Psalms 1:3, 1-2 – To be blessed like this man, we must delight in the law of the Lord and avoid sin.Review: parablesEarthly stories with a heavenly meaning.Figurative language (extended metaphor)Luke 18:1-8, 9 – Parable of the persistent widow.Illustrates a point, should not be erroneously or over-applied.Told to many, understood by few.The parable, explainedLuke 8:11 – Seed is the word of God.Emphasis is on the hearts of men and how they interact with the word of God.Hearing the word is common in all four scenarios.The pathMatthew 13:18-19Path: hardened heartExample: Pharaoh (Exodus 7:13, 22-23)Matthew 13:15Hears, but no understanding.No possibility of faith developing (Luke 8:12)Application:Personal Bible studyBible class this morningWords in the songs we sangIs your heart closed and incapable of accepting God’s word?The rocky groundEnthusiasm and some growth, but no perseverance when trials or tribulations come.Example: Peter (Matthew 26:30-35, 69-75)Important for new converts to grow their faithMatthew 13:12Jeremiah 17:7-8What to do in times of tribulation?James 1:2-4The thornsMark 4:18-19YLT: “cares of the world” translated as “anxiety of this age”Competition for limited resources (time, energy, etc.)Example: Demas (II Timothy 4:10)Example: growing grass under a shade treeStunted growth » no fruitNo fruit = no purpose (Matthew 21:18-19; Luke 13:6-9)Results from spiritual laziness (Proverbs 24:30-34)Importance of regular pruningExample: cutting cable bill or streaming serviceExample: taking a less demanding jobApplication:No good fruit = no purpose (Matthew 3:10)The good soilActs 2:37, 41-42 – Our hearts must be prepared to receive the word of God.Hears + understands » fruitMark 4:20; Luke 8:15God expects us to understand His word.Matthew 15:10; Ephesians 5:17God expects us to bear fruit (grow spiritually)Galatians 5:19-23; Matthew 3:8; Hebrews 5:12Suggestion: Pick someone who is bearing spiritual fruit and emulate what they are doing.Matthew 13:9
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