Multiplication Matters Matthew 13:1-8

Would you rather have $1 Million now or take a penny and double it every day for 30 days? Once you have answered that question, take a look at the table below.

As you can see in the illustration above if your penny doubles each day, you begin with one penny on day one, but by the end of 30 days, you have $10,737,418.24. That's almost eleven million dollars! So you end up with much more money by doubling a penny each day than if you settle for the one million dollars on day one. You see, if you take the one million dollars on day one, you are simply adding that amount one time. But if you multiply instead of adding, and you are willing to wait for 30 days, then you end up doing much better in the end. Think of how this applies to making disciples. Would you rather just add 100 disciples on day one, or would you rather start with one or two disciples and multiply them each year?

-In Christ, we should expect fruit to multiply in our lives

I. A Picture of Fruitfulness vv. 1-8

In our passage this morning, Jesus gives us a vivid picture of how different people receive and respond to the good news when it comes

The first one is a tragic case, the seed hits a hard spot and just bounces off. The Word is never received at all

The second one is a bit better. The seed takes root, but it has no depth. When persecution comes, the plant withers because the roots have failed; they have not gone deep into our lives

The third is similar, but in some ways opposed. The problems are not below the surface but above. The plant is choked out by thorns. The cares of this life prevent the plant from being productive

The fourth case should be our expectation: It multiplies and bears much fruit. 30, 60, or even 100 times greater than the initial plant are produced.

I think that we have to be careful here. Some of us read this passage looking for assurance: “How fruitless can my life be and still feel ok about my identity in Christ?”

Instead, I think we need to take a look at this and ask, what is preventing my life from being marked by multiplying fruit?

II. A Variety of Fruit

I think this leads us to a new question: What does a fruitful life look like?

There are three primary evidences of spiritual fruit:

Is our character more like the character of Christ?- See the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22–23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Are we participating in the work of Christ?

Do I love the Lord with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength

Do I love my neighbor as myself?

Are we reproducing disciples? Is anyone else walking with Jesus as a result of my example, influence, or instruction?

These are not always pleasant questions to answer, but I think that it is important that we examine our lives to take an honest account of ourselves

State employment officials in Tucson, Arizona, posted an interesting sign over a full-length mirror. Directed to all job hunters, it read, “Would you hire this person?” In another office a mirror and sign posed this question: “Are you ready for a job?”

III. Commitments for Fruitfulness

Over the last several months, I have prayed and worked with our pastoral leadership team and I have landed on 6 commitments for the coming years that I believe are key to us as we seek multiplying fruitfulness in Christ

Pray Without Ceasing

[16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (ESV)

Walk in the Spirit

Romans 8:5

[5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. (ESV)

Practice Biblical Hospitality

Hebrews 13:1–2

[1] Let brotherly love continue. [2] Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. (ESV)

Share the Good News

Acts 1:8

[8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (ESV)

Make More Disciples

Matthew 28:19–20

[19] Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

Raise a Generation that Knows the Lord

Judges 2:10

[10] And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the LORD or the work that he had done for Israel. (ESV)

We are each facing two questions:

Is my life multiplying fruit for Christ?

If my life is not multiplying fruit for Christ, what needs to change?

What do you need to repent of?

What do you need to believe God for?

Everybody thinks of changing Humanity and Nobody thinks of changing Himself.

L. Tolstoy.

Mark 1:14–15

[14] Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, [15] and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (ESV)