WEBVTT 00:00:00.280 --> 00:00:05.379 Good evening, everyone. It's lovely to be with you. I think I know most of you here, 00:00:05.459 --> 00:00:10.779 but for anyone who doesn't know me, I'm Aaron, as was introduced, and I'm a member here in 00:00:10.779 --> 00:00:15.339 the church, and I have the privilege tonight of opening God's Word with you. And especially 00:00:15.339 --> 00:00:19.679 tonight, as this is the first in a new series that we're going to be going through in the 00:00:19.679 --> 00:00:25.240 evenings, a new series in Luke, specifically looking at the parables as we go through the 00:00:25.239 --> 00:00:32.939 book. The passage today is in chapter 8 and verses 4 to 15. Thanks, Johnny, for reading 00:00:32.939 --> 00:00:39.259 that. I hope no one here has ever been in a situation where they've had to use a duress 00:00:39.259 --> 00:00:46.939 code, as they're typically only used in dangerous and hostage-type situations. So if you do know 00:00:46.939 --> 00:00:51.140 what they are, I do hope it's only from films you've seen or books you've read. If you're 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:55.799 not sure what a duress code is, it's when you need to get a message to somebody, an important 00:00:55.799 --> 00:01:00.500 message to tell them something, but you don't want anybody listening in to know what the 00:01:00.500 --> 00:01:07.120 true meaning is. For example, during the war, the World War II, when British agents were 00:01:07.120 --> 00:01:11.299 undercover in Europe, if they were going to visit another safe house, they would call ahead, 00:01:11.939 --> 00:01:16.019 and if it was okay on the other end, the agent on the other end of the phone would say, 00:01:16.019 --> 00:01:21.259 no, I'm busy. And that was the signal that it was all clear. Whereas if they were actually 00:01:21.259 --> 00:01:25.679 in danger or they were held at gunpoint, they would say something like, yes, come on over. 00:01:26.299 --> 00:01:31.399 So that was the sign that actually things weren't okay, but anybody listening in, for example, 00:01:31.479 --> 00:01:36.959 the enemy, they would think that that was an innocuous, a normal response, but in fact, 00:01:37.039 --> 00:01:42.780 it was actually a distress signal. I also believe that airline pilots have a verbal hijack 00:01:42.780 --> 00:01:47.420 code so that they can let anybody in ground control know what's going on without actually 00:01:47.420 --> 00:01:51.879 having to alert any of the hijackers what's going on and that they're calling it in. 00:01:53.000 --> 00:01:57.719 Anyway, these are just examples of being able to say something to someone, and yet to anybody 00:01:57.719 --> 00:02:02.299 listening in, it means something quite different, which is something that we're going to see happen 00:02:02.299 --> 00:02:08.699 in the passage today, as the Lord Jesus does. As he begins to speak in parables, he's speaking 00:02:08.699 --> 00:02:15.539 to everyone, but the truth in his words are only being revealed to some. He who has ears to hear, 00:02:15.719 --> 00:02:23.939 let him hear. And it's really all about our response to hearing the gospel. So just for a bit of 00:02:23.939 --> 00:02:30.780 scene setting and context, this is an important passage in the Lord's ministry, an important moment, 00:02:30.780 --> 00:02:38.060 as it really marks a change. Jesus had begun his ministry by preaching on the mount first, 00:02:38.439 --> 00:02:45.080 and he preached very practically about life and how to live what he was teaching. And then after that, 00:02:45.180 --> 00:02:51.319 he went and demonstrated his power in the form of miracles, where he cleansed a paralytic, a leper, 00:02:51.860 --> 00:02:58.580 he calmed a storm in the sea, and he even removed the demons from a possessed man. He was able to show 00:02:58.580 --> 00:03:04.500 them that he had power not only over people and illnesses, but over the natural elements as well. 00:03:05.400 --> 00:03:10.400 And what he was doing is he was showing that there is power in his words, particularly to the doubters 00:03:10.400 --> 00:03:17.320 of the day, who thought he was, particularly those who felt he was falsely claiming to be who he said 00:03:17.320 --> 00:03:24.880 he was. But now he very deliberately begins to speak and teach in parables. And this one in particular 00:03:24.879 --> 00:03:30.519 is the first parable. It's recorded in all of the first three gospels, and he uses this one also 00:03:30.519 --> 00:03:39.060 to then explain to the disciples afterwards why he's doing that. I would split up the passage like 00:03:39.060 --> 00:03:44.539 this. I think the first section is from verses 4 to 8, and that's really the parable of the sower. 00:03:44.759 --> 00:03:51.379 That is him telling the story. Then in verses 9 and 10, he explains the purpose of parables. 00:03:51.379 --> 00:03:57.439 And then in verses 11 to 15, the Lord gives his interpretation of the parable. 00:03:58.359 --> 00:04:05.159 So that was the parable of the sower, verses 4 to 8. And he gives the purpose of parables in verses 9 to 10. 00:04:05.599 --> 00:04:09.139 And then in 11 to 15, he gives his interpretation of the parable. 00:04:10.780 --> 00:04:15.519 So from verse 4, or really from verse 5, we have his explaining of the parable of the sower, 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:21.879 which at first reads fairly simply about what would have been a common occurrence in these days, 00:04:21.960 --> 00:04:26.139 particularly in these parts. I'm not sure about today. I don't know if there's any farmers in. 00:04:26.400 --> 00:04:31.639 I myself is not a farmer. But the story is fairly simple to understand what's going on here. 00:04:32.180 --> 00:04:35.120 So the sower is sowing his seed. It would have been by hand, I imagine. 00:04:35.800 --> 00:04:38.860 And there are four different ground types that are described. 00:04:38.860 --> 00:04:43.500 And as the seed lands on each kind, there is a very different result, 00:04:44.259 --> 00:04:47.439 which at first seems simple enough, and it makes sense on a surface read. 00:04:48.280 --> 00:04:52.020 So the first seed we have here in verse 5, it lands on the path. 00:04:52.740 --> 00:04:55.240 The path wouldn't have been necessarily a paved path, 00:04:55.340 --> 00:04:58.139 but it would have been the area that you walk along beside the fields. 00:04:58.740 --> 00:05:02.220 It's likely they wouldn't have had sort of built up fences to separate different fields, 00:05:02.400 --> 00:05:06.280 but everybody would have known where one person's patch ended and started. 00:05:06.279 --> 00:05:09.179 And when everybody walked along, it would have formed a kind of, 00:05:09.359 --> 00:05:12.239 the constant footpath would have formed a hard packed pathway. 00:05:13.259 --> 00:05:17.379 So obviously any seed that found its way onto that pathway would have had no soft soil. 00:05:17.779 --> 00:05:20.539 And it couldn't bed, and it would have just lay there. 00:05:20.719 --> 00:05:24.739 And so it says the birds came and ate them, or devoured them, it even says. 00:05:26.919 --> 00:05:31.039 And then the next group of seeds in verse 6, it lands on the rocky ground, 00:05:31.139 --> 00:05:33.919 where there was some soil, but only a thin layer. 00:05:33.920 --> 00:05:38.580 So the seed sprouted up quickly, but because it was only a thin layer of soil, 00:05:38.759 --> 00:05:41.960 it wasn't able to grow deep roots, had no solid foundation, 00:05:42.220 --> 00:05:46.819 and so when the sun came up, it scorched it, and the seed withered away. 00:05:48.560 --> 00:05:51.340 And then in verse 7, there were the seeds that landed on the thorny ground. 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:56.160 Here the seed itself started growing well, but the real growth was impossible, 00:05:56.300 --> 00:05:59.720 because it was intertwined in the presence of thorns. 00:05:59.720 --> 00:06:04.000 And as the seed grew, the thorns choked it and killed it off. 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:09.120 And then finally in verse 8, we have the seed that landed on good ground, 00:06:09.800 --> 00:06:15.080 fertile ground, unaffected by any of the adversities that obstructed the others, 00:06:15.520 --> 00:06:19.300 and so it was able to sprout and yield a good crop a hundredfold, 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:22.040 or a hundred times more than what was originally sown. 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:26.760 And then the Lord says this interesting and important statement, 00:06:27.640 --> 00:06:30.280 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 00:06:31.780 --> 00:06:34.660 Which even the disciples didn't actually understand initially, 00:06:34.800 --> 00:06:38.520 and so they ask him, and he explains why, why he said that, 00:06:38.580 --> 00:06:40.680 and why he is now speaking in parables. 00:06:41.860 --> 00:06:45.560 So this is this key verse here in verse, it's really in verse 10. 00:06:45.700 --> 00:06:47.820 After the disciples ask him what's going on, he said, 00:06:47.819 --> 00:06:49.819 He says in verse 10, 00:06:49.920 --> 00:06:53.959 The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, 00:06:54.459 --> 00:06:56.379 but to others I speak in parables, 00:06:56.959 --> 00:06:59.139 so that though seeing they may not see, 00:06:59.939 --> 00:07:02.579 and though hearing they may not understand. 00:07:04.079 --> 00:07:06.319 There's quite a lot in just those few verses, 00:07:06.500 --> 00:07:07.980 but I want to unpack it just a little bit. 00:07:08.620 --> 00:07:12.740 And I think it's interesting how Luke explains this compared to the other Gospels. 00:07:13.019 --> 00:07:14.680 Luke is very brief and to the point, 00:07:15.060 --> 00:07:17.439 as is his orderly account of the whole Gospel. 00:07:18.279 --> 00:07:21.300 But I think what he's saying here is that he's speaking in parables 00:07:21.300 --> 00:07:23.219 to conceal what he's saying from some, 00:07:23.560 --> 00:07:25.339 while also revealing it to others. 00:07:25.740 --> 00:07:27.399 He's calling it the secrets of the kingdom. 00:07:27.980 --> 00:07:29.259 So he's revealing them to some, 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:31.800 but keeping the secrets concealed at the same time. 00:07:32.219 --> 00:07:33.659 This includes to the disciples, 00:07:33.860 --> 00:07:36.100 who didn't actually understand it either, 00:07:36.339 --> 00:07:38.139 until he explained it to them afterwards. 00:07:39.120 --> 00:07:40.240 You'll also maybe note, 00:07:40.339 --> 00:07:41.959 depending on what kind of Bible you're looking at, 00:07:42.079 --> 00:07:44.939 the end of verse 10 is in quotations. 00:07:44.939 --> 00:07:49.219 So this part here is actually a direct quote from Isaiah. 00:07:50.160 --> 00:07:52.800 And I think by using that direct quote, 00:07:52.920 --> 00:07:53.860 what he's doing is, 00:07:54.360 --> 00:07:57.980 he's showing that he is now fulfilling that prophecy 00:07:57.980 --> 00:07:59.899 that Isaiah gave hundreds of years before. 00:08:00.339 --> 00:08:03.019 And it also shows that what he is now teaching and saying 00:08:03.019 --> 00:08:06.339 is consistent with what Isaiah said hundreds of years before, 00:08:06.920 --> 00:08:10.079 as it sort of confirming that there's consistency 00:08:10.079 --> 00:08:13.579 all the way through the Bible, Old Testament and New Testament. 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:17.500 It's also showing that parables are complex. 00:08:18.139 --> 00:08:19.500 Like there are many layers deep. 00:08:19.939 --> 00:08:22.439 In fact, so that even children can understand 00:08:22.439 --> 00:08:23.899 and get learning and benefit from them. 00:08:24.039 --> 00:08:26.719 I mean, they're very often used as Sunday school stories. 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:28.439 But what he's also saying is, 00:08:28.500 --> 00:08:30.079 they do conceal much deeper truths. 00:08:30.419 --> 00:08:32.860 So that for anybody who wants to understand, 00:08:32.960 --> 00:08:33.819 across the ages, 00:08:34.019 --> 00:08:36.379 he's not saying something that they aren't able to. 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:40.639 This is an encouragement also for Christians, 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:43.259 in case they feel disheartened after sharing 00:08:43.259 --> 00:08:45.539 what they believe to be true with someone 00:08:45.539 --> 00:08:47.460 and not necessarily seeing the response 00:08:47.460 --> 00:08:48.919 or the results that they're looking for. 00:08:50.620 --> 00:08:53.259 And even for those of us who do understand the gospel, 00:08:54.019 --> 00:08:56.480 it reminds us that there is always more to learn. 00:08:57.559 --> 00:09:00.740 We must just continue to seek the knowledge 00:09:00.740 --> 00:09:03.100 and then the Spirit can reveal it to us. 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:05.920 The people here, including the disciples, 00:09:06.460 --> 00:09:07.759 they had to ask questions 00:09:07.759 --> 00:09:09.279 if they wanted to understand more. 00:09:09.980 --> 00:09:10.820 And so do we. 00:09:10.899 --> 00:09:11.980 That's the same for us today. 00:09:12.100 --> 00:09:14.180 There is so much about God 00:09:14.180 --> 00:09:16.639 that we will never know or understand 00:09:16.639 --> 00:09:17.540 while on this earth. 00:09:17.620 --> 00:09:19.240 But with the desire to learn more, 00:09:19.779 --> 00:09:22.360 he will reveal himself more to us. 00:09:23.060 --> 00:09:25.480 This is why things like hearing, 00:09:25.820 --> 00:09:26.800 coming to church is important, 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:29.360 but also discipleship and fellowship with each other. 00:09:29.779 --> 00:09:30.879 Smaller Bible studies, 00:09:31.180 --> 00:09:32.440 the one-to-ones, home groups. 00:09:32.440 --> 00:09:36.020 These opportunities to really study the Word 00:09:36.020 --> 00:09:37.900 and ask questions together are really important. 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:41.280 And yet, despite all that, 00:09:41.360 --> 00:09:43.160 the seed can be sown within our hearts 00:09:43.160 --> 00:09:46.680 so that even a child can understand their position before God. 00:09:47.340 --> 00:09:49.320 A hopeless sinner in need of a Savior. 00:09:50.160 --> 00:09:52.360 And the way to rectify it, it's not complicated. 00:09:53.340 --> 00:09:57.100 Simply accepting your position as a sinner in God's eyes 00:09:57.100 --> 00:10:00.680 and accepting and believing that Jesus' sacrifice 00:10:00.680 --> 00:10:02.659 is enough to forgive you in God's sight, 00:10:03.159 --> 00:10:04.820 that is enough to be saved. 00:10:05.740 --> 00:10:08.779 We recognize that even though once planted, 00:10:08.980 --> 00:10:10.159 before there can be growth, 00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:13.820 a seed that is so needs to be looked after, 00:10:14.340 --> 00:10:18.700 fed, watered, cared for spiritually, open to prep. 00:10:18.700 --> 00:10:22.820 Although placing your faith in Jesus is a simple step, 00:10:23.160 --> 00:10:24.600 it's a hugely significant one, 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:25.740 one for your life, 00:10:25.879 --> 00:10:27.400 and it is not to be taken blind 00:10:27.400 --> 00:10:30.120 or as an uninformed decision. 00:10:30.120 --> 00:10:37.600 And then, from verse 11 to the end of the passage in verse 15, 00:10:37.960 --> 00:10:40.519 is the Lord giving His interpretation of the parable. 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:43.460 It explains the different responses 00:10:43.460 --> 00:10:45.060 that people have towards the Gospel, 00:10:45.820 --> 00:10:47.940 specifically four very different responses 00:10:47.940 --> 00:10:49.759 from four different causes, 00:10:50.080 --> 00:10:52.120 giving four different results. 00:10:52.919 --> 00:10:54.399 But just before we get into those, 00:10:54.840 --> 00:10:57.620 there are three key elements in this parable 00:10:57.620 --> 00:11:00.139 that I think are important to know first 00:11:00.139 --> 00:11:01.480 as they're really essential 00:11:01.480 --> 00:11:05.200 to understanding the application of this to us today. 00:11:08.539 --> 00:11:10.179 And so there in verse 11, 00:11:10.620 --> 00:11:12.940 we have the first key aspect 00:11:12.940 --> 00:11:15.039 in explaining this parable, 00:11:15.159 --> 00:11:18.060 and that is what the seed itself is symbolizing, 00:11:18.700 --> 00:11:20.240 which was the word. 00:11:20.679 --> 00:11:22.440 The word of the kingdom, 00:11:22.940 --> 00:11:24.100 which might also be called the Gospel, 00:11:24.560 --> 00:11:26.340 or we often call it just the Good News. 00:11:26.340 --> 00:11:28.340 But I would suggest it goes further 00:11:28.340 --> 00:11:31.120 and is applicable to all of the expanded teaching 00:11:31.120 --> 00:11:33.139 and spoken word of the Lord Jesus. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:37.259 A seed, depending on what you have in your imagination, 00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:38.860 is probably something similar. 00:11:39.040 --> 00:11:41.759 It's something very small and innocuous on its own 00:11:41.759 --> 00:11:44.139 and in isolation, just like words are. 00:11:45.240 --> 00:11:48.000 Except when that seed is planted and cared for, 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:51.019 then a seed is actually in possession of great power, 00:11:51.420 --> 00:11:53.379 as it can sprout and grow 00:11:53.379 --> 00:11:55.220 and transform into something amazing 00:11:55.220 --> 00:11:57.980 and unrecognizable from what it was before. 00:11:59.179 --> 00:12:00.379 This is the word of God. 00:12:01.299 --> 00:12:03.200 The work that it can do in the human heart 00:12:03.200 --> 00:12:05.039 when it is planted and accepted 00:12:05.039 --> 00:12:06.379 is mighty and wonderful 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:08.240 and completely transformative. 00:12:09.379 --> 00:12:10.220 Like a seed, 00:12:10.379 --> 00:12:12.379 which can end up growing into a huge tree 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:14.659 and bear fruit and sustain life 00:12:14.659 --> 00:12:16.580 and then produce more trees and more fruit, 00:12:16.879 --> 00:12:19.320 so does the word of God in human lives. 00:12:19.320 --> 00:12:21.500 But it can only happen 00:12:21.500 --> 00:12:23.860 when we really get to know him and his word. 00:12:25.300 --> 00:12:27.820 The gospel truth cannot be fully understood 00:12:27.820 --> 00:12:28.900 or appreciated 00:12:28.900 --> 00:12:31.580 unless we really know who Jesus is, 00:12:31.900 --> 00:12:35.060 which we find out about as is revealed in his word. 00:12:36.120 --> 00:12:37.620 And for anyone who is a Christian, 00:12:38.240 --> 00:12:40.640 then it's on them to be the ones sharing the seed 00:12:40.640 --> 00:12:43.300 and showing others who this man Jesus is 00:12:43.300 --> 00:12:46.040 and why his word can transform them. 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:48.059 Which brings us to this next element, 00:12:48.299 --> 00:12:49.559 which is in the parable, 00:12:49.719 --> 00:12:50.740 which is who is the sower? 00:12:52.279 --> 00:12:54.159 So the sower is the person 00:12:54.159 --> 00:12:55.319 who's proclaiming the gospel 00:12:55.319 --> 00:12:56.839 and sharing God's word. 00:12:57.399 --> 00:12:59.120 So in this particular context, 00:12:59.339 --> 00:13:02.120 the Lord was obviously speaking about himself as a sower, 00:13:02.659 --> 00:13:04.559 but it can be any one of his followers. 00:13:07.179 --> 00:13:08.079 The sower, 00:13:09.179 --> 00:13:10.899 any one of his followers then or now. 00:13:11.379 --> 00:13:13.719 And so anybody who faithfully shares the gospel 00:13:13.720 --> 00:13:16.840 to those who do not yet know the Lord for themselves 00:13:16.840 --> 00:13:19.019 can see themselves as the sower 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:21.820 and recognize the duty that we have to sow, 00:13:22.180 --> 00:13:22.600 to share, 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:23.740 to tell others. 00:13:24.540 --> 00:13:25.540 And there's also, 00:13:25.779 --> 00:13:25.960 I think, 00:13:26.000 --> 00:13:26.720 important to say 00:13:26.720 --> 00:13:28.920 there's nothing particularly special about the sower. 00:13:29.080 --> 00:13:30.800 There's no qualifications required 00:13:30.800 --> 00:13:32.940 other than being saved. 00:13:33.100 --> 00:13:35.139 It's about the seed that they're sharing. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:36.180 It's about the truth. 00:13:36.620 --> 00:13:38.000 The truth of the word of God, 00:13:38.120 --> 00:13:39.379 that is where the power is. 00:13:39.800 --> 00:13:42.259 And we are merely the messenger trying to share. 00:13:42.259 --> 00:13:47.179 I think some people can often feel unqualified, 00:13:47.439 --> 00:13:49.399 like you need to be a pastor 00:13:49.399 --> 00:13:52.139 or have some degree to share the gospel, 00:13:52.240 --> 00:13:52.860 but that's not true. 00:13:53.539 --> 00:13:55.379 It's often the newest converts, 00:13:55.580 --> 00:13:56.299 the newest Christians, 00:13:56.419 --> 00:13:58.139 who actually have some of the strongest witness, 00:13:58.500 --> 00:13:59.559 because people who know them 00:13:59.559 --> 00:14:03.279 can see the immediate change in our lives. 00:14:03.659 --> 00:14:05.259 I've often found myself, 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:07.939 sometimes it can feel like 00:14:07.939 --> 00:14:09.340 you don't know all the answers, 00:14:09.500 --> 00:14:11.220 so you're almost scared to get into the conversation. 00:14:11.220 --> 00:14:12.340 You're not sure what to say, 00:14:12.440 --> 00:14:13.860 but if you can really just articulate 00:14:13.860 --> 00:14:15.320 what God means to you 00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:16.399 and how he's changed your life, 00:14:16.460 --> 00:14:19.060 then that is enough to share with others. 00:14:20.120 --> 00:14:22.000 I think it's also important here to say 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:24.639 that the seed has not changed through time. 00:14:25.200 --> 00:14:27.759 We don't now proclaim and preach a different message 00:14:27.759 --> 00:14:28.860 than what's in the Bible 00:14:28.860 --> 00:14:30.560 or than what Jesus taught. 00:14:30.660 --> 00:14:34.120 It's as true and applicable now as it was then. 00:14:34.120 --> 00:14:39.519 And that's also why we can't get too disheartened 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:42.539 by a seemingly disappointing response 00:14:42.539 --> 00:14:43.639 when we share it. 00:14:44.259 --> 00:14:45.379 It doesn't mean that there's an issue 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:46.580 with the sower, with you, 00:14:47.519 --> 00:14:48.240 or with a lack, 00:14:48.700 --> 00:14:49.899 or it doesn't mean that there's 00:14:49.899 --> 00:14:52.179 a lack of effectiveness of power in the seed, 00:14:52.740 --> 00:14:54.399 but it's with the soil itself. 00:14:54.820 --> 00:14:56.639 And we're going to come to that in just a minute. 00:14:57.919 --> 00:15:00.060 We can't be consumed with trying to predict 00:15:00.059 --> 00:15:01.439 and then analyzing the outcome 00:15:01.439 --> 00:15:03.159 of our sharing of the word, 00:15:03.439 --> 00:15:04.539 but rather just trust 00:15:04.539 --> 00:15:07.219 that in faithfully scattering the seed, 00:15:07.599 --> 00:15:09.279 that which the Lord intends 00:15:09.279 --> 00:15:10.519 will yield a crop. 00:15:11.839 --> 00:15:12.500 And obviously, 00:15:12.639 --> 00:15:15.179 while there's a clear evangelistic theme here, 00:15:15.239 --> 00:15:16.799 there's also a challenge for the Christian 00:15:16.799 --> 00:15:18.319 as we look at our own lives. 00:15:19.879 --> 00:15:22.819 Are we continuing to sow and nourish 00:15:22.819 --> 00:15:25.099 and water the word of God in our own life? 00:15:26.939 --> 00:15:29.059 I think it's quite common to read this passage 00:15:29.059 --> 00:15:31.279 and maybe be overly familiar with it, 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:33.039 but also just associate yourselves 00:15:33.039 --> 00:15:34.199 into one of the scenarios 00:15:34.199 --> 00:15:35.799 and think that that's final 00:15:35.799 --> 00:15:37.000 and that there's no room 00:15:37.000 --> 00:15:38.779 to see something of a few of them 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:39.479 in our lives. 00:15:42.719 --> 00:15:44.819 Even though if we're saved 00:15:44.819 --> 00:15:46.479 or if you consider yourself a Christian, 00:15:46.679 --> 00:15:48.619 it is so easy, isn't it, 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:50.359 to be consumed with our own lives, 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:52.599 whether it's our family, work, hobbies, 00:15:53.179 --> 00:15:53.679 the news. 00:15:54.939 --> 00:15:57.179 And if we don't continually prioritize 00:15:57.179 --> 00:15:59.319 spending time in the word of God, 00:16:00.139 --> 00:16:02.639 it can result in us either just coasting 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:05.219 or even slowly drifting away 00:16:05.219 --> 00:16:07.879 without realizing that we are no longer growing 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:09.019 in the things of God. 00:16:09.599 --> 00:16:11.739 We need to be watching out for this 00:16:11.739 --> 00:16:15.079 and not letting too much get in the way 00:16:15.079 --> 00:16:17.679 of our spending time with him and his word 00:16:17.679 --> 00:16:19.539 because it can have a really negative effect 00:16:19.539 --> 00:16:21.240 on our relationship with him 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:23.959 and it can be dangerous for our spiritual health. 00:16:23.960 --> 00:16:27.740 We need to sow God's word into our hearts 00:16:27.740 --> 00:16:29.360 repeatedly and regularly 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:32.320 so that it continually grow in us as well 00:16:32.320 --> 00:16:33.440 and so that we can bear fruit 00:16:33.440 --> 00:16:35.700 and nourish it and not neglect it. 00:16:36.980 --> 00:16:38.019 And then finally, the soil. 00:16:38.519 --> 00:16:40.139 The soil, if you haven't sussed already, 00:16:40.200 --> 00:16:41.019 is the human heart. 00:16:42.360 --> 00:16:44.680 The seed is always good and very powerful, 00:16:44.840 --> 00:16:46.560 but it needs to land on good soil 00:16:46.560 --> 00:16:48.139 to grow and bring fruit. 00:16:49.160 --> 00:16:50.240 And so as we're about to move through 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:51.340 the remainder of the passage, 00:16:51.340 --> 00:16:53.960 the Lord is going to explain the parable 00:16:53.960 --> 00:16:56.360 by explaining each of these different soil types 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:57.080 to our life. 00:16:57.720 --> 00:16:58.639 And they're all relatable, 00:16:59.060 --> 00:17:01.100 but only one of them produces a crop. 00:17:02.420 --> 00:17:03.460 So when the Lord says, 00:17:03.639 --> 00:17:05.799 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:08.680 He wants everyone to examine their own heart 00:17:08.680 --> 00:17:10.640 and make sure that they're doing 00:17:10.640 --> 00:17:12.460 what they need in their own life 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:15.220 to make sure that they become the good soil. 00:17:17.019 --> 00:17:19.000 Ultimately, it's only God who has the power 00:17:19.000 --> 00:17:21.319 who can give us the repentance for our sins 00:17:21.319 --> 00:17:22.460 and change our lives. 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:24.960 But the responsibility is on us 00:17:24.960 --> 00:17:28.220 to go to Him and acknowledge that 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.119 and accept that. 00:17:29.180 --> 00:17:30.099 That is still with us. 00:17:33.220 --> 00:17:35.220 So, from verse 12, 00:17:35.400 --> 00:17:37.819 this is where the Lord starts to expand 00:17:37.819 --> 00:17:40.099 on the first soil scenario, 00:17:40.259 --> 00:17:41.059 which was the path, 00:17:41.500 --> 00:17:43.259 the hard-packed walking path. 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:45.519 This, you'll maybe have noticed, 00:17:45.680 --> 00:17:46.960 is the only one of the scenarios 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:49.460 where the hearer doesn't accept it at all. 00:17:50.400 --> 00:17:52.599 Just like the paths along the edge of the field 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:54.119 that had been walked on so much, 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:55.539 and they were almost like pavement, 00:17:55.680 --> 00:17:57.680 rock solid, unable to take seed, 00:17:58.500 --> 00:17:59.339 so are these hearts. 00:18:01.079 --> 00:18:04.200 This is the sad situation, really, 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.920 where men and women's hearts 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:06.839 have been hardened. 00:18:06.839 --> 00:18:09.019 And it says here, 00:18:09.159 --> 00:18:11.159 clearly, that it's Satan that takes it away, 00:18:11.359 --> 00:18:13.220 the devil who takes the seed away 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:13.980 before it plants. 00:18:14.439 --> 00:18:15.419 He is the bird 00:18:15.419 --> 00:18:17.599 snatching out the gospel from hearts 00:18:17.599 --> 00:18:19.419 so that there is no response, 00:18:19.939 --> 00:18:20.799 no transformation, 00:18:21.379 --> 00:18:22.399 and no fruit to come. 00:18:23.379 --> 00:18:25.139 It's not just a figure of speech, either. 00:18:25.500 --> 00:18:27.699 It's a real spiritual battle 00:18:27.699 --> 00:18:29.399 that happens to all of us. 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:32.579 The devil will use any kind of distraction 00:18:32.579 --> 00:18:35.240 or other beliefs and ideas 00:18:35.240 --> 00:18:38.079 to make us reject and refuse God. 00:18:39.579 --> 00:18:41.240 I'm sure, like me, 00:18:41.419 --> 00:18:43.500 maybe many of you know somebody like this, 00:18:43.859 --> 00:18:45.359 and so would it be your prayer 00:18:45.359 --> 00:18:46.539 that God really breaks up 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:47.779 that hard ground in their heart 00:18:47.779 --> 00:18:49.679 so they might yet be open 00:18:49.679 --> 00:18:52.359 to receive the truth of the gospel? 00:18:53.439 --> 00:18:55.419 Sometimes it's those who are most opposed, 00:18:56.079 --> 00:18:56.399 seemingly, 00:18:56.859 --> 00:18:58.559 that are actually acting that way 00:18:58.559 --> 00:18:59.859 because they're feeling the most, 00:19:00.419 --> 00:19:01.599 they're feeling very convicted 00:19:01.599 --> 00:19:02.699 and conflicted 00:19:02.699 --> 00:19:04.899 with what they want to believe, 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:06.559 and there is always hope 00:19:06.559 --> 00:19:07.480 for these individuals, 00:19:07.919 --> 00:19:08.399 these people. 00:19:10.199 --> 00:19:11.339 And then, so in verse 13, 00:19:11.419 --> 00:19:12.379 we have the rocky ground, 00:19:12.599 --> 00:19:14.639 or sometimes known as the shallow soil. 00:19:15.219 --> 00:19:16.299 This is because it wouldn't have been 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:17.679 straight onto a bunch of rocks, 00:19:17.719 --> 00:19:18.719 as I maybe used to think, 00:19:18.799 --> 00:19:19.459 but it would have been 00:19:19.459 --> 00:19:20.559 a thin layer of soil 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:22.099 over hard limestone rocks. 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:24.059 And so, although the seed takes, 00:19:24.399 --> 00:19:26.740 it has no strong root amongst the rocks, 00:19:26.879 --> 00:19:28.000 and then it just results 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:30.059 in it withering away and dying. 00:19:30.059 --> 00:19:32.279 This represents those 00:19:32.279 --> 00:19:33.599 who obviously receive the word 00:19:33.599 --> 00:19:34.480 with joy, it says, 00:19:34.579 --> 00:19:35.339 which is a good start, 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:36.679 and they believe for a while, 00:19:37.240 --> 00:19:38.099 but when they're tested, 00:19:38.240 --> 00:19:38.819 they fall away. 00:19:40.139 --> 00:19:41.159 This is a hard one 00:19:41.159 --> 00:19:43.519 because we love to see 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:44.460 a positive response 00:19:44.460 --> 00:19:45.460 to the gospel, don't we? 00:19:46.299 --> 00:19:47.139 What a joy it is 00:19:47.139 --> 00:19:47.960 when we see someone 00:19:47.960 --> 00:19:49.240 who shows interest 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:49.940 and that seemingly 00:19:49.940 --> 00:19:51.259 gives their life to God 00:19:51.259 --> 00:19:52.960 and really seems to be 00:19:52.960 --> 00:19:53.759 on fire for them, 00:19:53.859 --> 00:19:54.940 making rapid progress, 00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:57.140 and in the sadness 00:19:57.140 --> 00:19:58.120 when it comes clear 00:19:58.120 --> 00:19:59.600 that they didn't really grasp 00:19:59.600 --> 00:20:00.559 what it means 00:20:00.559 --> 00:20:01.759 to be a follower of Christ. 00:20:02.500 --> 00:20:03.940 They don't lose their salvation, 00:20:04.180 --> 00:20:05.080 but rather they were probably 00:20:05.080 --> 00:20:06.400 never actually saved 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.200 in the first place. 00:20:08.059 --> 00:20:09.000 Maybe the quickness 00:20:09.000 --> 00:20:10.480 with which they received it 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:11.600 could be evidence 00:20:11.600 --> 00:20:13.620 for a lack of deeper understanding 00:20:13.620 --> 00:20:14.940 of the implications 00:20:14.940 --> 00:20:16.080 and what it means 00:20:16.080 --> 00:20:16.960 and what it would mean 00:20:16.960 --> 00:20:17.640 for their life. 00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:19.840 Sadly, also, 00:20:19.960 --> 00:20:20.940 this could be because 00:20:20.940 --> 00:20:22.360 of how it was represented 00:20:22.359 --> 00:20:22.879 to them, 00:20:23.579 --> 00:20:24.619 which is why it's so important 00:20:24.619 --> 00:20:26.240 for us when we're sharing 00:20:26.240 --> 00:20:26.759 the gospel 00:20:26.759 --> 00:20:28.419 that we share the real truth 00:20:28.419 --> 00:20:30.259 exactly as it is in Scripture. 00:20:32.939 --> 00:20:33.839 Exactly as the Lord 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:34.419 sets out, 00:20:34.659 --> 00:20:35.779 we can't sugarcoat it 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:36.899 or make any promises 00:20:36.899 --> 00:20:37.939 about what becoming 00:20:37.939 --> 00:20:39.279 a Christian is. 00:20:39.339 --> 00:20:40.119 It's simply not true. 00:20:40.240 --> 00:20:41.059 We heard Andy talking 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:41.839 about that this morning. 00:20:42.519 --> 00:20:43.740 People are trying to 00:20:43.740 --> 00:20:45.759 add their own bits to it 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:46.559 to make it more appealing 00:20:46.559 --> 00:20:47.799 and end up watering down 00:20:47.799 --> 00:20:48.219 the truth. 00:20:49.299 --> 00:20:50.619 The Bible is very clear 00:20:50.619 --> 00:20:51.759 that the life of a Christian 00:20:51.759 --> 00:20:53.039 will be difficult at times. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:55.039 Although we are blessed 00:20:55.039 --> 00:20:55.900 immeasurably 00:20:55.900 --> 00:20:56.839 and look forward 00:20:56.839 --> 00:20:58.420 to an eternity with God, 00:20:59.000 --> 00:20:59.619 that doesn't mean 00:20:59.619 --> 00:21:00.859 eternal material blessing 00:21:00.859 --> 00:21:01.920 while we're here on earth. 00:21:02.720 --> 00:21:03.960 And we actually are 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:05.039 to expect trials 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.200 if we stand firm 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:07.640 in our faith in this world. 00:21:08.759 --> 00:21:09.879 But it could also be 00:21:09.879 --> 00:21:11.180 a case of selective hearing. 00:21:11.420 --> 00:21:12.019 Somebody is looking 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.559 for answers 00:21:12.559 --> 00:21:14.180 so they hear what sounds good. 00:21:14.680 --> 00:21:15.720 They see all the positives 00:21:15.720 --> 00:21:16.319 and they're like, 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:16.819 yep, great, 00:21:16.900 --> 00:21:17.480 this is an answer 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:18.400 to all of my problems. 00:21:18.819 --> 00:21:19.599 But they ignore 00:21:19.599 --> 00:21:21.220 and overlook the cost implications. 00:21:21.759 --> 00:21:22.839 And so when they're forced 00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:23.720 to make a choice, 00:21:24.039 --> 00:21:25.140 they end up falling away 00:21:25.140 --> 00:21:25.680 quickly. 00:21:28.379 --> 00:21:30.000 And then the third scene 00:21:30.000 --> 00:21:32.099 starts in verse 14. 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:35.819 This is the thorny one, 00:21:36.299 --> 00:21:36.579 literally. 00:21:37.660 --> 00:21:39.700 Here, the seed lasts longer 00:21:39.700 --> 00:21:40.180 than it does 00:21:40.180 --> 00:21:40.980 amongst the rocks. 00:21:41.180 --> 00:21:42.759 It takes and it grows. 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.640 But because it is 00:21:44.640 --> 00:21:45.460 amongst the thorns, 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:46.759 they eventually choke it out 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:48.160 to where it doesn't 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:49.500 produce any fruit. 00:21:49.500 --> 00:21:51.960 So this represents 00:21:51.960 --> 00:21:52.420 those who have 00:21:52.420 --> 00:21:53.319 a much better grasp 00:21:53.319 --> 00:21:53.920 of the word 00:21:53.920 --> 00:21:55.240 than those in the rocks 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:57.119 and what discipleships involve 00:21:57.119 --> 00:21:58.839 and what discipleship involves. 00:21:59.119 --> 00:22:00.500 So they make good progress. 00:22:01.140 --> 00:22:02.279 But they never truly 00:22:02.279 --> 00:22:03.039 give their whole life 00:22:03.039 --> 00:22:03.519 to God 00:22:03.519 --> 00:22:04.640 and free themselves 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:05.839 as what it calls here, 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:07.039 free themselves 00:22:07.039 --> 00:22:07.640 of the cares 00:22:07.640 --> 00:22:08.339 of this world. 00:22:10.539 --> 00:22:11.539 They understand 00:22:11.539 --> 00:22:12.319 what's involved 00:22:12.319 --> 00:22:13.319 in following Christ, 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:14.500 but they're unwilling 00:22:14.500 --> 00:22:16.059 to give up 00:22:16.059 --> 00:22:16.799 the desires 00:22:16.799 --> 00:22:17.380 and the pleasures 00:22:17.380 --> 00:22:18.040 of this world 00:22:18.040 --> 00:22:19.260 and it is stifling 00:22:19.260 --> 00:22:19.860 their faith 00:22:19.860 --> 00:22:20.780 and spiritual growth. 00:22:21.520 --> 00:22:22.800 They know the cost, 00:22:23.140 --> 00:22:23.600 but they're just 00:22:23.600 --> 00:22:24.800 unwilling to make it. 00:22:25.540 --> 00:22:26.300 And it's not a lack 00:22:26.300 --> 00:22:26.800 of knowledge, 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:27.980 but really of priority 00:22:27.980 --> 00:22:29.000 and of commitment. 00:22:29.980 --> 00:22:30.860 I think it's important 00:22:30.860 --> 00:22:31.600 to point out 00:22:31.600 --> 00:22:32.680 he's not condemning 00:22:32.680 --> 00:22:33.340 riches here. 00:22:34.020 --> 00:22:35.240 I think that's important 00:22:35.240 --> 00:22:36.740 just to make sure, 00:22:36.940 --> 00:22:37.740 or even pleasures 00:22:37.740 --> 00:22:38.580 that we can give God 00:22:38.580 --> 00:22:39.140 thanks for. 00:22:39.560 --> 00:22:40.420 It's the living 00:22:40.420 --> 00:22:41.680 for them 00:22:41.680 --> 00:22:42.660 that's the problem 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:44.000 rather than for God 00:22:44.000 --> 00:22:44.980 and thanking Him 00:22:44.980 --> 00:22:46.380 for what He blesses us with. 00:22:46.380 --> 00:22:49.180 I think of the first three, 00:22:49.600 --> 00:22:50.340 this is the one 00:22:50.340 --> 00:22:51.360 that can be most challenging 00:22:51.360 --> 00:22:52.380 for us who 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:53.660 would call ourselves Christians 00:22:53.660 --> 00:22:55.100 as we know 00:22:55.100 --> 00:22:55.940 that while we're still 00:22:55.940 --> 00:22:56.820 living in our 00:22:56.820 --> 00:22:58.120 human bodies, 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:59.060 we can still feel 00:22:59.060 --> 00:22:59.760 the temptation 00:22:59.760 --> 00:23:00.360 of greed 00:23:00.360 --> 00:23:01.800 and sensuality 00:23:01.800 --> 00:23:03.120 that is so widely 00:23:03.120 --> 00:23:04.040 advertised, 00:23:05.120 --> 00:23:05.600 encouraged, 00:23:05.840 --> 00:23:06.340 and promoted 00:23:06.340 --> 00:23:07.520 in the world around us. 00:23:08.240 --> 00:23:09.100 And so we need 00:23:09.100 --> 00:23:09.720 to continually 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:10.940 examine our hearts 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.800 and make sure 00:23:11.800 --> 00:23:12.480 that we weed out 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:13.460 any of those thorns 00:23:13.460 --> 00:23:14.600 that still cause us 00:23:14.600 --> 00:23:15.020 to fall. 00:23:15.019 --> 00:23:16.819 There's maybe, 00:23:17.879 --> 00:23:18.779 it can look different 00:23:18.779 --> 00:23:19.440 for each person, 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:19.920 but there's maybe 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:21.180 a habit or an interest 00:23:21.180 --> 00:23:21.839 that you have 00:23:21.839 --> 00:23:23.039 that you stay involved with, 00:23:23.839 --> 00:23:24.680 but you know it's really 00:23:24.680 --> 00:23:26.160 affecting your spiritual growth, 00:23:26.359 --> 00:23:27.119 but you've just not 00:23:27.119 --> 00:23:27.799 quite been able 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:29.200 to actually cut it out 00:23:29.200 --> 00:23:29.639 for good, 00:23:30.059 --> 00:23:30.700 and you're succumbing 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.720 to the temptation 00:23:31.720 --> 00:23:33.160 for the short-term 00:23:33.160 --> 00:23:34.200 perceived pleasure. 00:23:34.960 --> 00:23:35.819 But we see here 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.379 very clearly 00:23:36.379 --> 00:23:37.079 that if we don't 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:37.680 deal with it, 00:23:38.960 --> 00:23:40.059 we will ultimately 00:23:40.059 --> 00:23:41.119 be choked out by it 00:23:41.119 --> 00:23:42.200 and no longer 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.859 produce any spiritual fruit. 00:23:43.859 --> 00:23:46.839 And then, 00:23:46.899 --> 00:23:47.959 so we have the final example 00:23:47.959 --> 00:23:48.839 in verse 15. 00:23:49.939 --> 00:23:51.659 This is the good soil. 00:23:52.779 --> 00:23:53.579 This is the one 00:23:53.579 --> 00:23:54.159 that plants, 00:23:54.599 --> 00:23:54.939 grows, 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:56.219 and bears much fruit. 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:57.359 It says, 00:23:57.719 --> 00:23:58.979 those with a noble heart, 00:23:59.639 --> 00:24:00.859 a noble and good heart, 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:01.879 who hear the word, 00:24:02.419 --> 00:24:03.000 retain it, 00:24:03.159 --> 00:24:04.240 and by persevering, 00:24:04.419 --> 00:24:05.579 produce a good crop. 00:24:06.899 --> 00:24:07.779 This is the goal. 00:24:08.719 --> 00:24:10.579 This is the ideal response 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:11.379 and outcome 00:24:11.379 --> 00:24:12.939 from hearing the word of God. 00:24:12.940 --> 00:24:15.500 And while a lot of Christians 00:24:15.500 --> 00:24:16.519 probably automatically 00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:17.420 see themselves 00:24:17.420 --> 00:24:18.799 in this soil scenario 00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:19.980 of the four, 00:24:20.299 --> 00:24:21.600 and I hope that for many 00:24:21.600 --> 00:24:22.279 that is true, 00:24:22.400 --> 00:24:23.920 but I would suggest 00:24:23.920 --> 00:24:24.680 that based on everything 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.860 we've looked at so far, 00:24:26.380 --> 00:24:28.120 we can't be complacent. 00:24:28.960 --> 00:24:29.840 And this is not 00:24:29.840 --> 00:24:31.100 a permanent landing spot. 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.320 It's what we should 00:24:32.320 --> 00:24:33.480 all be striving for, 00:24:33.559 --> 00:24:34.340 but it takes work 00:24:34.340 --> 00:24:35.259 and commitment 00:24:35.259 --> 00:24:36.220 to stay here. 00:24:37.019 --> 00:24:37.980 This is a heart 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:39.279 made good by God, 00:24:39.360 --> 00:24:40.080 by the miracle 00:24:40.080 --> 00:24:40.660 of regeneration. 00:24:40.660 --> 00:24:42.380 The person has heard 00:24:42.380 --> 00:24:42.800 the word 00:24:42.800 --> 00:24:44.120 and holds it close 00:24:44.120 --> 00:24:45.259 and is living 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.580 a life of a disciple. 00:24:47.380 --> 00:24:48.300 And through perseverance, 00:24:48.560 --> 00:24:49.120 over time, 00:24:49.200 --> 00:24:50.120 they will produce fruit, 00:24:50.660 --> 00:24:51.600 and they're not only 00:24:51.600 --> 00:24:52.620 a hearer of the word, 00:24:53.060 --> 00:24:53.960 but also a doer. 00:24:53.960 --> 00:24:58.720 They are feeding on it 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.920 instead of the world, 00:25:00.319 --> 00:25:01.340 constantly challenging 00:25:01.340 --> 00:25:01.940 the sin 00:25:01.940 --> 00:25:03.059 that comes into their life, 00:25:03.819 --> 00:25:04.900 and then they can live 00:25:04.900 --> 00:25:05.600 a life more pleasing 00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:06.160 to God. 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:07.900 And by not being conformed 00:25:07.900 --> 00:25:08.660 to this world, 00:25:08.779 --> 00:25:09.460 they are becoming 00:25:09.460 --> 00:25:10.759 more Christ-like. 00:25:11.440 --> 00:25:11.980 This is what 00:25:11.980 --> 00:25:13.019 we should all 00:25:13.019 --> 00:25:15.319 want to be aiming for. 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:16.460 To see it 00:25:16.460 --> 00:25:17.100 is an amazing 00:25:17.100 --> 00:25:18.180 encouragement to others. 00:25:18.400 --> 00:25:18.860 It's lovely 00:25:18.860 --> 00:25:19.620 when somebody else 00:25:19.620 --> 00:25:20.180 really starts 00:25:20.180 --> 00:25:20.900 to make that commitment, 00:25:20.900 --> 00:25:22.220 and it pleases God 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:23.200 immensely. 00:25:27.259 --> 00:25:27.700 So, 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:29.280 as Christians, 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.280 I think we all 00:25:30.280 --> 00:25:31.220 want to see 00:25:31.220 --> 00:25:32.440 and be ourselves 00:25:32.440 --> 00:25:33.280 in the good soil, 00:25:33.440 --> 00:25:34.960 but are we? 00:25:36.180 --> 00:25:37.100 Or can we really 00:25:37.100 --> 00:25:37.700 see something 00:25:37.700 --> 00:25:39.000 of the other soils 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:39.660 in our lives? 00:25:39.840 --> 00:25:40.380 Does any of that 00:25:40.380 --> 00:25:40.720 resonate? 00:25:41.420 --> 00:25:42.060 And if so, 00:25:42.540 --> 00:25:43.300 what are we doing 00:25:43.300 --> 00:25:43.680 about it? 00:25:43.680 --> 00:25:46.019 I think also 00:25:46.019 --> 00:25:46.519 just another 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:47.259 common mistake 00:25:47.259 --> 00:25:47.799 when considering 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:48.400 this passage 00:25:48.400 --> 00:25:49.220 and applying it 00:25:49.220 --> 00:25:50.440 is thinking that 00:25:50.440 --> 00:25:51.100 it's all about 00:25:51.100 --> 00:25:51.920 a momentary, 00:25:52.600 --> 00:25:53.360 immediate response 00:25:53.360 --> 00:25:54.019 to the gospel. 00:25:54.380 --> 00:25:55.200 But it's not, 00:25:55.340 --> 00:25:55.560 really. 00:25:55.620 --> 00:25:56.299 It's really about 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.000 our response 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:57.680 over time. 00:25:58.440 --> 00:25:58.660 You see, 00:25:58.700 --> 00:25:59.360 it takes a while 00:25:59.360 --> 00:25:59.940 for a seed 00:25:59.940 --> 00:26:01.640 to grow and sprout 00:26:01.640 --> 00:26:02.759 and then only to wither, 00:26:03.340 --> 00:26:04.320 or to grow up 00:26:04.320 --> 00:26:05.600 and then ultimately 00:26:05.600 --> 00:26:06.600 be choked by thorns, 00:26:06.940 --> 00:26:08.440 or to grow up strong, 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:09.100 well, 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:09.900 and bear fruit. 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.880 This is a long game. 00:26:11.880 --> 00:26:13.740 So we must continually 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.960 evaluate and cultivate 00:26:14.960 --> 00:26:16.320 the word in our own lives 00:26:16.320 --> 00:26:17.840 to ensure we keep 00:26:17.840 --> 00:26:19.200 ourselves and our hearts 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:20.180 as good soil. 00:26:21.280 --> 00:26:22.480 We can only ever 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.720 grasp God's truths 00:26:23.720 --> 00:26:24.860 with help from the 00:26:24.860 --> 00:26:25.460 Holy Spirit 00:26:25.460 --> 00:26:26.660 working in us. 00:26:26.980 --> 00:26:27.660 They really are 00:26:27.660 --> 00:26:28.820 beyond our comprehension, 00:26:29.480 --> 00:26:30.200 but he can make 00:26:30.200 --> 00:26:31.260 them known to us. 00:26:32.600 --> 00:26:33.600 So while this is 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:35.280 often and largely 00:26:35.280 --> 00:26:36.260 an evangelistic 00:26:36.260 --> 00:26:37.620 parable with hope, 00:26:38.040 --> 00:26:39.060 it's also a warning 00:26:39.060 --> 00:26:40.420 for those that do hear 00:26:40.420 --> 00:26:41.860 but don't act on it. 00:26:41.880 --> 00:26:44.580 So just in closing, 00:26:44.780 --> 00:26:45.460 I trust that 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:46.460 you'll be challenged 00:26:46.460 --> 00:26:47.180 by considering 00:26:47.180 --> 00:26:48.320 what you're doing 00:26:48.320 --> 00:26:48.880 with the seed 00:26:48.880 --> 00:26:49.740 in your own life, 00:26:50.340 --> 00:26:51.160 ensuring it is being 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:52.540 cared for properly 00:26:52.540 --> 00:26:53.740 and watching out 00:26:53.740 --> 00:26:54.340 for the shallow 00:26:54.340 --> 00:26:55.160 soil traps 00:26:55.160 --> 00:26:56.260 and the thorns 00:26:56.260 --> 00:26:56.840 that can come 00:26:56.840 --> 00:26:57.480 for all of us. 00:26:58.740 --> 00:26:59.700 And if you realize 00:26:59.700 --> 00:27:00.380 that you have never 00:27:00.380 --> 00:27:01.220 opened your heart 00:27:01.220 --> 00:27:01.880 to the seed 00:27:01.880 --> 00:27:02.720 that is the good news 00:27:02.720 --> 00:27:03.260 of the gospel 00:27:03.260 --> 00:27:04.840 in order that he might 00:27:04.840 --> 00:27:06.120 work a miracle 00:27:06.120 --> 00:27:06.840 of regeneration 00:27:06.840 --> 00:27:07.800 in your heart, 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.420 then I challenge you 00:27:09.420 --> 00:27:10.580 not to delay 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:11.460 in addressing that, 00:27:11.899 --> 00:27:12.559 but rather come 00:27:12.559 --> 00:27:13.039 to him 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:14.240 and accept him 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:15.480 for what he can do 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:16.399 for you today. 00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:18.059 Thanks. 00:27:18.159 --> 00:27:18.699 Let's just have 00:27:18.699 --> 00:27:19.339 a closing word 00:27:19.339 --> 00:27:19.720 of prayer 00:27:19.720 --> 00:27:21.279 for a hand back 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:22.359 to the band. 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:27.639 Our God and Father, 00:27:27.779 --> 00:27:28.399 we thank you 00:27:28.399 --> 00:27:29.259 for the time 00:27:29.259 --> 00:27:29.679 we've been able 00:27:29.679 --> 00:27:30.219 to spend 00:27:30.219 --> 00:27:31.599 in your words 00:27:31.599 --> 00:27:32.399 this evening 00:27:32.399 --> 00:27:33.459 and for the simple 00:27:33.459 --> 00:27:34.519 but yet deep truths 00:27:34.519 --> 00:27:35.199 that are contained 00:27:35.199 --> 00:27:35.979 in your parables. 00:27:37.119 --> 00:27:37.579 We thank you 00:27:37.579 --> 00:27:38.240 for the reminder 00:27:38.240 --> 00:27:38.979 about the power 00:27:38.979 --> 00:27:39.819 that is your word 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:41.319 and the challenge 00:27:41.319 --> 00:27:41.899 to share it 00:27:41.899 --> 00:27:42.599 no matter what 00:27:42.599 --> 00:27:43.319 soil type 00:27:43.319 --> 00:27:43.839 we think we're 00:27:43.839 --> 00:27:44.479 telling it to. 00:27:45.359 --> 00:27:46.240 I pray that we would 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:46.919 also just feel 00:27:46.919 --> 00:27:47.819 the challenge ourselves 00:27:47.819 --> 00:27:48.919 to strive 00:27:48.919 --> 00:27:49.959 to be that good soil, 00:27:50.500 --> 00:27:51.559 aware of the traps 00:27:51.559 --> 00:27:52.980 that can await 00:27:52.980 --> 00:27:53.679 for all of us 00:27:53.679 --> 00:27:55.240 and how they can really 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:57.339 affect our spiritual growth. 00:27:58.399 --> 00:27:58.659 And Father, 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.099 I just pray 00:27:59.099 --> 00:27:59.519 that we would 00:27:59.519 --> 00:28:00.720 constantly strive 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:02.079 to sow the word 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:03.139 into our own hearts 00:28:03.139 --> 00:28:04.819 so that we might 00:28:04.819 --> 00:28:05.759 be less like the world 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:06.679 and more like you 00:28:06.679 --> 00:28:07.700 and indeed get 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.440 to know you more. 00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:09.240 So we just pray 00:28:09.240 --> 00:28:10.359 that you'll bless us all now 00:28:10.359 --> 00:28:11.480 in your son's 00:28:11.480 --> 00:28:12.139 precious name. 00:28:12.480 --> 00:28:12.679 Amen. 00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:12.799 Amen. 00:28:12.799 --> 00:28:12.859 Amen. 00:28:12.859 --> 00:28:12.919 Amen.