Use What You Got

Prayer

Protocol

Attention Grabber:

My grandfather was quite the green thumb. He would take plants that were dying or, in his words people were killing and revive them. One day, I asked him how he could revive these plants that were seemingly about to die; he looked into my face and said boy, it’s all about the soil. He explained how you had to have good soil; you couldn’t have soil filled with sticks and stones but the soil should be so soft that you could run your fingers through it. He said you have to run your fingers through it because if you don’t, you’ll miss something, and whatever is in the soil will choke out the plant's growth and kill it. Then he repeated Boy, it’s all about the soil.

This is the same lesson that Jesus’ teaches on a seashore in Matthew 13.

Text: Matthew 13:19-23

Matthew 13:19–23 KJV 1900

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Thesis: Use What You Got

Qualifying Statement: (What have we been talking about for the past few Sundays that set the stage for this message?)

Intro/Background Setting:

A small bay lies between Capernaum and Tabgha on the shore of the Galilee Sea; it is interesting that this cove is shaped like an amphitheater, which would have allowed Jesus’ voice to carry.

Christ’s Pulpit was a boat (water represents a dependency on the spirit), while the people stood on Stable ground (the preacher's Job is much riskier than the people). Christ also was at this point of ministry in a humbling state.

He had people but no building….Christ, as He may have deserved, didn’t need a stately building/sanctuary to preach in.

He was that humble, and there is a special anointing for the humble; why do we think tent revivals were so anointed?!

Explain how a sower operates

Body

There are four types of people The Gospel is shared with

The Callused heart, The Hidden Stoney Heart, The Preoccupied Heart, The Prepared/ready Heart.

Firstly, there is the callused heart,

This heart is described as a place where seed is sown by the wayside

The wayside is a place where things areout of consideration

This wayside is where things are sent to die

It is a place of irrelevance

Jesus says that there are some people that when the word is preached they regard the word are irrelevant

Picture a heart encased in layers of scar tissue, each layer a testament to unresolved pain and disappointment.

This is the Callused Heart, a fortress built not for protection but for isolation.

With each unaddressed wound, the walls grow thicker until even the gentlest touch of compassion struggles to penetrate its calloused surface.

The Callused heart is like a contrarian in church.

This person attends regularly but refuses to listen genuinely.

They've mastered the art of being physically present while mentally absent.

Picture someone sitting in the pew with arms crossed with a skeptical expression.

When the pastor speaks, they're already formulating counterarguments in their mind.

They pride themselves on being "too smart" to accept what's being taught.

This individual might say things like, "That's just your interpretation," or "I don't see it that way."

They're not interested in growing or learning; they're there to debate and disagree.

Their heart has become so hardened that no seed of truth can penetrate its surface.

So, every sermon that’s preached, every spiritual admonition from a close friend falls by the wayside due to a callused heart.

The Hidden Stoney Heart attempts but has no determination/discipline to endure.

Now when Jesus describes this person, notice what the text says:

Matthew 13:20 (KJV) states: "But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;"

The word "anon" in this context is an archaic or literary term meaning "immediately" or "at once".

It's used in the King James Version of the Bible to convey a sense of immediacy or quick response.

In the verse quoted (Matthew 13:20), "anon with joy receiveth it" means that the person immediately or quickly receives the word with joy.

But this joy in receiving the word becomes hindered because of what the bible says is tribulation or persecution of the word.

The tribulation that hearing the word can cause is related to the conviction it brings.

When we hear God's word, it often challenges our current beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes, which can lead to internal conflict and discomfort.

This process of conviction is described in Hebrews 4:12:

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

This scripture directly compares the word of God to a sword, emphasizing its ability to cut deeply into our innermost being and reveal our true nature.

The word functions to convict us in various ways:

Revelation: It reveals our sin and shortcomings, making us aware of areas in our lives that need change.

Illumination: It sheds light on the truth, exposing falsehoods we may have believed.

Correction: It provides guidance on how to align our lives with God's will.

Encouragement: While convicting, it also offers hope and strength for transformation.

Judgment: It serves as a standard against which our thoughts and actions are measured.

This process of conviction, while potentially uncomfortable, is ultimately for our benefit.

As David reflected in Psalm 119:71, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."

This could be like a person who attends church regularly, excited by the word that’s being preached.

This person isn’t a big note taker, not big on personal devotions, but they love hearing the word until one

One Sunday, the pastor preaches a challenging sermon on forgiveness, emphasizing the need to forgive even those who have deeply hurt us.

The congregant, who has been nursing a grudge against a family member for years, feels personally attacked.

They squirm in their seat, growing increasingly uncomfortable and defensive.

"The pastor doesn't understand my situation," they think, their heart hardening with each word.

In the following weeks, they find excuses to skip church.

"I'm too busy," they tell themselves, but deep down, they're avoiding confronting the truth of the message.

When friends from church reach out, they respond with curt texts, gradually distancing themselves.

Eventually, they stop attending altogether, convincing themselves that the church is "too judgmental" and that they're better off without it.

The seed of God's word, which initially seemed to take root, is choked out by the stones of offense in their heart.

The Preoccupied Heart is one that is so full of worldly status and financial care that the Word is trivial and a waste of time to them.

Picture a church member constantly glued to their phone, even during sermons.

They're a successful real estate agent whose minds constantly race with potential deals.

As the pastor speaks about loving your neighbor, they're mentally calculating commissions.

They're sneaking glances at new listings when it's time for prayer.

They attend church out of habit, but their heart isn't in it.

To them, spending an hour in quiet reflection or Bible study feels like a waste of precious time that could be used to close another sale.

They rationalize that God would want them to succeed, so He surely understands why they can't focus on spiritual matters.

Deep down, they know they're missing something important, but the allure of worldly success is too strong to resist.

The thorny/weeded ground represents that heart that is too preoccupied with "what I am going to eat when I get out of here" or otherworldly unrelated things.

No information is more important than where your soul will end up; all the other concerns can wait.

This might be like someone who's always worried about their next meal or paycheck, unable to focus on spiritual growth.

yeah, you might be sitting and you’re saying well Pastor you don’t understand

I may not understand, but I’ll tell you what Jesus said when the disciples were asking about tomorrow

He said if I can take care of the birds, do you not believe that I can take care of you?

we’ve gotta get to a place when we understand that I can shut down for one day I can shut down for a couple of hours and give God everything

he said tomorrow will take care of tomorrow

C. Yet, the prepared and ready heart has created the perfect environment through prayer and self-examination for God's Word to take root and bear good fruit.

Imagine a gardener who carefully prepares the soil, removing weeds and adding nutrients before planting seeds.

Now, an unprepared heart doesn't have to remain unprepared; it can become ready next week, next month, or next year!

Now, Jesus doesn’t teach this to create an atmosphere of competition, but it’s a moment of correction.

It’s an opportunity for us to take inventory of our hearts and plow the ground of our minds to become good ground.

Trans: Good ground has been prepared/plowed and is fit for good use.

Good ground is like a reliable slot machine; it yields a return every there is a deposit.

A. You are considered "good ground" when you are teachable

Being teachable requires humility

Indeed, Paul addresses this need for ongoing teaching and learning in Hebrews 5:12: "For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."

Your heart is what reveals your level of spiritual maturity

It’s not in your ability to quote scriptures

It’s not in your ability to be in church

It’s not in your knowing of all the books of the bible

But your spiritual maturity is in your ability to recieve the Gospel and bear it’s fruit

In other words can you live it

Humble, not Stubborn/hardened, you are available, not preoccupied with materialistic cares of the world before Him, you have depth, You're not shallow and easily offended.

For instance, a student who eagerly absorbs new information, asks questions, and applies what they've learned in their daily life would be like "good ground".

but you’ve got to be focused on today

don’t miss your moment

, but you’ve got to make room for

Trans: The more space we make for God the deeper we can go in him.

whenever you are prepping soil you must break up the ground

Hosea 10:12 KJV 1900

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, Reap in mercy; Break up your fallow ground: For it is time to seek the Lord, Till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Every pit is not your resting but some pit are proving grounds.

Use What He (Yah) Gave you!

A. We know that the seed belongs to God, but the field and the ground is His also, and God has already created and invested everything in you that you need to be His good soil.

It's like a chef who's given all the ingredients and tools needed to create a masterpiece dish - everything required is already provided.

B. *Scientific Explanation of good soil; complex compounds/organic compounds

Scientists teach us that good soil is composed of two main components:

Complex compounds: These are inorganic materials like minerals and rocks that have been broken down over time. They provide essential nutrients and structure to the soil.

Organic compounds: These are derived from living organisms, such as decomposed plant and animal matter. They enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its ability to retain water and support life.

Paralleling this to our lives:

Complex compounds: Our experiences, challenges, and acquired knowledge form the structural foundation of our character, much like minerals in soil.

those things provided clarity

that when life got hard

you knew in your heart

that’s true at all

i’ve learned trust in Jesus

through it all

i’ve learned to trust in God

Organic compounds: Our relationships, emotions( this is why he said, lift up your head oh ye gates and be lifted up everlasting door, and the king of glory shall come, this king of glory, the Lord, strong and mighty )

he wants you to know your heart that when you let God in, you’ve got a reason to smile again

when you let God in, you got a reason to fight on

and The last thing he uses is personal growth

God understand that if you go growing him, it’s gonna take some time

that’s why you gotta keep hearing the word

because the more of the word that you letting your heart, the more like God you’ll become

contribute to our development, enriching our lives and helping us nurture new opportunities.

Just as good soil is a blend of these elements, our lives become richer and more capable of supporting growth when we integrate our complex experiences with our organic, emotional development.

C. God is going to use your complexities (your grit/the hard matter) to yield His fruit, so use what He gave you!

Romans 8:28 KJV 1900

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

I gotta close this message

But I didn't tell you the rest of the story

about my granddaddy and the soil

After I ran my hands through the soil

I said what are we going to put this soil in

I looked around and I didnt see any flower pots

He said go in the house and get an old milk jug and some scissors

I came back and he put the soil in the that old milk carton

I said granddaddy this ain't gone work

He said boy sometimes you gotta use what you've got

He said you see that pear tree I planted in milk carton and now you're eating it’s fruit

He said those peaches you love so much I planted in a milk carton and now you put its fruit on biscuits

I gotta go

But all I'm trying to tell you is use what you got

Let the lord create the soil and use the word