Sermon Cloud

Intro:  Cavallaro rules of communication: our words don’t accomplish our intent.

Big Idea:  The powerful gospel bears fruit despite obstacles.

Context: Amidst opposition, Jesus begins a series of parables starting with the Sower.

I. Jesus speaks in parables to reveal AND conceal truth (vv. 4-10).

-         Jesus reminds them about the realities of farming in Palestine.  “Yeah, so?”

-         What Jesus means is not obvious- go easy on the disciples.

-         Isaiah’s ministry hardened God’s people before eventual restoration (Is. 6 & 1).

-         Jesus reveals that His ministry is similar, resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem.

-         But … something great will happen.  Though a seeming failure, it will bear fruit.

-         Will individuals listen and understand, or remain unfruitful toward God?

Transition:  Jesus spoke in parables to obscure the truth to the hard of heart.

II. Jesus reveals the powerful necessity of the gospel (vv. 11-15)

-         Jesus interprets the parable, revealing the secrets/mysteries of the kingdom.

-         Sower: Jesus (Mt.) => Apostles => Christians  All who believe are to sow as Jesus did.

-         We are to be on a mission that is similar to sowing seed.  What are we sowing?

-         Seed: Written Word of God about the Living Word of God

-         It is the message of creation => Fall => Redemption => Restoration

-         Seeds have the power of life in themselves.  The gospel has power!  The Word is alive!

-         The kingdom grows thru the ministry of the Word; it is the essential component.

-         Methods, techniques, & technology might help you produce more.  Ill. Modern farming

-         Soil: Hearts that Hear the Word.  Different soils produce different results.

-         This is the point Jesus makes (8:8, 18)- the thrust of the parable.

¹⁶ I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1 (NIV)

¹² For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4 (NIV)

⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.  John 15 (NIV)

“The parable assures gospel preachers and teachers of growing success in spite of the fact that some of their hearers reject the message.”  Simon Kistemaker

III. Jesus reveals the importance of our hearts (vv. 11-15).

-         Don’t be disappointed by unbelief.  (Misplaced joy in self)

-         Sowing seed on the hard path is unavoidable.  You step on it & birds eat it.  Ill. Grass

-         Some have hard hearts.  The life-producing Word does not penetrate.

-         People can listen for years without ever really hearing, finding no joy in the gospel.

-         Don’t be deceived by superficial success. (Misplaced joy in circumstances)

-         Limestone often lay under the surface.  Warm rock & winter rains => sprout.

-         But Spring comes, and small roots can’t find water.  Ill. Not seeding until rains

-         People selectively hear the Word for a superficial faith.  Cheap/counterfeit grace.

-         They love “Jesus” if life works & He doesn’t demand anything of them.  Ill. Larry Flynt

-         Don’t be dismayed by the suffocation of pre-occupation.  (Misplaced joy in the world)

-         Thorns & weeds compete with crops for water & nutrients- choking them out.

-         Those who find their joy in the world will find their spiritual life ebb away.  Ill. Red Sox

-         Expect the gospel to bear abundant fruit long-term.  (Joy placed in Jesus)

-         This soil retains the seed; it is fertile.  Humble hearts hold fast to it and grow (Jn. 15).

-         The kingdom will expand & Christians will grow.  There will be an abundant harvest.

-         God will accomplish His purposes in each generation and nation (Luke 24:45).

¹⁸ Therefore consider carefully how you listen.  Luke 8 (NIV)

“A real battle rages when the Word of God is preached.”  John Piper

 “…the parables … interpret us: our response to them reveals the state of our hearts before God.”  Richard Phillips

“False grace is a superficial thing, consisting in mere outward show, or in superficial affections, and not in any change of nature.”  Jonathan Edwards

“Covetousness: loss of contentment in Christ so that we start to crave other things to satisfy the longings of our heart.”  John Piper

“The choking process is a gradual one, and it takes place while we hardly notice.”  Richard Phillips