Matthew 13 5 Some fell on rocky
places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil
was shallow. 6 But when the sun came up, the plants were
scorched, and they withered because they had no root...20 The
seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once
receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a
short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly
fall away.
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Key Thought: Just
hearing the Word will not make you spiritually strong. The Word must be planted and
rooted deep within your heart.
I was greeted after the worship service by a man
who was so excited. The Word had entered into his soul and he wanted to join
the kingdom. He wanted to know how to join and get involved in the ministry of
the church. After some discussion we agreed to meet on Saturday that
week.
He came to the first meeting and six months
later, he was ready to publicly join the church. He was a dedicated member for
a year. He was serving in various ministries and committees. However, something
happened. His marriage came to a test and without any warning; he gave up his
spiritual journey for something else. How could this on fire Christian suddenly
change course?
He and others like him are "Rocky
Ground" Christians. They hear the Word, receive the Word immediately,
their souls appears to be joyful, but they last only a little while. Why?
Because the Word never really penetrated their hearts deeply.
In some parts of Palestine lying right beneath
the ground is a layer of limestone. When seed fall upon this ground, something
dramatic happens. The limestone holds the rain and heat from the sunlight right
under the surface; therefore, the fallen seed sprouts quickly and dramatically.
But, it has no root. (TPOSB, Matthew Vol. 1, p. 291)
Jesus describes this soil as he teaches us about
"rocky ground" growth for certain disciples. A sermon is preached or
a Bible lesson is taught or a ministry gesture hits home. The gospel is
received with great passion and joy. There seems to be spiritual growth. Then a
test of faith or life comes. The "rocky ground" believer has no root
and just gives up quickly. The faith growth that had a good beginning has a sad
ending.
The Law/Gospel approach is needed to correct this
event. The use of the Law acts as a pickaxe to dig deep into the heart so that
the Word of God can penetrate further. As the Law sinks deeper into the heart,
the realization of sinfulness focuses on our shame and a better understanding
of God's love. It is the Gospel that truly makes us to repent and be rooted in
Christ.
Questions:
1. Is faith or feeling the keynote of the gospel?
(Romans 5:1)
2. How has life tests affected your faith?
3. How are "rocky ground" believers
better than "on the path" disciples? (Mattew 13:4; 19)
Matthew 24:12 Because of the increase of
wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,
Luke 6:49 But the one who hears my words and
does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground
without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed
and its destruction was complete.”
Luke 9:62 Jesus replied, “No
one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the
kingdom of God.”
Galatians 4:9 But now that you know God—or
rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and
miserable forces? Do
you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?
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