EPISODE 0016 | Parable Of The Sower
THESE NOTES ACCOMPANY EPISODE 0016
Like all good stories, parables have the power to convey deep truths in simple, relatable stories, making them accessible to all, while revealing layers of deep meaning along the way. Today, Pastor Stephen discusses the Parable of The Sower, and its emphasis on the necessity of understanding, embracing, and acting upon the Word to ensure spiritual growth and effectiveness. For disciples, it’s a call to self- examination, to cultivate receptivity, endurance, and faithfulness in following Jesus.
How Jesus Used Parables:
1. Parables Reveal and Conceal
2. Parables Make Lessons Memorable
3. Parables Teach About the Kingdom of God
Four Types of Soil
1. The Sidewalk Soil
“The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. ”
2. The Shallow Soil
“The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word. ”
3. The Thorny Soil
“The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced. ”
4. The Fertile Soil
“Still other seeds fell on fertile soil, and they produced a crop that was thirty, sixty, and even a hundred times as much as had been planted! ”
How to Cultivate Good Soil
1. Connect - Good soil starts with connecting to Jesus and his church.
2. Serve – As you connect and commit to grow, your growth has to go beyond consuming to contributing.
3. Grow – You and I were made for growth, but you can only grow when you remain planted.
4. Lead - This may look like leading a small group, leading on a serve team, and being prepared to lead at an even higher level.
“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.”
RESOURCES:
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