A Word to the Sower

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A word to the sower

Intro: After giving the interpretation of the parable of the sower Jesus speaks a few words to the future sowers. They are institutions to the disciples and us about the spreading of the gospel of Jesus.

All believers of Jesus: (Elab) we have a responsibility given to us by Jesus. We have a purpose, Jesus saves us from the sin, and we now have the responsibility, and it is made very clear.

Matthew

Matthew 28:19–20 NASB95

19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Acts 1:8 KJV 1900

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

This is the great commission given by Jesus before He assented to Heaven.

a. It gives us our orders, marching orders. Taking this as our instructions, we can see how this parable applies to us today.

2. Our primary purpose as followers of Jesus is not to make a good name for ourselves.

a. It’s not to just survive is this world, or to just get by. It is to glorify God by doing the work that He had given (commanded) us to do. And that is the great commission.

b. Sharing the gospel of Jesus is our primary calling. The sharing of the gospel is to be Part of out lives.

c. With the love , light, grace of God in us, it should be natural for us it share it.

d. Sharing the gospel isn’t just for missionaries, evangelist, preachers and pastors. It is the responsibility of all followers of Jesus.

e. Jesus had just described 4 different types of soil (heart conditions) when when the seed (word) is sown. LOOK OVER VERSES 14-20

3. In these verses today Jesus speaking to His disciples, and us. our responsibility.

a. The parable here is focused on the one who sow the seed.

Mark 4:11 NASB95

11 And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables,

I. The Gospel message isn’t something that is to be hidden away. VS 21-23

Mark 4:21 KJV 1900

21 And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?

Mark 4:21 NASB95

21 And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand?

This is not the same as when Jesus is teaching the sermon on the mount.

Matthew 5:14–15 KJV 1900

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Mathew 5:14-15

Matthew is talking about the testimony of your life.Ealb

Mark is talking about the gospel message not being hid.

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1.Candle lamp. (show picture) Oil in bowl, wick, give out light.

1.Candle lamp. (show picture) Oil in bowl, wick, give out light.

a. As long as it had oil in it, it gave out light. People could see at night or in the darkness of a house.

b. If this lamp was not of a self, or put out in the open, it was of no use. Under a bushel (basket) it would go out, lack of oxygen.

c. If it is put under a bed its effects would be diminished, but there was also the danger of starting a fire and destroying the whole house.

d. The proper place for a lamp in on a shelf or stand where is supposed to be, out for everyone to see.

2. Here the point for the disciples and us. The gospel of Jesus is for everyone to see.

a. Christianity isn’t a secret society, it is for everyone that chooses. Everyone is welcome to be a part of it.

c. There is no place nor is there any person should not hear the gospel. Sow the seed. Not everyone will except it, be we still have to share it.

Mark 4:22 KJV 1900

22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.

Mark 4:22 NASB95

22 “For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light.

This is not talking about a person personal life. Elab

a. He is talking about the truth of His teaching.

b. Jesus teaching was never intended to be just for an inner circle of followers. It would be the responsibility of the disciples to communicate the gospel of Jesus

II. Jesus gives caution to His disciples and us. VS 23

Mark 4:23 KJV 1900

23 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

Mark 4:23 NASB95

23 “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.”

VS 9

Jesus know that they had ears. He was telling them and us to listen to what He has to say, listen closely to what He has to say. So they could better know what He was saying, and do it.

a. It was important that the proper truth concerning the gospel is given to people.

III. Our understanding of the truth is limited only by our desire to learn and internalize it. VS 24-25

Mark 4:24 KJV 1900

24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Mark 4:24 NASB95

24 And He was saying to them, “Take care what you listen to. By your standard of measure it will be measured to you; and more will be given you besides.

“Take heed” Pay attention.

a. Jesus had taught them, He had ordained them, He had given them the power to understand His words. VS 11a

b. He had choose them in His sovereignty to have the ability to understand and share His words. Now it was up to them to go out and do it.

c. It is the same for you and me.

d. As I said earlier, God doesn’t save us, and just except us to just live out our live. He save us to serve Him.

f. SO you have a choice, grow in your faith, or simply just get by.

Mark 4:25 KJV 1900

25 For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath.

Mark 4:21

Mark 4:25 NASB95

25 “For whoever has, to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.”