Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
The Sower
This is the first parable, the parable of the Sower ( a parable is an earthly story with a profound heavenly meaning) that deals with the origins of the kingdom of God. The origins start with messages of the gospel of grace. The message acts like a seed which germinates in the hearts of those prepared by the power of the Holy Spirit. From the new birth, of the regeneration of the heart by the incorruptible seed of God’s word comes the growth of the believer in Christ portrayed by the parable of the mustard seed and yeast. (Matt.13:31-33)
INTERPRETING THE PARABLE
Identifying the Sower
Jesus Himself – v.19,37
Broadcasting
Recruits – I Cor.3:6-9; II Tim.4:2,5
What is the Seed?
The Word of God – Luke 8:11; I Pet. 1:23-25
What are the soils?
The human heart
The way a person responds to the gospel
Encouragement
For preachers and disciples
There is nothing wrong with the message and the messenger
FOUR TYPES OF SOILS
The Path Soil
Susceptible to the devil – v.19
The majority of unconverted
The Rocky Soil
Instantly enthusiastic. But wait a minute!
Many people fit this description – I John 2:19
The Thorny Soil
The materialistic person
A gradual process – Turn To: Luke 12:16-21
The Good Soil – v.8,23
The good soil is not self-improvement soil
The good soil understands the Word of God.
The good soil bears fruit – John 15: 8; Gal.5:22
Conclusion:
Christians must have productive lives –v.23
Christians however can sin away much of their potential usefulness
Pastor Nick Iamaio
Reformed Presbyterian Church
207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069
Web Site fultonrpc.org
7/27/2008