Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-23

Jesus' sermons in Matthew Sermon 1: Principles of the Kingdom (ch5-7) Sermon 2: Mission of the Kingdom (ch10) Sermon 3: Secrets of the Kingdom (ch13)

Parables: "earthly stories with heavenly meanings"

Parables: "earthly stories with heavenly meanings" Interpreting Parables: Don't interpret one by another Don't go overboard - use context, and listen to Jesus! Read carefully - "like"

Matthew 13:1-23, 34-35, 53-54

Matthew 13:1-23, 34-35, 53-54 Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven: Never known (new mysteries) or Neglected and forgotten (old mysteries)

Parable of the Sower

Parable of the Sower Secret: Only 25% of the kinds of encounters people have with the Word of the Kingdom will bring them to Heaven

Parable of the Sower Secret: Only 25% of the kinds of encounters people have with the Word of the Kingdom will bring them to Heaven The Seed : the Word of the Kingdom

Parable of the Sower Secret: Only 25% of the kinds of encounters people have with the Word of the Kingdom will bring them to Heaven The Seed : the Word of the Kingdom The Ground : Those who hear it

Parable of the Sower Secret: Only 25% of the kinds of encounters people have with the Word of the Kingdom will bring them to Heaven The Seed : the Word of the Kingdom The Ground : Those who hear it The Fruit : the Result of the encounter

4 possible responses

4 possible responses Not understanding (19)

4 possible responses Not understanding (19) not willing to hear God (15)

4 possible responses Not understanding (19) not willing to hear God (15) not submissive to God's will (15)

4 possible responses Not understanding (19) not willing to hear God (15) not submissive to God's will (15) O Taste and See that the LORD is Good Psalm 34:8

4 possible responses Not understanding (19) not willing to hear God (15) not submissive to God's will (15) O Taste and See that the LORD is Good Psalm 34:8 You won't need any help to close your ears to the Word - Satan will be right there to assist (19)

4 possible responses Thoughtless (20-21)

4 possible responses Thoughtless (20-21) very temporary faith.

4 possible responses Thoughtless (20-21) very temporary faith. "Tied to the season"

4 possible responses Thoughtless (20-21) very temporary faith. "Tied to the season" Luke 14:26-33 gives no thought to the Cost of Following Jesus

4 possible responses Thoughtless (20-21) very temporary faith. "Tied to the season" Luke 14:26-33 gives no thought to the Cost of Following Jesus You won't have to look hard for a reason to stop trusting - opposition to Jesus and His Rule is growing rapidly

4 possible responses Divided (22)

4 possible responses Divided (22) may continue for a while.

4 possible responses Divided (22) may continue for a while. "Tied to the age" A divided heart that still compromises God's word in favour of worldly security

4 possible responses Divided (22) may continue for a while. "Tied to the age" A divided heart that still compromises God's word in favour of worldly security Luke 21:33-34

4 possible responses Understanding (23)

4 possible responses Understanding (23) “understand with their heart, and turn, and [are healed]”(15)

4 possible responses Understanding (23) “understand with their heart, and turn, and [are healed]”(15) understands that: The World will be Christ's! (Rev 11:15) Tribulation and Persecution are not worth comparing! (Rom 8:18) This age is passing away (1 John 2:17)

4 possible responses Understanding (23) “understand with their heart, and turn, and [are healed]”(15) understands that: The World will be Christ's! (Rev 11:15) Tribulation and Persecution are not worth comparing! (Rom 8:18) This age is passing away (1 John 2:17) Understanding = Take firm hold on God's Word; Surrender and Follow Christ