Message Notes

INTERMEDIATE SUNDAY SCHOOL 24 SEPTEMBER 2023
STUDIES IN THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Text: Matthew 13:13-18

Subject: The Parables taught by the Lord Jesus

INTRODUCTION

1. Parables of the Lord Jesus

a) A major tool of instruction

b) Significant truths contained in the Parable

2. The Challenge:

a) To the Multitudes

b) To the Disciples

c) To us today

EXPLANATION OF THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower:
19 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.
20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy;
21 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.
22 Now 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.
23 But 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 13:18-23

1. The Wayside ground

a) The seed is the Word of the Kingdom

b) The listener hears the Word

i) He does not understand it

ii) He does not take the trouble to learn

c) The wicked one comes along and snatches the Word away from his heart

d) He yields no fruit

2. The stony ground

a) He has received the Word of the kingdom

b) He rejoices in what he has heard

c) But there are no deep roots

d) He endures for a while

e) When tribulation and persecution come, he stumbles

3. The thorny ground

a) He hears the Word of the kingdom

b) The Word of the Kingdom is choked

i) The cares of this world

ii) The deceitfulness of riches

c) He becomes unfruitful

4. The good ground

a) He hears the Word of the Kingdom

b) He understands it

c) He bears fruit; 100-fold; 60-fold; 30-fold

HOW DOES THIS PARABLE OF THE SOWER APPLY TO US TODAY?

1. It has to do with the Word of God

2. It has to do with how we respond to the Word

3. The challenge is to become “fruitful”

4. Consider the factor called “Response”

a) No response

b) Shallow response

c) Choked response

d) Good response

5. May we be desirous of bearing much fruit for the Lord in our life!