The Coming of the Kingdom (Matt 13:1-23) Intro: Importance & meaning Obviously a parable of great importance (Mk 4:13), recorded 3x. What is it primarily about? The hearts of men? Or the mysteries of the kingdom & the king as the sower?
It's primarily for true Christians, to teach the ministry of the king & the coming of the kingdom, its nature & progress in the world
Expectation of Messiah's Reign & Coming of the Kingdom of God See Ps 2,72;Mal 4,3:1-2;Matt 3:1-12 cf John's disappointment in Matt 11:3
Whatever else they may teach, Jesus explicitly says they're given to explain what the kingdom of heaven is like... to explain things to these troubled disciples, who were asking, 'Why is the kingdom not dramatic?' This is why it's primarily a parable of the sower.
Application 1.Tells us how kingdom comes & our role in it Not by military, political, economic or social influence. Has implications for all those things, but comes one heart at a time 2.Tells us how kingdom grows & disappointments we'll face We must not be crushed by disappointment or have no expectations at all
Conclusion 'This life ... is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness; Not health but healing; Not being but becoming; Not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, But we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished, But it is going on. This is not the end But it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory But all is being purified.'
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