Lesson 7: The Parable of the Sower. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SowerThe Sower –The sower went forth to sow, as was common in those days

Lesson 7:

The Parable of the SowerThe Parable of the Sower

The Parable of the Sower:The Parable of the Sower:The NarrativeThe Narrative

• The SowerThe Sower– The sower went forth to sow, as was The sower went forth to sow, as was

common in those days common in those days – Initially, the sower represented Christ, who Initially, the sower represented Christ, who

went out teaching and sowing the Word.went out teaching and sowing the Word.– In application and principle, it is the In application and principle, it is the

responsibility of every Christian to be the responsibility of every Christian to be the sower, sowing the seed of the kingdom (cf. sower, sowing the seed of the kingdom (cf. Acts 8:4).Acts 8:4).

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• The SowerThe Sower– Some Truths for the SowerSome Truths for the Sower

• He must sow the seed and leave the increase to He must sow the seed and leave the increase to God (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6).God (Isa. 55:10-11; 1 Cor. 3:6).

• He must sow at all times, not waiting until He must sow at all times, not waiting until everything is favorable (Ecc. 11:4-6; 2 Tim. 4:2).everything is favorable (Ecc. 11:4-6; 2 Tim. 4:2).

• He must sow, realizing that others may reap the He must sow, realizing that others may reap the harvest (John 4:35-38).harvest (John 4:35-38).

• He must sow on all kinds of soil (Matt. 13:3-8).He must sow on all kinds of soil (Matt. 13:3-8).• He must sow with the right attitude (2 Tim. 2:24-He must sow with the right attitude (2 Tim. 2:24-

28; Eph. 4:15).28; Eph. 4:15).• He must believe in the seed he sows (Rom. He must believe in the seed he sows (Rom.

1:16).1:16).

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• The SeedThe Seed– The seed was dispersed by the sower.The seed was dispersed by the sower.– The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11).– The seed, representing the Word of God, is that The seed, representing the Word of God, is that

which contains life (John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23).which contains life (John 6:63; 1 Peter 1:23).– The seed always produces after its kind (Gen. The seed always produces after its kind (Gen.

1:11; Gal. 6:7).1:11; Gal. 6:7).– The seed produced Christians only in the first The seed produced Christians only in the first

century and will produce the same today.century and will produce the same today.– The seed can be mixed (Mt. 13:24-25; Ga. 1:6-The seed can be mixed (Mt. 13:24-25; Ga. 1:6-

9).9).

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• The SoilsThe Soils– The soils denote the various sorts of The soils denote the various sorts of

attitudes that men have towards the attitudes that men have towards the gospel.gospel.

– The success of the sowing depends upon The success of the sowing depends upon the soils into which the seed falls.the soils into which the seed falls.

– Hearts must be prepared to seek and Hearts must be prepared to seek and receive the Word (2 Chron. 19:3; 30:19; receive the Word (2 Chron. 19:3; 30:19; Ezra 7:10).Ezra 7:10).

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• The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)– Hard path that is fertile, but packed & Hard path that is fertile, but packed &

unplowedunplowed– The seed makes contact, but because the soil The seed makes contact, but because the soil

is so hard, it cannot penetrate.is so hard, it cannot penetrate.– The wayside soil represents:The wayside soil represents:

• One who does not believe, because… (Luke 8:12)One who does not believe, because… (Luke 8:12)• He has chosen not to understand, because…He has chosen not to understand, because…• His heart has been hardened to the truth, His heart has been hardened to the truth,

because…because…• He is not interested in the gospel (Matt. 13:19)He is not interested in the gospel (Matt. 13:19)

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• The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)– The birds symbolize Satan (Matt. 13:19)The birds symbolize Satan (Matt. 13:19)

• Satan comes immediately (Mark 4:15) and snatches Satan comes immediately (Mark 4:15) and snatches the seed away (Matt. 13:19)the seed away (Matt. 13:19)

• Satan only takes the seed after the soil has rejected Satan only takes the seed after the soil has rejected itit

• Satan is ever happy to cooperate with those who Satan is ever happy to cooperate with those who reject the truth (John 13:27; Matt. 27:4; Acts 5:3-4)reject the truth (John 13:27; Matt. 27:4; Acts 5:3-4)

• If the Word dwelt in the heart long enough for faith to If the Word dwelt in the heart long enough for faith to result, salvation could follow (Luke 8:12).result, salvation could follow (Luke 8:12).

• What methods does he use to snatch the Word What methods does he use to snatch the Word away?away?

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• The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)– What are some reasons hearts are What are some reasons hearts are

hardened?hardened?• Pride (cf. Prov. 16:18)Pride (cf. Prov. 16:18)• Prejudice, come with idol in heart (cf. Ezek. 14:1-Prejudice, come with idol in heart (cf. Ezek. 14:1-

5)5)• Fear of giving up things (cf. Luke 18:18ff)Fear of giving up things (cf. Luke 18:18ff)• Worldliness (cf. Eph. 4:17-18)Worldliness (cf. Eph. 4:17-18)• No love for truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10)No love for truth (cf. 2 Thess. 2:10)• Continually resisting the truth (cf. Ex. 8:19-20)Continually resisting the truth (cf. Ex. 8:19-20)• Habitually practicing sin (cf. Heb. 3:13)Habitually practicing sin (cf. Heb. 3:13)

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• The Soils—The Wayside SoilThe Soils—The Wayside Soil(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)(Matt. 13:3-4, 19; Mark 4:15; Luke 8:5, 12)– Do you know any wayside soils?Do you know any wayside soils?

• Hear the Word with their minds already made Hear the Word with their minds already made up (cf. Acts 17:21)up (cf. Acts 17:21)

• Hear but think the truth applies to someone Hear but think the truth applies to someone else (cf. John 8:33)else (cf. John 8:33)

• Hear but go out and live as they did before (cf. Hear but go out and live as they did before (cf. Jas. 1:22-25)Jas. 1:22-25)

• Hear but have allowed the world to trample Hear but have allowed the world to trample hearts so long that they are untouched (cf. 1 hearts so long that they are untouched (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1-2)Tim. 4:1-2)

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• The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil(Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, 13)(Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, 13)– A thin layer of soil overlying a solid ledge of A thin layer of soil overlying a solid ledge of

rock; fertility is not the problem, depth isrock; fertility is not the problem, depth is– Plants spring up immediately (b/c lacks depth)Plants spring up immediately (b/c lacks depth)– The stony/rocky soil represents:The stony/rocky soil represents:

• One who lacks any strong convictions / earnestnessOne who lacks any strong convictions / earnestness• One who is an emotional, superficial, impulsive One who is an emotional, superficial, impulsive

hearerhearer• One, possibly, who is “won to Christ” on basis of frillsOne, possibly, who is “won to Christ” on basis of frills• One who sees only pleasant elements of ChristianityOne who sees only pleasant elements of Christianity• One who does not count the cost (Lk. 14:25ff; 9:23)One who does not count the cost (Lk. 14:25ff; 9:23)

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• The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil(Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke

8:6, 13)8:6, 13)– The seed has no depth, therefore no root, The seed has no depth, therefore no root,

without which no plant can survive – without which no plant can survive – Christians must be rooted in Christ (Col. Christians must be rooted in Christ (Col. 2:7; Eph. 3:17)2:7; Eph. 3:17)

– One cannot afford for his faith to be One cannot afford for his faith to be shallow.shallow.

– Faith must grow inward (and deeply) and Faith must grow inward (and deeply) and not be merely outward.not be merely outward.

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• The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil(Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6,

13)13)– Thus, when the sun was risen (tribulation and Thus, when the sun was risen (tribulation and

persecution arose because of the Word), the persecution arose because of the Word), the “shallow” soul folks “immediately” “fell away”“shallow” soul folks “immediately” “fell away”• Those who respond to the Lord impulsively are Those who respond to the Lord impulsively are

prone to quickly fall.prone to quickly fall.• The sun (tribulations/persecutions) destroys the The sun (tribulations/persecutions) destroys the

shallow-rooted person, but makes stronger the shallow-rooted person, but makes stronger the deeply rooted Christian (cf. James 1:2-4).deeply rooted Christian (cf. James 1:2-4).

• Though these believed for a while (Luke 8:13), they Though these believed for a while (Luke 8:13), they fell away. A child of God can fall away and be lost.fell away. A child of God can fall away and be lost.

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• The Soils—The Stony/Rocky SoilThe Soils—The Stony/Rocky Soil(Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6, (Matt. 13:5-6, 20-21; Mark 4:16-17; Luke 8:6,

13)13)– Do you know any stony soils?Do you know any stony soils?

• Hears the Word, obeys the Word quickly, and Hears the Word, obeys the Word quickly, and then falls away.then falls away.

• Have emotions stirred and make sudden impulse Have emotions stirred and make sudden impulse decision.decision.

• Obey without counting the cost & commitment Obey without counting the cost & commitment involved and all one must endure.involved and all one must endure.

• Some people are easily excited, always starting Some people are easily excited, always starting projects but never completing them. Sometimes projects but never completing them. Sometimes describes some Christians.describes some Christians.

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• The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)– The soil is fit/fertile, but it’s crowded. The soil is fit/fertile, but it’s crowded. – The seeds of the thorns were already in the The seeds of the thorns were already in the

ground, implying inadequate preparation.ground, implying inadequate preparation.– The thorny soil represents:The thorny soil represents:

• The pre-occupied hearerThe pre-occupied hearer• A divided heart with divided loyalties (cf. Matt. A divided heart with divided loyalties (cf. Matt.

6:24)6:24)• One who is so busy with other things he cannot One who is so busy with other things he cannot

be busy for Christbe busy for Christ

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• The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)– Thorns: Thorns: The cares of this worldThe cares of this world (Mt. 13:22) (Mt. 13:22)

• These are the distracting anxieties/worries of These are the distracting anxieties/worries of this lifethis life

• Day-to-day worries about living can distract Day-to-day worries about living can distract (Prov. 30:8-9; Matt. 6:25-34).(Prov. 30:8-9; Matt. 6:25-34).

• Worry and anxiety in the example of Martha Worry and anxiety in the example of Martha choked out the good part (Luke 10:38-42).choked out the good part (Luke 10:38-42).

• Sometimes we allow the lesser important to Sometimes we allow the lesser important to choke out the most important (Luke 21:34-35).choke out the most important (Luke 21:34-35).

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• The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)– Thorns: Thorns: The deceitfulness of richesThe deceitfulness of riches (Matt. (Matt.

13:22)13:22)• Riches promise happiness but they do not and Riches promise happiness but they do not and

cannot deliver (Ecc. 5:10-13).cannot deliver (Ecc. 5:10-13).• Preoccupation with wealth leads to other Preoccupation with wealth leads to other

problems as well (1 Tim. 6:9-10).problems as well (1 Tim. 6:9-10).• If materialism was a curse upon the church in If materialism was a curse upon the church in

the first century for Jesus to present a lesson on the first century for Jesus to present a lesson on thorns, how much more is it a curse on the thorns, how much more is it a curse on the church today?church today?

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• The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)– Thorns: Thorns: The desire for other thingsThe desire for other things (Mark (Mark

4:19)4:19)• There are many things in our lives that can There are many things in our lives that can

(and often do) take precedence over Christ – (and often do) take precedence over Christ – family, educational pursuits, desire for family, educational pursuits, desire for popularity, career goals, etc.popularity, career goals, etc.

• Even things that are not intrinsically wrong Even things that are not intrinsically wrong must take a second place to the Lord (Matt. must take a second place to the Lord (Matt. 6:33).6:33).

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• The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)– Thorns: Thorns: The pleasures of this lifeThe pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14) (Luke 8:14)

• Christianity does not take the joy out of life, but it Christianity does not take the joy out of life, but it does demand that we put first things first.does demand that we put first things first.

• Earthly pleasures cannot produce true happiness (Ecc. Earthly pleasures cannot produce true happiness (Ecc. 2).2).

• Hobbies, recreation, our “down time,” etc., are first Hobbies, recreation, our “down time,” etc., are first with too many today (cf. 1 Tim. 4:8).with too many today (cf. 1 Tim. 4:8).

• Again, some of these things may not be wrong in and Again, some of these things may not be wrong in and of themselves, but placed foremost in our lives will of themselves, but placed foremost in our lives will leave no room for God and His Word.leave no room for God and His Word.

• Those “pleasures” that are sinful must be avoided!!!Those “pleasures” that are sinful must be avoided!!!

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• The Soils—The Thorny SoilThe Soils—The Thorny Soil(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)(Matt. 13:7, 22; Mark 4:7, 18-19; Luke 8:14)– Do you know any thorny soils?Do you know any thorny soils?

• Those who are “in the church” but are controlled Those who are “in the church” but are controlled (seemingly) by the things of the world, thus are (seemingly) by the things of the world, thus are “unfruitful” in their Christian endeavors?“unfruitful” in their Christian endeavors?

• They appear to be Christians (to man), but their They appear to be Christians (to man), but their choices and lifestyles make them lukewarm at choices and lifestyles make them lukewarm at best (cf. Rev. 3:15-16).best (cf. Rev. 3:15-16).

• They confidently expect heaven but are allowing They confidently expect heaven but are allowing the thorns of life to choke out God and His Word, the thorns of life to choke out God and His Word, thus being deceived regarding their true thus being deceived regarding their true condition.condition.

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• The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil(Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15)(Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15)– The good ground hearer The good ground hearer

has an “honest and good heart”has an “honest and good heart” (Luke 8:15). (Luke 8:15).• He accepts and serves with whole-hearted and He accepts and serves with whole-hearted and

honest devotion because he “prepared his heart to honest devotion because he “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10).seek the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10).

• Honesty is a characteristic that is essential, not Honesty is a characteristic that is essential, not only in becoming a Christian, but in living the only in becoming a Christian, but in living the Christian life.Christian life.

• We are to provide things honest in the sight of all We are to provide things honest in the sight of all men (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21), think honest things men (Rom. 12:17; 2 Cor. 8:21), think honest things (Phil 4:8), live honestly in all things (Heb. 13:18).(Phil 4:8), live honestly in all things (Heb. 13:18).

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““hears the word”hears the word” (Matt. 13:23). (Matt. 13:23).• It is essential to hear the Word of God aright.It is essential to hear the Word of God aright.• ““So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing

by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).• ““And many of the Corinthians, hearing, And many of the Corinthians, hearing,

believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8).believed and were baptized” (Acts 18:8).

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hears “and understands”hears “and understands” (Matt. 13:23). (Matt. 13:23).• To understand means to perceive, to grasp the To understand means to perceive, to grasp the

meaning of, to know. One understands by giving meaning of, to know. One understands by giving undivided attention and ceasing not to think undivided attention and ceasing not to think about it.about it.

• Understanding is both possible and essential to Understanding is both possible and essential to please God.please God.

– ““Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30)Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30)– ““When you read, you may understand” (Eph. 3:4).When you read, you may understand” (Eph. 3:4).– ““Understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).Understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:17).

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hears and “accepts/receives” ithears and “accepts/receives” it (Mark 4:20). (Mark 4:20).• He takes it in and it becomes a part of him.He takes it in and it becomes a part of him.• Compare Acts 8:12 & 8:14:Compare Acts 8:12 & 8:14:

– ““they believed…[and] were baptized” (Acts 8:12)they believed…[and] were baptized” (Acts 8:12)– ““Samaria had received the word of God” (Acts 8:14)Samaria had received the word of God” (Acts 8:14)

• The Bereans “received the word with all The Bereans “received the word with all readiness” (Acts 17:11).readiness” (Acts 17:11).

• James tells us to “receive with meekness the James tells us to “receive with meekness the implanted word” (James 1:21).implanted word” (James 1:21).

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hears and “keeps/holds fast to it”hears and “keeps/holds fast to it” (Luke (Luke 8:15).8:15).• He holds on to the Word (cf. 2 Tim. 1:13).He holds on to the Word (cf. 2 Tim. 1:13).• He practices the Word in his life.He practices the Word in his life.• He “hears these sayings of Mine and does them” He “hears these sayings of Mine and does them”

(Matt. 7:24).(Matt. 7:24).• He is a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only, He is a doer of the Word, and not a hearer only,

one who “looks into the perfect law of liberty and one who “looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it…a doer of the work” (James 1:22-continues in it…a doer of the work” (James 1:22-25).25).

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hears and “bears fruit w/ patience”hears and “bears fruit w/ patience” (Luke (Luke 8:15).8:15).• He does not expect a harvest overnight—the seed He does not expect a harvest overnight—the seed

is sown and it takes time to grow.is sown and it takes time to grow.• ““The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, The farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth,

waiting patiently for it until it…” (James 5:7).waiting patiently for it until it…” (James 5:7).• The fruit-bearing Christian is the only one pleasing The fruit-bearing Christian is the only one pleasing

to God (cf. John 15:1-8).to God (cf. John 15:1-8).• It is not enough to produce one crop and then fall It is not enough to produce one crop and then fall

into unfruitfulness. One must persevere.into unfruitfulness. One must persevere.

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produces in varying quantitiesproduces in varying quantities..• Some are more fruitful than others, but the fruit Some are more fruitful than others, but the fruit

born is the same.born is the same.– Some have more experience.Some have more experience.– Some have more ability.Some have more ability.– Some are converted earlier in life than others.Some are converted earlier in life than others.– Some have families and others who are more helpful.Some have families and others who are more helpful.

• Nevertheless, God expects us to bear fruit, doing Nevertheless, God expects us to bear fruit, doing so with and by His almighty helping hand (John so with and by His almighty helping hand (John 15).15).

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Mk. 4:3-8, 14-Mk. 4:3-8, 14-2020

Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15


• The Soils—The Good SoilThe Soils—The Good Soil(Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15)(Matt. 13:8, 23; Mark 4:8, 20; Luke 8:8, 15)– Do you know any good soils, who differ from…Do you know any good soils, who differ from…

• From the wayside hearer in that he understands the From the wayside hearer in that he understands the Word and does not allow Satan to take it away.Word and does not allow Satan to take it away.

• From the stony ground hearer in that he does not From the stony ground hearer in that he does not allow temptations to overcome him, but he allow temptations to overcome him, but he overcomes them.overcomes them.

• From the thorny ground hearer in that he does not From the thorny ground hearer in that he does not allow the cares, riches & pleasures to choke the allow the cares, riches & pleasures to choke the Word.Word.

• From all classes in that he alone bears fruit to God.From all classes in that he alone bears fruit to God.

Mt. 13:3-8, 18-Mt. 13:3-8, 18-2323

Mk. 4:3-8, 14-Mk. 4:3-8, 14-2020

Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

The Parable of the Sower:The Parable of the Sower:Lessons LearnedLessons Learned• We must be the right kind of hearers.We must be the right kind of hearers.• There is no salvation apart from the life-giving Word.There is no salvation apart from the life-giving Word.• Seed has no power until it is sown.Seed has no power until it is sown.• Christ wants everyone exposed to the gospel.Christ wants everyone exposed to the gospel.• Bad influences must not harden us to the truth.Bad influences must not harden us to the truth.• We must resist Satan.We must resist Satan.• We must avoid impulsiveness.We must avoid impulsiveness.• We must act with sober deliberation.We must act with sober deliberation.• Persecution must be viewed & handled properly.Persecution must be viewed & handled properly.• A child of God can fall away from the faith.A child of God can fall away from the faith.• Trust in the providential care of the Lord.Trust in the providential care of the Lord.• Avoid the dangers of materialism.Avoid the dangers of materialism.• Always put Christ first in your life.Always put Christ first in your life.• Fruitlessness will be punished.Fruitlessness will be punished.• God is no respecter of abilities.God is no respecter of abilities.• Not all hearers will obey the Word and be saved.Not all hearers will obey the Word and be saved.• Soil preparation is key for the seed to be received.Soil preparation is key for the seed to be received.

Mt. 13:3-8, 18-Mt. 13:3-8, 18-2323

Mk. 4:3-8, 14-Mk. 4:3-8, 14-2020

Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15Lk. 8:5-8, 11-15

Documents

Lesson 7: The Parable of the Sower. The Parable of the Sower: The Narrative The SowerThe Sower –The sower went forth to sow, as was common in those days