“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When He said this, He called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” Luke 8:5-8 (NIV)
This is a key parable/story to unlocking the truths of Scripture as the ‘seed’ principle is fundamental to His Kingdom. Fruitfulness is born from the Word of God being sown into our own life or in others.
• What is the seed? The Word of God.
• Who is the farmer/sower? Anyone who speaks the Word of God or about God to others.
• Why does every seed not bear fruit? The impact the Word of God has in our own or another person’s life will be contended.
1. The Power of the [Incorruptible] Word of God
Luke 8:11 - declares the seed is the Word of God and it has the power to bring salvation and transformation in a person’s life. Also refer to 1 Peter 1:23 (NKJV)
2. God wants all of us to be Sowers
A sower is anyone who speaks about God or His Word to others.
The Example of Jesus:
Acts 1:1 …’all that Jesus began to DO and TEACH’. Wherever Jesus went He spoke and taught about God and spiritual principles.
We too, have been empowered by the Holy Spirit and have been given a mission to share our faith with others. (Acts 1:8)
This parable is about fruitfulness. Sharing our faith and what God has done in our life with others is one of the most influential and fruitful things we can do as believers.
3. The Seed will Be Contended
Seeds need favourable conditions to promote growth and fruitfulness.
Conditions that hinder growth and fruitfulness:
- The birds – represent Satan – he tries to steal the Word right at the beginning, so it does not get lodged into our heart.
(Strategy: Pray) - Strong sun, lack of moisture and hard, rocky ground – represents someone not continuing to remain in Jesus due to the testing of his or her faith or character. (Strategy: Keep loving and keep sowing with new believers, it can take time for roots to grow deep and for faith to become robust. Stay in the Word and meditate on it.)
- Weeds – represent the common things that stop many believers maturing and living a fruitful life. The weeds that choke are of two kinds:
A. Pressures of Life – eg worries; and
B. Pleasures of Life – eg deceitfulness of wealth, desire for things. (Strategy: Surround yourself with believers who will help fight battles and keep us accountable)
When the conditions are favourable:
Luke 8:15 “But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.”
A noble and good heart will, hear, retain and persevere to produce a fruitful crop. Fruitfulness is born from the Word of God being sown into our own life or in others. Maintaining good soil is essential for the Word to be effective. We maintain good soil by meditating on the Word, prayer and connecting with others.
SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT:
1. Describe a recent time when you shared an encouraging word and/or scripture and how you felt?
2. What are the impediments to sharing the Word more frequently with the people in your life?
3. What’s a next step you could take to enhance the quality of your ‘soil’ to stir your faith and to enhance your fruitfulness?
4. Discuss what opportunities each of you may have to spend time with someone new to share the Word or perhaps check-in on someone who you’ve already planted with a seed?
