Lack of Fruit, 1of2

~ 4 Metaphors of the Heart ~

In the remarkable Parable of the Sower Jesus Christ presented four word pictures of the gospel seed following on different types of ground.  This parable represents four types of response to truth as it is presented to different types of individuals.

Wayside (no growth)  ~  This seed lays on the surface making it easy for birds to steal it.  Being on top of the surface also makes it is easy to be trampled on.  There is a lack of understanding—not even initial growth.  It is easy for Satan to neutralize the seed by erasing it from memory.  In this group of hearers are mockers, cynics, and unbelievers. This is the “old man” (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22; Colossians 3:9) controlled by the god of this world—Satan himself.  Jesus put it this way, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.  This is he who received seed by the wayside” (Matthew 13:19).

Stony Places (initial growth)  ~  This seed lacked moisture.  In contrast to the seed on the wayside there was initial growth but it lacked ongoing moisture.  This individual got sidetracked when the troubles of life came along—never developing any root.  Often those who are attracted to the health and wealth gospel, the feel good gospel, or who only have an emotional experience fall into this category.  They seek Christ on the basis of “What’s in it for me?”  They are too busy doing life on their own terms to spend time with the “water of life.” Jesus said, “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst.  But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).  Listen to how Jesus explained this part of the parable, “He who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while.  For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles” (Matthew 13:20-21). 

Thorns (growth for a time)  ~  These hearers begin to progress but then something happens.  Somewhere along the way their faith begins to be choked out by the cares of life or the deceitfulness of riches.  Perhaps they are emotionally wounded by another believer.  Life becomes hard and they fade away from their first love.  They become what some have labeled as the carnal Christian—trying to maintain a foot in heaven while being a tourist on earth (rather than a pilgrim and ambassador for Christ).  (Compare the Parable of the Great Supper – Luke 14:15-24).  Jesus said, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13).  Jesus explained this part of His parable, “He who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22). 

Good Ground (Godly growth)  ~  This is the normal (not average) Christian growth pattern.  Steady growth which results in spiritual growth.  This is the “new man” in Scripture (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10)—that is, the fallen man restored to relationship with Jesus Christ.  As these individuals grow they become increasingly like their Savior.  Our Lord said, “He who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23). 

summary:  “Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. (1 John 2:15-17).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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