Parable of the Sower: Taking Root
Notes
Transcript
Not taking Root
Not taking Root
6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.
13 But the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe for a while and in time of temptation fall away.
And next, let us also consider those others of whom Christ said, "And those upon the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, and they have no root: these for a while believe, and in time of temptation depart away." For there are verily men whose faith has not been proved, depending on words simply, and not applying their mind to the examining of the mystery: of such the piety is sapless and without root. For when they enter the churches, they feel pleasure often in seeing so many assembled, and joyfully receive instruction in the mysteries from him whose business it is to teach, and laud him with praises: but this they do with no discretion or judgment, but with unpurified wills: and when they have gone out of the churches, at once they forget the sacred doctrines, and proceed in their customary course; not having stored up within them any thing for their future benefit. And if the affairs of Christians go on peacefully, and no trial disturb them, they even then scarcely maintain in them the faith, and that, so to speak, in a confused and tottering state. But if persecution trouble them, and the enemies of the truth attack the churches of the Saviour, their heart loves not the battle, and their mind throws away the shield and flees, being devoid of zeal, and destitute of love towards God, and ready for desertion. But O ye fearful and infirm, one may well say, why do ye flee from that which would be your glory? and escape from conflicts to which ye have been trained? For hereby those who wish may win for themselves the trophy of victory. Do ye also struggle: twine the chaplet of manliness, thirst for the rewards of perseverance, for the honours of patience. ~St. Cyril of Alexandria
Faith and Reason: First Sense
Faith and Reason: First Sense
First level of faith: Believing based on Reason
When presented with reasonable evidence, an individual can put faith in that evidence (C.S. Lewis)
Reasonable things we believe
Ex. When you go to have surgery, they will first put you under then, proceed with the surgery
Ex. Earning and spending money in an honest way is morally right
Ex. Studying as best you can and earning the grade you deserve is the right way to navigate school
Ex. After studying the history of Christianity, believing in Christ is a God and savior is reasonable
Each example can be challenged in the moment, and our emotional mood, can lead us to act outside of reason.
Though we live in an society of “knowledge” and “Reason” we don’t live in reasonable ways.
In the face of emotional challenges of the moment, we throw reason out the door.
...and when they have gone out of the churches, at once they forget the sacred doctrines, and proceed in their customary course; not having stored up within them any thing for their future benefit. ~St. Cyril of Alexandria
How do we get out of this pattern?
Have to admit 2 things
I’m not as reasonable as I think I am. (Living by by reason is not enough)
I am heavily influenced by the emotions of the moment
Faith and Virtue: Higher Sense
Faith and Virtue: Higher Sense
Our pursuit can’t be reason in must be virtue
Why is the pursuit of virtue so important.
In pursuit of virtue I find consistent failure.
I may last a week but not 6 weeks
In my repeated failure at achieving a virtue by myself I am brought to my knees in failure.
Two options:
Continue by myself thinking I’ll be accepted by God once I achieve virtue. (this will always fail)
Realize my own bankruptcy and begin relying on God to accomplish the work in me....Moisture
6 Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture.
Moisture: a low degree of humidity…If not added to it dries up.
Spiritual moisture: Is the daily remembrance of my bankruptcy and His provisions through my Spiritual Rule / ROL.
It through my daily prayers and reading of scripture I am reminded of the virtues I am chasing after.
I’m reminded of my need of His Grace
I’m reminded that I need to be Reminded