Thorny-Ground Hearers (Matt 13:22) Intro: Review The parables often explain several truths & can be fairly applied in various ways. Those in Matt 13 tell us what the kingdom of heaven is like. But they also warn us, 'Take heed how you hear' (Lk 8:18)
Exposition: Fruitless curse of a divided heart 1. Seed refers to word of kingdom. 2. Soil refers to heart of anyone who hears the word. 3. Thorns refer to other things in our heart which choke the life out of the word of the kingdom & leave us fruitless: the cares of this world & the deceitfulness of riches.
i.e. some hearts are like ground infested with latent selfishness which chokes the life out of those who receive the word. And those who are fruitless are under the curse (Matt 3:10, 7:19-20, 12:33, 21:43-44, Jn 15:5-6).
Doctrine: The word of the kingdom has no prospects for life in a divided heart. This class of hearers we know by personal acquaintance in this busy age. And they were known also to our Lord (Matt 9:21, Lk 9:57-62, 2Tim 4:10).
We can state the meaning of the parable this way: What we do not spare can ultimately destroy us.
Application: What is it that's stealing your heart away?
1. The cares of this world? (Matt 6:26) 2. The deceitfulness of riches? If you have them, serve God with them. But do not believe their promise of the future.
Conclusion: Pull up the roots of the thorns infesting each one of our hearts. Whatever it is that draws you away from God must be uprooted.
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