The main characteristics of this teaching are: God’s Word is a seed. You heart is the ground. Your harvest is dependent upon the preparedness of your heart. In the beginning, God created… the plants yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after its kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: And God said, Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kinds, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply… (Genesis 1:1,11,22,24) Nothing happens without a seed. This is true in the physical realm and in the spiritual realm.
Matthew 13:19-23 When any one hears the Word of the Kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the way side.
“The way side” is an unprepared heart – let the chips fall where they may. The “Whatever will be; will be” attitude. This can only get you a small hit-or-miss increase.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. 10 But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.
The Parable Continued: 20 But he that received the seed in stony places, the same is he that hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it; 21 Yet he has not root in himself, but endures for a while: for when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he is offended.
“The stony places” are the hard-hearted or cold-hearted. “I know the Bible says… but…” They pick and choose what they are going to believe is true in the Word of God. Some are easily offended because they have no depth of understanding. They are offended because they don’t really believe (act upon) the Scripture is true. This will get you some increase because the Word of God never returns void, but never sees a consistence harvest (answer to prayers).
Who gets offended when a Scripture is preached concerning giving? Offenses come because of a lack of understanding. Many don’t know the difference between conviction and condemnation.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Condemnation brings with it judgement which you can do nothing about. Conviction brings the possibility of change.
The Parable Continued: 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word; and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. “Among the thorns” are busy people who allow other things and what other people say to choke out the Word’s effectiveness in your heart. The harvest starts to happen, but never seems to produce anything lasting.
23 But he that received seed in the good ground is he that hears the word, and understands it; who also bears fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Gk = synthesize: incorporated, absorbed.
“The good ground” is a heart that hears, understands, and believes the Word. It’s not just head knowledge, but someone who is familiar and intimate with the Word. It will ALWAYS produce a harvest. The more fertile the ground, the larger and consistent the harvest.
Mark 4:26-29 Jesus went on to say, “The Kingdom of God is like this. A man scatters seed in his field. 27 He sleeps at night, is up and about during the day, and all the while the seeds are sprouting and growing. Yet he does not know how it happens. 28 The soil itself makes the plants grow and bear fruit; first the tender stalk appears, then the head, and finally the head full of grain. 29 When the grain is ripe, the man starts cutting it with his sickle, because harvest time has come. (GNT) autómatos which forms the English term, “automatic” – properly, self-prompted, ready to go”; inherently disposed; needing no external force (persuasion) to decide or to act.
All ambiguity concerning the Word must be removed.
James 1:6-8 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. 8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. (NKJ)
Luke 1:34-35,37-38 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you: therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to your word. (NKJ)
Mathew 8:8 The centurion answered, “Lord, I am not worthy to have You come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. (NKJ)
Psalm119:9,28,25,41,58,65,76,81,107,160,169,172 …according to thy word…
Psalm 107:20 He sent His Word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. (NKJ)
John 1:1;14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. (NKJ)
John 17:16-17 (Jesus said) They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; Your Word is truth. (Berean) From hagios; to make holy, i.e. purify or consecrate; to venerate (adore, make special) – hallow.
John 8:31-33 So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 33 “We are Abraham’s descendants,” they answered. “We have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say we will be set free?” (Berean)
Most Christians never experience lasting victory because they don’t understand the principle of seedtime and harvest. To receive anything from the Lord, you must plant a seed. (Example of a farmer.) First and foremost, you must be born again. Jesus is the Light of the world. You must plant the specific seed for your specific need. Find it in the Word. Plant it in your prepared heart, not just your head. Don’t dig it back up with doubt or unbelief. Water it with praise. Be patient, and you will reap a harvest.
