The Kingdom of God (13)
By Grace Eli
This study was first taught on February 19, 2013
Topic: The Kingdom of God (13): The Parable of the Sower
(use the audio to study)
Background
Last week, we examined the Parable of the Tares and the Wheat (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43) under the series of studies of the parables told by Jesus Christ to illustrate the Kingdom of God. The parable of the Tares and Wheat tells us about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but while men slept, an enemy went in stealthily to plant tares among the wheat; both the tares and the wheat sprang up together, and when the labourers discovered what had been done, and desired to uproot the tares from the field, the owner of the field told them not to, so that they would not mistakenly uproot the wheat with the tares in the field. The owner asked that both grow together until the time of harvest, at which point, he would instruct the reapers to first gather out the tares and bind them up for burning, while the wheat would be gathered into his barn. Jesus also gave an interpretation of this parable to His disciples saying that, the good seed are the sons of the kingdom, represented as wheat, while the sons of the wicked one (the devil) are the tares sown among the wheat. The enemy that sows the tares is the devil, and the field is the world. The harvest is the end of the Age, and the reapers are the angels. We said that this parable unveils a true picture of the wrestle between the advancement of the work of the Kingdom of God through soul winning, and the resistance brought on by the wicked one and his cohorts in an attempt to corrupt, hinder and discourage the work of God. Our attitude as labourers is to continue to tend the field until harvest time at which point, there shall be a separation between the sons of the kingdom and the sons of the wicked one who front themselves as ‘prophets’, ‘teachers’, ‘pastors’, ‘evangelists’, etc, howbeit of error! For they lay claim to speak for God but deny Him through the teachings of error (2 Peter 2: 1-22). We also applied this parable to the mixed multitude in the Church of God today as we candidly observe worshippers who exhibit the life of the Spirit as well as others who plainly are living the carnal life. The parable warns us not to be overcome by the sons of the wicked one and their activities, but rather to hold steadfastly to sound doctrine and a godly life that will guarantee our entry into the kingdom of heaven.
Scripture Text(s)
Mark 4:1-20
Tonight, we shall be studying the Parable of the Sower and shall seek to grasp the message contained in this parable to help us as believers in our pursuit of the kingdom of God. We pray for the Holy Spirit to instruct us in all wisdom as we study in Jesus Name, Amen.
Romans 7:4; John 15:8; 2 Corinthians 4:3-4; 1 Corinthians 1:14; John 8:43; (2 Corinthians 3:14-16); Exodus 16:1-4; 15:22; 16:1-4; Numbers 14:11, 22-23; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 12:15-20 (1 John 2:15-17; 1 Timothy 6:6-10); Revelation 2:9; 3:8; Acts 26:13; 9:15-16.
Conclusion
From our study tonight, we can deduce the following:
1. The parable of the Sower can be applied to the life of an individual, a local assembly, and to the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom of God universally.
2. For the individual, you need to check your fruit-bearing and ask yourself what kind of soil/receptacle you are, to the word of God that you hear.
3. For the individual local assembly, we need to realize that our congregation and their ability to receive the word of God that is preached should take cognizance of the various soils (hearts) that are present (mixed multitude); to address through the fervency of prayer and counseling, the challenges that are a hindrance to the growth, multiplication, and fruit-bearing capabilities of the local assembly. With respect to the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom of God universally, this parable applies to the extent that not all who hear the gospel will understand and receive it, and through much patience and persecution, bear fruit unto eternal life (100-, 60-, 30-fold) according to God’s gift/talents.
4. We need to constantly pray to God to receive understanding of the word of God, and should get rid of or do away with the lack of depth/spiritual ignorance by studying, meditating, and storing up the word of God in our hearts so that we can overcome Satan and his wiles and diligently carry out our kingdom assignment of fruit-bearing.
5. Every believer that truly receives the word of God and obeys it, will increase in understanding and in his knowledge of God and will definitely bear fruit!!! That is why a Christian who does not bear fruit will have no place in the kingdom of God.
Back to all Bible Study Outline List