June 30, 2024
“But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Luke 8:15 (NASB)
In our Wednesday noon Bible study Dr. Chapman is teaching a Bible Study Series entitled KINGDOM-LED RELATIONSHIPS: SIBLING RIVALRY. During our study this week he was teaching from the segment of the outline on “The Power of a Seed” with the Scripture reference from Genesis chapter 4. He asked a question that kept playing in my head this week. He asked, “What soil are you growing in?”
His teaching in this section was from Genesis chapter 4, regarding the power of the seed. He said we have the power of conception. There is a seed given to Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve have given God sin, but in return, God has given them grace through a seed. He further stated that a seed is a chance or an opportunity. God blesses us by giving assistance after the offense. God helped birth something after the offense. Then Dr. Chapman asked two more questions, “Can you help someone after the offense and ask yourself, what am I doing with the seed God has given me?
Since the question “What soil are you growing in?” was still renting space in my head, I thought about The Parable of the Sower, found in the Gospels of Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15, which provides for us a profound teaching about the Seed giver and how the Word of God is received differently by various types of people, symbolized by different types of soil. I was led to review the study of this parable for an expanded explanation of this parable and its application to the question, “What soil am I growing in as related to the parable of the Sower.
The Parable of The Sower
“Now the parable is this: the Seed is the Word of God. Those beside the road are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart so that they will not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky soil are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no firm root; they believe for a while, and in time of temptation fall away. The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life and bring no fruit to maturity. But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the Word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Luke 8:11-15 (NASB)
After reading again the Parable of the Sower, where Jesus tells the Parable of the Four Soils I have a couple of additional questions: “What type of soil represents my current spiritual state? Are there areas in the soil of my heart that may be hard, shallow, or divided and need cultivating to produce more good fruit?
As a nurse and having completed thousands of assessments, my mind is conditioned to do assessments and I often find myself doing mental assessments. Looking not only at the presentation (human response or behavior) or at what is presented but also listening, assessing, and looking deeper at the root of the problem – representing the presentation. I believe that all human behavior has meaning!
The Parable of the Sower is a metaphorical story that Jesus used to teach us about how the Word of God is received by different types of hearts. Each type of soil in this parable represents a different response to hearing God’s Word, the Seed!
Let’s see what the Parable of the Sower teaches us about the condition of our hearts!
The Hard Soil ~ This soil represents a hard-hearted person. Seeds that fell along the path were quickly eaten by birds. This represents people who hear the message about the kingdom but do not understand it. The evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their hearts. Their hearts are resistant to God’s Word. To grow in faith, they must soften their heart through prayer, openness, and a willingness to understand and obey God’s teachings.
Rocky Ground Soil ~ This soil represents those who lack depth in their faith. Seeds that fell on rocky ground sprang up quickly but withered under the sun because they had no roots. This symbolizes people who hear the Word and receive it with joy but fall away when trouble or persecution arises. They are enthusiastic initially but falter when faced with difficulties. To cultivate deeper roots, they need consistent spiritual practices like studying the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
Among Thorns Soil ~ This soil represents a divided heart. The cares of the world and the pursuit of wealth can choke one’s spiritual growth. Seeds that fell among thorns grew but were choked by the thorns. This signifies people who hear the Word but are overwhelmed by the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth. To thrive, they must prioritize God’s kingdom and seek first His righteousness.
Good Soil ~ This soil symbolizes an open and receptive heart. Seeds that fell on good soil produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown. This represents people who hear the Word, understand the Word, obey the Word, and produce a fruitful life. To grow in this soil, we must be diligent in hearing, understanding, and applying God’s Word. It is crucial to conduct regular reflection, meditation, and how you are living out biblical principles.
What type of soil represents your current spiritual state?
Are there areas where your heart may be hard, shallow, or divided?
Self-Assessment: What steps can you take to cultivate good soil in your heart? How can you deepen your roots in God’s Word and remove the thorns of worldly distractions? What fruit is evident in your life as a result of your relationship with God? How can you ensure that your spiritual growth continues to produce a bountiful harvest?
HEART CHALLENGE: This is a good opportunity to do a self-assessment and reflect on the current spiritual state of your heart. What type of soil represents your heart today? Take a moment to identify any areas in your life that may be hard, shallow, or cluttered with distractions. What steps can you take today to address these barriers? Look at your spiritual practices or disciplines i.e., prayer, Bible study, worship, community, and family relationships, that can help you cultivate good soil in your heart.
What kind of fruit are you bearing? What is the fruit of your spiritual life? Are you seeing evidence of growth, maturity, and impact? How can you continue to foster a fruitful relationship with God?
Today reflect on your spiritual state and take active steps to cultivate good soil in your hearts. It is important to have a receptive and diligent heart that seeks to understand and apply God’s Word, leading to a fruitful and abundant spiritual life.
There is a radical difference between physical senses and knowing through spiritual senses.
Sin dulls our capacity to know God.
Did people see Jesus but did not recognize Him as the Son of God?
Yes. Could Jesus be working around your life? And you do not recognize His activity.
Yes, only those who have been born again of the Spirit of God can see His activity.
Bible Study materials can be obtained here: https://www.newhope-mbc.org/ChristianEducation/BibleStudy/bible_Study.html
Our noon Bible Study is not recorded. You can join the 7:00 pm Bible Study on Zoom here: https://www.newhope-mbc.org/ChristianEducation/BibleStudy/documents/6-26-24%20Bible%20Study.pdf
A GROWING HEART: Understanding the type of soil, you are growing in is crucial to your spiritual growth. By examining the state of your heart in light of the parable of the Sower, you can identify areas that need your attention and take steps to cultivate a more fruitful and receptive heart. This introspection and commitment to growth will help you bear abundant spiritual fruit and deepen your relationship with God.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for Your Word, the Seed that provides us with clear instructions on how we are to live. Help us to look at the condition of our spiritual hearts. Help us to cultivate good soil which involves a continuous commitment to learning, understanding, and living out God’s teachings. This leads to spiritual maturity and the bearing of fruit in various aspects of life, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen.
References: Logos Bible, The Bible, Jay Adams – Author of “Sibling Rivalry in The Household of God” 