matthew 9:37). Although we do not know the hearts of others, we believe that in sowing the Word of salvation through Jesus Christ, the Spirit who knows everyone’s heart is able draw people to the Lord by the gospel (John 16:8-9).
While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent us. For might is coming, when no one can work (John 9:4; 6:29).
What we do for our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, he has assured us we will receive a hundred times its value in this world–and in the age to come eternal life in heaven with God (Mark 10:30; John 14:2-3).
