Evangelism: Four Heartbeats

May 18, 2008

Read Matthew 13:1-23

V1-2

• A parable does one of two things, it either conceals or it reveals spiritual truth, and here as we’ll see, it also exposes hearts. There are 4 types of hearts Jesus will identify in this parable, and depending upon the condition of your heart determines how you hear and receive the word of God. A few points in understanding this story:
  1. The Sower is Jesus
  2. The Seed is the word of God - 1 Peter 1:23
  3. The Soil is your heart
  4. Birds are Satan

V3-9

• V9 Jesus ended this section of the parable by saying be careful what you hear, and how you hear. The word “parable” means casting alongside. It’s very similar to the Greek meaning for Holy Spirit, which means to come alongside of. As the word of God is being cast out, those who receive it have the Holy Spirit come to dwell within.

V10-17

• The disciples are confused so they ask Jesus why He is speaking in such veiled language? Jesus gives them 3 reasons why He spoke in this manner:
  1. He was revealing secrets or mysteries of the kingdom of heaven - Jesus gives the reason for withholding these heavenly secrets from the multitudes and only revealing them to the disciples in verse 12; because they accepted the Light, they would then receive more light, but those who rejected the Light of the world would not only be prevented from receiving more light, they also would lose the little light or understanding they had
  2. To make a distinction - between the unbelieving crowd and the believing disciples
  3. To fulfill scripture - Isaiah 6:9-10
• The world loves to lump everybody in the same category, but Jesus doesn’t do that, He makes a clear distinction between a saint and one who ain’t. People don’t like that, but scripture is clear about this, and you see it emphasized right here in verse 16, as only those who respond to biblical truth will receive more spiritual instruction - both in hearing and seeing (1 Corinthians 2:13-14).

V18-23

• Now we come to the interpretation of the parable. We see 4 conditions of the heart:
  1. A Hardened heart (v19)
  2. A Shallow heart (v20-21)
  3. A Crowded heart (v22)
  4. A Receptive heart (v23)
• Hardened Heart. Verse 4 says the seed fell on the wayside; a well traveled path. Those who choose to try and experience the fads and styles of this world think what they’re doing is new and creative, but in actuality it’s old. They don’t realize that Satan has had these things on his menu to produce hardened hearts for centuries.
• Shallow Heart. Here is a stony heart, or one who makes an emotional decision, desiring a Savior who will get them out of their situation, not a Lord whom they have to obey. Once it begins to become difficult they say, “Pass the blessing, but I’ll skip the suffering.” The word “stumble” is translated in the Greek skandilizo, which means enticed to sin; he falls away. This person only heard half the gospel and not John 16:33 or 2 Timothy 3:12. Additionally, verse 6 indicated there was no root system. This means when it’s time for bible study, scripture memorization, discipleship and ministry training, they are nowhere to be found. However, when it’s time for going out to eat, playing ball, or birthday parties, they are there.
• Crowded Heart. Most who regularly attend services don’t have hardened hearts nor shallow hearts, but rather a crowded heart. This is the one to watch out for in the church. Remember Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” This heart that was once opened and receptive to spiritual things, is now listening for other things rather than Jesus. Notice verse 7 says it has become unfruitful.
• Verse 23 said it was infested with weeds, which resulted in a choking of growth. The thorns are the world, and once the world gets in, your delights change, from the spiritual to the natural; bank accounts and pleasure become more important than godliness. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 we’re described as soldiers. Also, 1 Timothy 6:10 says it’s not money that’s evil but the pursuit of it; to do so is like giving yourself a self-inflicted wound - you begin unknowingly to hurt yourself and those you love.
• Receptive Heart. This heart not only hears the word receptively, but also shows his understanding by obeying uncompromisingly. This is a teachable heart, which produces a humble attitude, and the result is abundant fruitfulness. Here are 6 types of fruits:
  1. Soul winning - Romans 1:13,Proverbs 11:30
  2. Holiness - Romans 6:22
  3. Financial giving - Romans 15:28,Philippians 4:17
  4. 4. Praise - Hebrews 13:15
  5. 5. Good works - Colossians 1:10
  6. 6. Love - Galatians 5:22-23, which results in joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and patience
• The difference in these results was not in the seed but in the soil or heart, in which the seed fell. Proverbs 15:32 stresses the need to remain teachable. This allows us to not only sit under the word but also to take it into our hearts, in order to live in it. This parable protects us from the delusion that everyone will love the gospel message, as only 25% or ¼ of these mentioned is to be commended.