"Prepared for Abundance"

Prepared For Abundance

Luke 8:4-8 (NLT)

In the familiar parable of the sower, we see that even Jesus saw people respond superficially to His message. The problem was certainly not in His preaching, but in the audience’s hearing. The warning to those who hear the parable, of course, is to take it to heart so that we avoid a superficial faith. Whatever the current state of our hearts, we can appeal to God to grant us a new heart so that we will hold fast to Him and bear fruit with perseverance.

In the parable of Luke 8:4-15, Jesus likens the soils or grounds of a field to the different kind of people on this earth. Everybody falls into at least one of these four grounds. If you don’t like “your soil”, just know that the kinds of soils are not fixed forever. By God’s grace, a person can change. (can I get a amen)

The four soils can be grouped into two categories: the unfruitful and the fruitful. All four soils hear the Word. The first soil is the only one not to accept it at all. The second soil accepts the seed briefly and shows initial promise, but it soon dies out. The third soil seems to make even further progress, but eventually the thorns choke it out. Only the fourth soil eventually bears fruit.

Luke 8:8 (NLT)

Still other seed fell on fertile soil. This seed grew and produced a crop that was a hundred times as much as had been planted!” When he had said this, he called out, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”
Fertile Soil – a place where something (roots) begins or develops in large amounts (abundantly). Things that are needed for supernatural growth

The ability to supply essential plant nutrients and water in adequate amounts and proportions for plant growth and reproduction; and (we call that Jesus, the bread of life and the living water)

The absence of toxic substances which may inhibit plant growth. (we call that sin)

Sufficient soil depth for adequate root growth and water retention; (we call that the Word)

Good internal drainage, allowing sufficient aeration for optimal root growth (we call that forgiveness)

Topsoil is with sufficient soil organic matter for healthy soil structure and soil moisture retention; (we call that grace and mercy)

Listen and Understand

We hear, but don’t listen

We need to open our heart up to the word of God

We need to obey the word of God

Some of us like to learn the hard way; don’t believe fat meat is greasy

Give example of children of Israel

James 1:22 (NLT)

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Luke 8:15 (NLT)

And the seeds that fell on the good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.

Opened their heart to God in every area of their life

Hold on to God’s unchanging hand

Don’t quit

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage

Transformed their heart

Psalm 1:2-3 (NLT)

But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

2 Chronicles 15:7 (NIV)

But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Tap your neighbor – tell them their work will be rewarded

Give example of children

Footpath – Hear the message, but devil come take it away from their hearts

Rocks – Hear and receive the message with joy. It began to grow, but don’t have deep roots. No living water; temptation or trials come upon them; can’t control their tongue and emotions

Thorns – Hear the message, but roots get choked out because of the cares, riches and pleasures of life

Fertile – Listen and understand; cling to God’s word and patiently produces a huge harvest

Only difference is his heart is open to listen and obey

Luke 11:28 (NLT)

Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”

Revelation 3:20 (NIV)

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.