11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. 15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.
I’ve heard many a conversation about the parable of the sewer. Often, Christians will argue about whether or not the seed that fell on the rocky or thorny ground is supposed to be a saved person or a lost person. But this morning, I am convinced that this is not at all what we are supposed to be wondering about; and it certainly is not anything I am concerned about. Jesus does not want us to spend time arguing about security of the believer with this parable. He instead wants us to see what we want to be.
There are those who respond to the word of God, but who bear no fruit. Christians, under no circumstances do we want to be these people. We do not want to fall away. We do not want to be choked by the riches and cares of this life. We do not want to shrink back when we face suffering and hardships. We want to be those who have the joy of bearing fruit for the glory of Christ.
What Does God say to me in this passage? He tells me to grow, to serve, to bear fruit. He is not calling me to argue over the salvation of those who show no evidence of salvation. He instead is calling me to be sure that I show evidence of my own salvation. I want to serve Jesus. I want to follow him faithfully. I want to grow. I want to share the gospel. I want to please my Heavenly Father.
Lord God, I need your help. I want to grow and bear fruit. Please do not let me be one who falls away at suffering. Do not let me be one who is choked by the riches of this life. Let me be one who serves you faithfully. Would you be kind enough to bless my weak attempts at service with fruit? Would you give me the joy of glorifying your name? God, I ask that you make me into a fruitful part of your kingdom for your glory.
Pastor Travis Peterson 