Saved and Secure

[ ] 5/18/03 #505

SAVED AND SECURE

HARD HEARTS

Matthew 13:3-4, 18-19

INTRODUCTION: Jesus interprets the parable of the sower. He describes four kinds of soil. The soil represents the different hearts of individuals and their response to the Word of God. The first soil is hard and the seed does not penetrate the heart. The seed being exposed is quickly devoured by Satan.

I. SOWER

A. PARABLE'S INTERPRETATION. (Sower is the Son of Man)

B. PARTICIPANTS IN SOWING.

1. Planters of the seed. (1 Cor. 3:8)

2. Reapers of souls. (John 4:37)

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. (Psalms 126:5-6)

II. SEED

A. PARABLE'S INTERPRETATION. (Seed represents the Word of God)

1. Seed is the "word of the kingdom." (Matthew 13:19)

2. Seed is "the word of God." (Luke 8:11)

B. PERFECTION OF THE WORD.

1. Word is perfect.(Psalms 19:7-11)

2. Word is powerful. (Hebrews 4:12)

3. Word is pure. (Psalms 12:6)

C. PURPOSE FOR THE WORD

1. Source of faith. (Romans 10:17)

2. Seed of salvation. (1 Peter 1:23)

III. SOIL

A. PARABLE'S INTERPRETATION. (Soil represents the human heart)

B. PROBLEM WITH THE HARD HEART.

1. Closed heart. (understandeth it not" Matthew 13:19)

2. Callous heart. ("trodden down" Luke 8:5)

IV. SATAN

A. PARABLE'S INTERPRETATION. (Fowls represent Satan)

B. PLAN OF SATAN.

1. Steal the Word from the heart immediately. (Matt. 13:19; Mark 4:15)

2. Seal the sinner's doom. (lest they believe and be saved Lk. 8:12)

LESSONS FOR LIFE:

1. People are lost because of the hardness of their own hearts.

2. Children must be taught the Word of God while their hearts are tender.

3. Satan knows the importance of the Word of God.

4. Prayer is essential in the spiritual battle for the souls of the lost.

5. Heed the admonition: "Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts."