1. Lesson 7: The Parable of the Sower

2. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SowerThe Sower –The sower went forth to sow, as was common in those days –Initially, the sower represented Christ, who went out teaching and sowing the Word. –In application and principle, it is the responsibility of every Christian to be the sower, sowing the seed of the kingdom (cf. Acts 8:4). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

3. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SowerThe Sower –Some Truths for the Sower He must sow the seed and leave the increase to God (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6).He must sow the seed and leave the increase to God (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6). He must sow at all times, not waiting until everything is favorable (Ecc. 11:4-6; 2 Tim. 4:2).He must sow at all times, not waiting until everything is favorable (Ecc. 11:4-6; 2 Tim. 4:2). He must sow, realizing that others may reap the harvest (John 4:35-38).He must sow, realizing that others may reap the harvest (John 4:35-38). He must sow on all kinds of soil (Matt. 13:3-8).He must sow on all kinds of soil (Matt. 13:3-8). He must sow with the right attitude (2 Tim. 2:24-28; Eph. 4:15).He must sow with the right attitude (2 Tim. 2:24-28; Eph. 4:15). He must believe in the seed he sows (Rom. 1:16).He must believe in the seed he sows (Rom. 1:16). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

4. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SeedThe Seed –The seed was dispersed by the sower. –The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). –The seed, representing the Word of God, is that which contains life (John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23). –The seed always produces after its kind (Gen. 1:11; Gal. 6:7). –The seed produced Christians only in the first century and will produce the same today. –The seed can be mixed (Mt. 13:24-25; Ga. 1:6-9). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

5. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SoilsThe Soils –The soils denote the various sorts of attitudes that men have towards the gospel. –The success of the sowing depends upon the soils into which the seed falls. –Hearts must be prepared to seek and receive the Word (2 Chron. 19:3; 30:19; Ezra 7:10). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

6. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil (Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12) –Hard path that is fertile, but packed & unplowed –The seed makes contact, but because the soil is so hard, it cannot penetrate. –The wayside soil represents: One who does not believe, because… (Luke 8:12)One who does not believe, because… (Luke 8:12) He has chosen not to understand, because…He has chosen not to understand, because… His heart has been hardened to the truth, because…His heart has been hardened to the truth, because… He is not interested in the gospel (Matt. 13:19)He is not interested in the gospel (Matt. 13:19) Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

7. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil (Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12) –The birds symbolize Satan (Matt. 13:19) Satan comes immediately (Mark 4:15) and snatches the seed away (Matt. 13:19)Satan comes immediately (Mark 4:15) and snatches the seed away (Matt. 13:19) Satan only takes the seed after the soil has rejected itSatan only takes the seed after the soil has rejected it Satan is ever happy to cooperate with those who reject the truth (John 13:27; Matt. 27:4; Acts 5:3-4)Satan is ever happy to cooperate with those who reject the truth (John 13:27; Matt. 27:4; Acts 5:3-4) If the Word dwelt in the heart long enough for faith to result, salvation could follow (Luke 8:12).If the Word dwelt in the heart long enough for faith to result, salvation could follow (Luke 8:12). What methods does he use to snatch the Word away?What methods does he use to snatch the Word away? Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

8. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil (Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12) –What are some reasons hearts are hardened? Pride (cf. Prov. 16:18)Pride (cf. Prov. 16:18) Prejudice, come with idol in heart (cf. Ezek. 14:1-5)Prejudice, come with idol in heart (cf. Ezek. 14:1-5) Fear of giving up things (cf. Luke 18:18ff)Fear of giving up things (cf. Luke 18:18ff) Worldliness (cf. Eph. 4:17-18)Worldliness (cf. Eph. 4:17-18) No love for truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10)No love for truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10) Continually resisting the truth (cf. Ex. 8:19-20)Continually resisting the truth (cf. Ex. 8:19-20) Habitually practicing sin (cf. Heb. 3:13)Habitually practicing sin (cf. Heb. 3:13) Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

9. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil (Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12) –Do you know any wayside soils? Hear the Word with their minds already made up (cf. Acts 17:21)Hear the Word with their minds already made up (cf. Acts 17:21) Hear but think the truth applies to someone else (cf. John 8:33)Hear but think the truth applies to someone else (cf. John 8:33) Hear but go out and live as they did before (cf. Jas. 1:22-25)Hear but go out and live as they did before (cf. Jas. 1:22-25) Hear but have allowed the world to trample hearts so long that they are untouched (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1-2)Hear but have allowed the world to trample hearts so long that they are untouched (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1-2) Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

10. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, 13) –A thin layer of soil overlying a solid ledge of rock; fertility is not the problem, depth is –Plants spring up immediately (b/c lacks depth) –The stony/rocky soil represents: One who lacks any strong convictions / earnestnessOne who lacks any strong convictions / earnestness One who is an emotional, superficial, impulsive hearerOne who is an emotional, superficial, impulsive hearer One, possibly, who is “won to Christ” on basis of frillsOne, possibly, who is “won to Christ” on basis of frills One who sees only pleasant elements of ChristianityOne who sees only pleasant elements of Christianity One who does not count the cost (Lk. 14:25ff; 9:23)One who does not count the cost (Lk. 14:25ff; 9:23) Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

11. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, 13) –The seed has no depth, therefore no root, without which no plant can survive – Christians must be rooted in Christ (Col. 2:7; Eph. 3:17) –One cannot afford for his faith to be shallow. –Faith must grow inward (and deeply) and not be merely outward. Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

12. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, 13) –Thus, when the sun was risen (tribulation and persecution arose because of the Word), the “shallow” soul folks “immediately” “fell away” Those who respond to the Lord impulsively are prone to quickly fall.Those who respond to the Lord impulsively are prone to quickly fall. The sun (tribulations/persecutions) destroys the shallow-rooted person, but makes stronger the deeply rooted Christian (cf. James 1:2-4).The sun (tribulations/persecutions) destroys the shallow-rooted person, but makes stronger the deeply rooted Christian (cf. James 1:2-4). Though these believed for a while (Luke 8:13), they fell away. A child of God can fall away and be lost.Though these believed for a while (Luke 8:13), they fell away. A child of God can fall away and be lost. Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

13. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, 13) –Do you know any stony soils? Hears the Word, obeys the Word quickly, and then falls away.Hears the Word, obeys the Word quickly, and then falls away. Have emotions stirred and make sudden impulse decision.Have emotions stirred and make sudden impulse decision. Obey without counting the cost & commitment involved and all one must endure.Obey without counting the cost & commitment involved and all one must endure. Some people are easily excited, always starting projects but never completing them. Sometimes describes some Christians.Some people are easily excited, always starting projects but never completing them. Sometimes describes some Christians. Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

14. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil (Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14) –The soil is fit/fertile, but it’s crowded. –The seeds of the thorns were already in the ground, implying inadequate preparation. –The thorny soil represents: The pre-occupied hearerThe pre-occupied hearer A divided heart with divided loyalties (cf. Matt. 6:24)A divided heart with divided loyalties (cf. Matt. 6:24) One who is so busy with other things he cannot be busy for ChristOne who is so busy with other things he cannot be busy for Christ Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

15. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil (Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14) –Thorns: The cares of this world (Mt. 13:22) These are the distracting anxieties/worries of this lifeThese are the distracting anxieties/worries of this life Day-to-day worries about living can distract (Prov. 30:8-9; Matt. 6:25-34).Day-to-day worries about living can distract (Prov. 30:8-9; Matt. 6:25-34). Worry and anxiety in the example of Martha choked out the good part (Luke 10:38-42).Worry and anxiety in the example of Martha choked out the good part (Luke 10:38-42). Sometimes we allow the lesser important to choke out the most important (Luke 21:34-35).Sometimes we allow the lesser important to choke out the most important (Luke 21:34-35). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

16. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil (Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14) –Thorns: The deceitfulness of riches (Matt. 13:22) Riches promise happiness but they do not and cannot deliver (Ecc. 5:10-13).Riches promise happiness but they do not and cannot deliver (Ecc. 5:10-13). Preoccupation with wealth leads to other problems as well (1 Tim. 6:9-10).Preoccupation with wealth leads to other problems as well (1 Tim. 6:9-10). If materialism was a curse upon the church in the first century for Jesus to present a lesson on thorns, how much more is it a curse on the church today?If materialism was a curse upon the church in the first century for Jesus to present a lesson on thorns, how much more is it a curse on the church today? Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

17. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil (Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14) –Thorns: The desire for other things (Mark 4:19) There are many things in our lives that can (and often do) take precedence over Christ – family, educational pursuits, desire for popularity, career goals, etc.There are many things in our lives that can (and often do) take precedence over Christ – family, educational pursuits, desire for popularity, career goals, etc. Even things that are not intrinsically wrong must take a second place to the Lord (Matt. 6:33).Even things that are not intrinsically wrong must take a second place to the Lord (Matt. 6:33). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

18. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil (Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14) –Thorns: The pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14) Christianity does not take the joy out of life, but it does demand that we put first things first.Christianity does not take the joy out of life, but it does demand that we put first things first. Earthly pleasures cannot produce true happiness (Ecc. 2).Earthly pleasures cannot produce true happiness (Ecc. 2). Hobbies, recreation, our “down time,” etc., are first with too many today (cf. 1 Tim. 4:8).Hobbies, recreation, our “down time,” etc., are first with too many today (cf. 1 Tim. 4:8). Again, some of these things may not be wrong in and of themselves, but placed foremost in our lives will leave no room for God and His Word.Again, some of these things may not be wrong in and of themselves, but placed foremost in our lives will leave no room for God and His Word. Those “pleasures” that are sinful must be avoided!!!Those “pleasures” that are sinful must be avoided!!! Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

19. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil (Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14) –Do you know any thorny soils? Those who are “in the church” but are controlled (seemingly) by the things of the world, thus are “unfruitful” in their Christian endeavors?Those who are “in the church” but are controlled (seemingly) by the things of the world, thus are “unfruitful” in their Christian endeavors? They appear to be Christians (to man), but their choices and lifestyles make them lukewarm at best (cf. Rev. 3:15-16).They appear to be Christians (to man), but their choices and lifestyles make them lukewarm at best (cf. Rev. 3:15-16). They confidently expect heaven but are allowing the thorns of life to choke out God and His Word, thus being deceived regarding their true condition.They confidently expect heaven but are allowing the thorns of life to choke out God and His Word, thus being deceived regarding their true condition. Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

20. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –The good ground hearer has an “honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15). He accepts and serves with whole-hearted and honest devotion because he “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10).He accepts and serves with whole-hearted and honest devotion because he “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10). Honesty is a characteristic that is essential, not only in becoming a Christian, but in living the Christian life.Honesty is a characteristic that is essential, not only in becoming a Christian, but in living the Christian life. We are to provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21), think honest things (Phil 4:8), live honestly in all things (Heb. 13:18).We are to provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21), think honest things (Phil 4:8), live honestly in all things (Heb. 13:18). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

21. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –The good ground hearer “hears the word” (Matt. 13:23). It is essential to hear the Word of God aright.It is essential to hear the Word of God aright. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). “And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8).“And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

22. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –The good ground hearer hears “and understands” (Matt. 13:23). To understand means to perceive, to grasp the meaning of, to know. One understands by giving undivided attention and ceasing not to think about it.To understand means to perceive, to grasp the meaning of, to know. One understands by giving undivided attention and ceasing not to think about it. Understanding is both possible and essential to please God.Understanding is both possible and essential to please God. –“Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30) –“When you read, you may understand” (Eph. 3:4). –“Understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

23. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –The good ground hearer hears and “accepts/receives” it (Mark 4:20). He takes it in and it becomes a part of him.He takes it in and it becomes a part of him. Compare Acts 8:12 & 8:14:Compare Acts 8:12 & 8:14: –“they believed…[and] were baptized” (Acts 8:12) –“Samaria had received the word of God” (Acts 8:14) The Bereans “received the word with all readiness” (Acts 17:11).The Bereans “received the word with all readiness” (Acts 17:11). James tells us to “receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21).James tells us to “receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

24. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –The good ground hearer hears and “keeps/holds fast to it” (Luke 8:15). He holds on to the Word (cf. 2 Tim. 1:13).He holds on to the Word (cf. 2 Tim. 1:13). He practices the Word in his life.He practices the Word in his life. He “hears these sayings of Mine and does them” (Matt. 7:24).He “hears these sayings of Mine and does them” (Matt. 7:24). He is a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only, one who “looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it…a doer of the work” (James 1:22-25).He is a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only, one who “looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it…a doer of the work” (James 1:22-25). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

25. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –The good ground hearer hears and “bears fruit w/ patience” (Luke 8:15). He does not expect a harvest overnight—the seed is sown and it takes time to grow.He does not expect a harvest overnight—the seed is sown and it takes time to grow. “The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it…” (James 5:7).“The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it…” (James 5:7). The fruit-bearing Christian is the only one pleasing to God (cf. John 15:1-8).The fruit-bearing Christian is the only one pleasing to God (cf. John 15:1-8). It is not enough to produce one crop and then fall into unfruitfulness. One must persevere.It is not enough to produce one crop and then fall into unfruitfulness. One must persevere. Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

26. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –The good ground hearer produces in varying quantities. Some are more fruitful than others, but the fruit born is the same.Some are more fruitful than others, but the fruit born is the same. –Some have more experience. –Some have more ability. –Some are converted earlier in life than others. –Some have families and others who are more helpful. Nevertheless, God expects us to bear fruit, doing so with and by His almighty helping hand (John 15).Nevertheless, God expects us to bear fruit, doing so with and by His almighty helping hand (John 15). Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

27. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil (Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15) –Do you know any good soils, who differ from… From the wayside hearer in that he understands the Word and does not allow Satan to take it away.From the wayside hearer in that he understands the Word and does not allow Satan to take it away. From the stony ground hearer in that he does not allow temptations to overcome him, but he overcomes them.From the stony ground hearer in that he does not allow temptations to overcome him, but he overcomes them. From the thorny ground hearer in that he does not allow the cares, riches & pleasures to choke the Word.From the thorny ground hearer in that he does not allow the cares, riches & pleasures to choke the Word. From all classes in that he alone bears fruit to God.From all classes in that he alone bears fruit to God. Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

28. The Parable of the Sower: Lessons Learned We must be the right kind of hearers.We must be the right kind of hearers. There is no salvation apart from the life-giving Word.There is no salvation apart from the life-giving Word. Seed has no power until it is sown.Seed has no power until it is sown. Christ wants everyone exposed to the gospel.Christ wants everyone exposed to the gospel. Bad influences must not harden us to the truth.Bad influences must not harden us to the truth. We must resist Satan.We must resist Satan. We must avoid impulsiveness.We must avoid impulsiveness. We must act with sober deliberation.We must act with sober deliberation. Persecution must be viewed & handled properly.Persecution must be viewed & handled properly. A child of God can fall away from the faith.A child of God can fall away from the faith. Trust in the providential care of the Lord.Trust in the providential care of the Lord. Avoid the dangers of materialism.Avoid the dangers of materialism. Always put Christ first in your life.Always put Christ first in your life. Fruitlessness will be punished.Fruitlessness will be punished. God is no respecter of abilities.God is no respecter of abilities. Not all hearers will obey the Word and be saved.Not all hearers will obey the Word and be saved. Soil preparation is key for the seed to be received.Soil preparation is key for the seed to be received. Mt. 13:3-8, 18-23 Mk. 4:3-8, 14-20 Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15