Introduction: This is a parable, (a representation of something real in life or nature). There is a hidden spiritual truth that Jesus is trying to explain to the people by comparing it to something physical vs 12. In fact, his own disciple had to ask and be explained what Jesus Christ meant. After the disciples asked, then Jesus Christ explained what the parable meant vs 13-20. The part that we want to focus on this afternoon is the different types of ground that the seed fell on.
First, we know that the sower went out to sow Vs 3, and the seed that he is sowing is the Word of God Vs 14 (tracts/NT Bibles).
When the seed is sown:
- It may fall on the Wayside– Vs 4 / Vs 15 When the word falls on the wayside, the devil comes “immediately” and takes away what was sown in the heart. These are the people that you have a spiritual conversation with and afterwards, it’s as if they didn’t hear a single thing. We have an adversary; the devil and he doesn’t want people to receive the word of God and be saved. Notice, the devil isn’t wasting any time, when you sow the word of God, he will be there, ready to take what was sown. Acts 28:27
- It may fall on the Stony Ground– Vs 5-6 / 16-17 When the word falls on the stony ground, people get excited, momentarily, about the word of God “but when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended”. These are people who begin to get mocked, ridiculed, afflicted, persecuted, and they don’t want to go through such things. This can come from family, friends, co-workers, unbelievers, etc. Acts 13:13 John Mark failed to endure in the missionary journey with Paul and went back home. II Timothy 4:10 Demas forsook Paul, having loved this present world.
- It may fall on the Thorny Ground– Vs 7 / 18-19 When the Word falls on the thorny ground, the devil doesn’t have to get involved, he just lets the things of this world do what they do best, “choke the word”. This person is not willing to cut himself completely from this world. One foot in the world and one in church. “Cares of this world”, “Deceitfulness of Riches”, “The Lust of other Things”. II Corinthians 6:17-18 “Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing”. I Timothy 6:9 “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition”.
- It may fall on the Good Ground– Vs 8 / 20 When the seed/Word falls on the good ground, it yields fruit that increases with time- 30, 60, or 100. Remember, it is the Word of God that yields the increase, there is no substitution or shortcut. Two things must happen after it falls on the good ground. They must “hear the word”- a desire to hear the message, is receptive, meditating on the message. They must “receive it”- a desire to change and adjust our opinion and ways to God’s ways. The ground is fertile, plowed, and ready to receive the seed. Christians today want to have a greater understanding of their Bible or God and be more involved in the things of God- it only happens in the Word and by the Word. Having a sincere desire to draw closer to God and away from the world.
Conclusion: When you sow the seed of the Word of God at work, with friends, co-workers, while door knocking, etc., know that it can fall in one of four different grounds. Don’t get frustrated if you deal with people over and over, there is something beyond the physical element that is happening. There is a spiritual aspect of sowing the seed.
Furthermore, don’t worry about what kind of soil you think it will fall in, think about how much good it will produce when it falls on the good ground. This Saturday, we’ll have an opportunity to go out as a church and sow the Word of God. What a privilege to be used by God to sow the seed of the word of God and be involved in something that will produce eternal fruit. Get involved, you don’t want to miss out!
Anchor Baptist Church 