The Kingdom of God (10)
By Grace Eli
This study was first taught on January 15, 2013
Topic: The Kingdom of God (10): The Parable of The Growing Seed
No audio available for this study.Background
Last week, we examined the parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44). In this parable, Jesus likened the kingdom of God to the Hidden Treasure, and we sought to know why and how it is so. We saw from Scriptures that the whole earth lies in wickedness because the heart of the unregenerate man conceives of wicked thoughts and actions at all times (Genesis 6:5). Therefore, in this world of darkness, uncertainty, and fear, men are looking for the escape route for peace, joy, prosperity, fulfilment, and a meaning in life, and this is only possible through the knowledge of Him Who is the life of men and light of the world; and, His Name is Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God! We said that the field is the world and the treasure that is buried in the field is Christ Jesus!
He is the hidden treasure in this dark world Who offers all who find/discover Him, the way of peace, joy, contentment, righteousness and victory over sin and Satan. We saw that Jesus Christ as the Messiah, or Saviour from sin, is the only approved Way by which all men are to be forgiven of their past sins, and reconciled to God. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He holds the key of David; when He shuts a door, no man can open it; and, when He opens a door, no one can shut it! Principalities and powers are all subject to His authority; if we belong to Him, there is no fear! What a Treasure indeed!
We also saw that Jesus Christ, as the Word of God, is the Light and Revelation that lights up our way, giving us eternal life and planting us in the kingdom of God! All opposition to His rule shall be crushed at the end of the Age. We noted also the role of the Spirit of God in keeping those who come to Jesus, in communion with the Father in heaven, as well as in sealing up the redeemed of the Lord unto the final day of redemption. We said that God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit being perfected united in all things, means that anyone who discovers the Son of God as the hidden Treasure in the field of this world, who belongs to Him, has found a wonderful Treasure indeed because through Christ, he or she has access into the kingdom of God! The life of the kingdom we said begins here on earth when we possess this Treasure!
Scripture Text(s)
Mark 4:26-29; Ecclesiastes 11:6
Our study tonight is on the kingdom of God as compared by our Lord Jesus Christ, to the Growing Seed. What was the message about the kingdom of God, which Jesus was trying to convey to His disciples and to those who gathered to hear Him? May the Lord give us understanding as we study tonight, in Jesus Name, Amen.
Genesis 8:22; Ecclesiastes 3:2b; Psalm 126:6; 1 Corinthians 9:10b; Hosea 10:12; Mark 4:2-9; James 5:7b (1 Peter 2:2; James 1:21; 2 Peter 3:18); Joel 3:13a; John 3:16-17; 12:24 (1 Corinthians 15:36; Hebrews 2:10); 15:8; John 4:36;(Daniel 12:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; Philippians 2:12-16; 2 Corinthians 1:14); Matthew 13:41-43; Revelation 14:14-16.
Conclusion
The parable of the Growing seed teaches us that the growth and expansion of the kingdom of God, and the harvest of souls into the kingdom is intricately linked to the propagation of the gospel (which in this parable is referred to as, ‘seed which a man scatters on the ground’), and the results it yields in the heart of the hearers. We are told in this parable, that, how the seed, or the word that is preached germinates and grows in the hearts of men, the scatterer cannot tell; however, the effect of the word of God in a man’s life can be observed in stages: first, the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head! As one hears the message of the gospel, and receives it into his or her heart, unseen to the human eye or wisdom, this word being mixed with faith in the heart of the hearer, will begin to change/transform his or her life from being a new born babe at salvation, to growing in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, unto perfection (that is, becoming a mature believer in Christ), at which point he or she can be said to be ripe for harvesting. That is, he or she can be said to belong to the kingdom of God. Therefore, for as long as the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and men receive it into their hearts, we would be producing a bountiful harvest of sons and disciples for the King!
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