P4 | WHEN THE WORD ISN'T WORKING, FIX THIS FIRST

Not a Fan Part 4 – October 23, 2022

Luke 8:4-8 (NIV2011)
4  While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5  “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.
6  Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7  Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
8  Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

The seeds sown were all the same

The soils determined the outcome

Luke 8:11 (NIV2011)
11  “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.”
Matthew 13:19 (NIV2011)
19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart.

Spiritual fruitfulness is a matter of the heart
Example: College roommate

Luke 8:12 (NIV2011)
12  Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.

Some reject God’s Word

2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV2011)
4  The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Luke 8:13 (NIV2011) 

13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 


Some superficially accept God’s Word
Example: New member of the football team

Luke 14:25-27 (NIV2011)
25  Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
26  “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.
27  And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 8:14 (NIV2011)
14  The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.

Some are distracted from God’s Word
Example: Cargo Steamboats on the Mississippi River

Matthew 6:33 (NIV2011) 

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 


Luke 8:15 (NIV2011)
15  But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

The fruitful receive and live by God’s Word
Example: Legos