We are now 3/4 of the way through our 2023 Vision Plan curriculum. We’ve based this year’s theme around Colossians 2.6-7 where we have discovered what it means to walk in Christ and be well rooted. God’s great desire for you is for you to follow through. To be established in the faith. To live your faith out every day in your own actions, in the church, and in your marriage and family relationships.God is committed to finishing what He has started in you. This is all for the grand purpose of showcasing God’s amazing grace, love, power, and desire to save. We who are being made like Jesus have been called to show others the way to Jesus. Today, we consider the parable of the sower.
I. The Parable
A. How Jesus Grabs Your Attention
Jesus describes a sower who is not so careful with his seeds, the soil where he plants, and how he plants.
Scattering
everywhere, which brings our attention to the different kinds of soil. a) 13.4: hard packed soil of the
(think gravel roads or walking trails). b) 13.5-6: we hear of
soil with no depth to it. c) 13.7: He speaks of soil in the middle of
. d)But then, 13.8: soil that gives a hundred, sixty, and
return. B. Soil and Seeds
Are we see good soil?
We often don’t feel like good soil.
What does it mean to be soil … good or otherwise?
II. Who is the Parable About?
A. Matthew 13:3: Then he told them many things in parables, saying, “Consider the
who went out to sow.
This parable is not about us. It is about God.
It is about the God whose seeds end up everywhere.
B. All soils are acceptable.
God has decided to scatter grace, mercy, and love in all directions.
It doesn’t matter where you are … He will meet you there.
C. God is not looking at the world through the lenses of good and bad soil.
For God so
… , John 3.16. Out of His immense love He has revealed His word of grace to us. We have to accept this on the basis of
, Ephesians 2.8-9.
III. As We Close…
A. What’s In This for Us?
We’re called to be sowers in this world.
We are not to be passive recipients but active participants in spreading this love.
B. Are you searching for God?
God has not written you off.
Will you believe?