Gospel Responses

Kate Stevens • February 10, 2021

Summary of sermon on Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 from Pastor Ky Martin.

When we hear the story of the soils, it  will change the very nature of who we are.

When we read the parable of the sower, the primary story isn’t about the sower or the seed but the soil. The seed is the Gospel; but the soil is the four different responses. God is the ultimate sower, but we’re to consider what our roles are in how to be the sower to others as well. 


1.  No desire to hear or receive the Gospel


This soil is hard and packed down so that a bird could swoop down and steal the seed.  This is reflected in people who are not interested in who Jesus is or what he has to offer. If this is you, please consider that there is a Judge and judgment—we will all stand to give an account.  Also, there is fruit that comes from knowing Jesus. It makes us attractive to others.


As the sower of this soil, we can be hesitant because of those who are so against the Gospel. But a boxer only gets better by sparring with another—sometimes we have to “take one on the chin” to figure out how to deal with hostility. We also must consider the importance of prayer in asking for softened hearts. 



2.  Receive and leave quickly (verses 20–21)


This is reflected in immediate joy, but the cost of Christ makes them quickly fade. We see this a lot in youth camps which can run high with emotion.  Kevin DeYoung says that we are to pursue “long obedience in the same direction.”


The sower has to make sure he is sharing the full gospel and not just half of it. Baptism and professions of faith are great, and they have their part.  However, neither of these are the finish line. We know that those who endure until the end will be saved. 



3.  Receive and die (slowly) (verse 22)


This is seen as receiving the Gospel and even faithful attendance in church, but there is no fruit.  And it happens over a long, slow period of time. This could be any one of us, and we don’t even know it. It looks like someone who is more in love with the things of this world than with Jesus.  Jesus is just the add-on to their life. 


We have to ask ourselves, “Where is the fruit in my life that I know Jesus?” “How do I live differently?” “If Jesus were removed from my life, what change would that make?”


As the sower, it is more dangerous to not have a conversation with a friend who resembles this than to have it and maybe upset them. 



4.  Receive and cleave (verse 23)


Don’t unjustly doubt your faith because there are different degrees of fruit given in order to advance the kingdom. Some do huge, wondrous things and some aren’t so big—but there is a place for them in the kingdom. Don’t have any guilt or shame—be faithful and cling to Jesus.


As sowers, we should do a better job of acknowledging the fruit we see in each other. This is assurance we are in the fourth soil. 



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Watch this sermon.

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