TITLE: Exceptional Hearing TEXT: Matthew 13:1-9, THEME: The gospel will have lasting benefits for those who hear and understand it.

The Quran Has around 43 passages that contain at least 109 verses that call Muslims to war with nonbelievers for the sake of Islamic rule violence.htm 23-violence.htm

Two issues from the secular worldview. 1. The effort to try to separate terrorism from the overall belief in the Islam religion

Two issues from the secular worldview. 1. The effort to try to separate terrorism from the overall belief in the Islam religion 2. “Is religion, or more specifically Christianity itself, prone to violence due to its claims to being true and its attempts to impose their faith on everyone else?

Christianity properly understood never uses coercive means to expand its reach or influence.

II. The Parable of the Sower and the Seed is about hearing that lasts. (1-9)

Matthew 13:1-9 “That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. 3 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. 4 As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up.”

Matthew 13:1-9 “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. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. 9 Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

The Parable of the Sower and the Seed is about hearing that lasts. (1-9) A. The parable is about the responses of those who hear the gospel.

The Parable of the Sower and the Seed is about hearing that lasts. (1-9) A. The parable is about the responses of those who hear the gospel B. Not everyone who hears will understand it.

Romans 1:16 “The gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation.”

Prayer, Quiet times, spiritual disciplines, Sabbath rest—all of these practices are just ways of being with God so we can hear his heartbeat. God knows that is the only way to heal our stubborn, defiant, hardened souls.

II. The lasting impact of the gospel is different for different people. (18-22)

Matthew 13:18-22 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy.”

Matthew 13:18-22 “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. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.”

II. The lasting impact of the gospel is different for different people. (18-22) The unregenerate hearers fall into three categories- those who:

II. The lasting impact of the gospel is different for different people. (18-22) The unregenerate hearers fall into three categories- those who: 1. Reject the gospel and spurn it when they hear it (18-19):

II. The lasting impact of the gospel is different for different people. (18-22) The unregenerate hearers fall into three categories- those who: 1. Reject the gospel and spurn it when they hear it (18-19): 2. Initially appear to accept it but reject it at the first sign of trouble (20-21)

II. The lasting impact of the gospel is different for different people. (18-22) The unregenerate hearers fall into three categories- those who: 1. Reject the gospel and spurn it when they hear it (18-19): 2. Initially appear to accept it but reject it at the first sign of trouble (20-21) 3. Are so concerned for the things of this life it crowds our their faith (22)

Psychologies New Branding Approach Rather than say, "I treat people with depression and anxiety," advertise your services by asking, "Are you having trouble with the difficult people in your life?"

Psychologies New Branding Approach Rather than say, "I treat people with depression and anxiety," advertise your services by asking, "Are you having trouble with the difficult people in your life?" Rather than identify as a "psychotherapist," use a more positive title, like "happiness locator."

Psychologies New Branding Approach Rather than say, "I treat people with depression and anxiety," advertise your services by asking, "Are you having trouble with the difficult people in your life?" Rather than identify as a "psychotherapist," use a more positive title, like "happiness locator." Rather than emphasize the pain and cost of personal transformation, provide extravagant sales pitches like, "You will feel empowered and at peace. Handling day-to-day struggles will be a breeze."

I wonder if this trend can also be reflected in how we in the church can try to minimize the cost of discipleship and promise unbiblical claims for following Jesus.

III. The one who hears and understands the gospel is grounded and productive. (23)

Matthew 13:23 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

III. The one who hears and understands the gospel is grounded and productive. (23) In contrast to the unregenerate hearer this person: A. Is regenerated (born again) and whose faith is:

III. The one who hears and understands the gospel is grounded and productive. (23) In contrast to the unregenerate hearer this person: A. Is regenerated (born again) and whose faith is: – Permanent- it accepts the truth of the gospel and flourishes in it

III. The one who hears and understands the gospel is grounded and productive. (23) In contrast to the unregenerate hearer this person: A. Is regenerated (born again) and whose faith is: – Permanent- it accepts the truth of the gospel and flourishes in it – Persevering- it is imperfect with ups and downs but triumphs in the end.

III. The one who hears and understands the gospel is grounded and productive. (23) In contrast to the unregenerate hearer this person: A. Is regenerated (born again) and whose faith is: – Permanent- it accepts the truth of the gospel and flourishes in it – Persevering- it is imperfect with ups and downs but triumphs in the end. – Productive- It produces eternal, spiritual fruit because it is not distracted with earthly concerns.

III. The one who hears and understands the gospel is grounded and productive. (23) In contrast to the unregenerate hearer this person: A. Is regenerated (born again) and whose faith is: B. Their faith is evident in the impact on their lives and others they influence.

Jesus is the great polarizer

APPLICATION We can be sure some will use coercive ends both religious and secular. Whether it is the use of violence or political, legal ends some will use coercive means to press their agendas. We can expect the Moslem threat to continue for years to come. But, as Christians, we can also expect that our secular/atheistic culture will continue to polarize further from the truth of Christianity and seek to impose its worldview. Regardless of what others do we are called to spread the seed of the good news of the Kingdom and let it fall on whatever soil it may land on.

APPLICATION We can always be assured some will reject the message of the gospel as we present it to them. That is God’s way. He will not force Himself upon people because that is not how He wants us to relate to Him. The truth will ultimately prevail even though it will face periodic setbacks. History the filled with tyrants and evil people who have sought Soviet Union, Hitler)

APPLICATION But, we can also be sure some will accept the gospel of Jesus because there will always be some good soil- people who will hear and understand. By our proclaiming the gospel we give to them hope and purpose and truth that nothing else can provide. If we do not share it then they cannot hear it.

The real question is this: Is there a God who is the source of all beauty and glory and life, and if knowing Christ will fill your life with his goodness and power and joy, so that you would live with him in endless ages with his life increasing in you every day? If that's true, you wouldn't say things like, "You mean, I have to give up ___ (like sex or something else)."

Key Point (Time Keller) If Christ is really God, then all the conditions are gone. To know Jesus Christ is to say, "Lord, anywhere your will touches my life, anywhere your Word speaks, I will say, "Lord, I will obey. There are no conditions anymore." If he's really God, he can't just be a supplement. We have to come to him and say, "Okay, Lord, I'm willing to let you start a complete reordering of my life."