Alderwood Community Church

December 31, 2006

The Parable of the Sower

Be Careful How You Listen To God’s Word

Luke 8:4-15,18

Pastor Brad McConnaughey

Act One- Pastor Brad reads the Parable of the Sower (Center of Platform)

I invite you to open your Bibles to Luke 8. If you don’t have a Bible you can use one of the Bibles underneath the chair in front of you and turn to page 1023.

It is hard to believe that 2006 is over already. For some of you, 2006 was a good year. You experienced promotions, marriages, wonderful vacations and other blessings. For some of you, 2006 was a tough year. I know that because I personally have been along side some of you as you buried your life partner. A number of you have been battling cancer, heart disease and others have had children go astray. For you, you are glad to close the chapter on 2006 and you are hoping for a much better 2007. A new year gives us a fresh perspective in many areas of our lives. This sermon was designed to help you evaluate your spiritual progress, and to help you begin the new year with a fresh start with God.

Let’s read The Parable of The Sower in Luke 8:4-15

4 While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up. 6 Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, “‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

18 Therefore consider carefully how you listen.

The Cosper family is going to act out this parable in a modern day context. Watch carefully and see if you can find yourself in this story! (Pastor Brad- exits the platform)

Act Two- Cosper Family acts out skit (On the stage)

Mom: (Walking into the fitness room of a gym). This is the best health club in the city, and it’s not that far from our house. Here is where they keep most of their machines. See, there are the treadmills, the aero bike is over there and in the back are the elliptical machines. They have spinning classes going on and aerobics classes all day long. You guys, you know that I’ve been experiencing the benefits of exercise and good nutrition for years. I’m certainly not perfect but I’ve developed a habit of being active and watching what I eat. Lane, you know that your last check up showed that your cholesterol is sky high and that your blood pressure is following right behind. That’s why I want us to join this health club. Not only will our health improve and maybe our eating too, but we can do it together. This is so much better than sitting in front of the TV every night while our brains and our backsides turn to mush. What do you think guys?

Lane: Well….. Point me to the nearest Krispy Kreme.

Mom: What?

Lane: I don’t need to exercise and watch what I eat. I’m doing just fine. I come from good stock, great genes. My mom and dad are still around and doing great in their old age. They look the same as they did twenty years ago. As for my cholesterol and blood pressure, I’ll make sure to blot the excess oil off my doughnut with a napkin first. I’ll be back to pick you all up later. (walks off stage)

Mom: (following) Lane! Lane!

Pebbles: (She has been checking out the two treadmills all this time and finally lands on the bike. She gets on, starts pedaling with great enthusiasm and noise) This is great! I love this machine!

Mom: Pebbles, I see you found the aero bike. What do you think?

Pebbles: Mom, I’m going to come here every day and use this machine for one whole hour.

Mom: Well, that might be a little much to start with.

Pebbles: No mom, seriously, at least an hour a day. I’ll be ready for the Seattle marathon in one week. And, you’re never going to catch me going to a fast food place anymore. I’m only going to eat fruits and vegetables everyday, maybe an occasional piece of fish. Really, if God didn’t grow it or create it, it’s not going in my mouth.

Mom: Wow, Pebbles you’re really taking all this to heart.

Pebbles: You bet I am (breathing hard) Boy, this is getting hard…I’m starting to sweat here… My legs are starting to burn and I’m getting really thirsty. I sure could use a smoothie.

Mom: Getting in shape is hard, Pebbles. Sometimes you have to endure a little discomfort to reap the benefits.

Pebbles: I saw that smoothie stand in the lobby. A nice strawberry banana would sure be good about now. How long have I been on this thing?

Mom: About 90 seconds.

Pebbles: 90 seconds?! It feels more like 90 minutes. Are you sure?

Mom: I’m pretty sure.

Pebbles: 90 seconds! OK maybe I won’t work out for an hour. Maybe I’ll cut it down to 30 minutes. That should be good. How about 20 minutes! That should be good enough. Say, didn’t that smoothie stand sell organic, natural smoothies? Didn’t they have some sugar-free ones too? Isn’t this a cup-holder on the bike? That would be good. I could have a small, sugar-free, organic smoothie. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm going to get a chocolate malt. See you later mom.

Mom: Wait! Pebbles!

Rose: (Rose has been circling one treadmill and setting things up before she gets on and starts walking. She picks up the remote and points it to the TV several times. She becomes very interested in what she’s watching. She gets off the treadmill and gets closer to the TV standing there with her mouth open.)

Mom: Well Rose, I see you’ve found something interesting to watch.

Rose: Oh, uh yeah! (she realizes that she is not on the treadmill and gets back on) Mom, this will be great for me, I can tell. I’ll be able to get into those skinny jeans in no time. Everyone will envy me for my size and shape. What do you think, mom. Should I try for a size zero?

Mom: Honey, that size sounds awfully small. How about we not worry about that and just work on being healthy.

Rose: Yeah, yeah, absolutely mom. I totally agree. I just need to move this fan around so that it blows in just the right direction. (arranges fan) I look so much better when the wind is blowing my hair. I mean, I feel so much better when it’s not blowing hair in my face.

Mom: OK Rose, let me help you. (Mom goes to the fan and begins to rearrange.)

Rose: (noticing someone across the gym) Mom, look at the outfit that girl is wearing. I think it’s Adidas. Why can’t I have Adidas, mom?

Mom: Why does it matter, Rose? The clothes you have on are just fine.

Rose: Mom, it’s Nike, I’m sorry but Nike just don’t do it for me. (Mom and Rose both stop and look at the audience) You have to have the right image mom, especially, here. You never know who you may run into.

Mom: What do you mean?

Rose: The popular people from school, Mom! I’ve heard some of them come to this gym to work out. (Looking around) That’s right! Kreston, the star quarterback comes here, and so do Pete and Corey from the wrestling team. I can’t let them see me with my hair all sweaty. I’d die if they walked by and I stunk. Mom, help me out here. Do I look okay?

Mom: Of course you do Rose. Don’t worry about that. Hard work makes you sweat and besides they probably won’t smell that great either.

Rose: You don’t understand. I just can’t be seen here unless I look perfect. I’m going to go check out the mirrors in the dressing room. See ya.

Mom: Oh, this is not going very well. There’s Faith. I wonder what she’s thinking. (walks over)

Faith, how are you doing?

Faith: (Faith has been checking out the other treadmill, putting on her shoes, stretching out, drinking water etc.) Hey mom. I’m so glad you signed us up for this club. You know, I’ve been thinking about doing something to be more active. I spend so much time just sitting and studying for school. I don’t want to get to the point where it would be too hard to walk up the five flights to my dorm room.

Mom: That makes a lot of sense, Faith.

Faith: Yeah, and at school, I’ve already started to make better choices in the cafeteria. If I wanted to, I could have a dessert after every meal. They have a chocolate cake that is to die for! But that wouldn’t be a good idea. I don’t want to clog my arteries.

Mom: You know Faith, it might not be easy. Working out can be hard. You might get sore.

Faith: I know mom. But I also know that sometimes good things take work. I’ll know every time I feel my sore muscles that I’m doing something great for my body.

Mom: Well, you know you might not look so great while you’re working out. I know there are some cute guys at school. They might see you sweating and maybe not smelling so good.

Faith: Oh mom, a little sweat looks great. And besides if that’s all they care about, who needs em. Well, I better get going here. I’ll never finish if I don’t get started. (gets on the treadmill and starts walking)

Mom: Way to go, Faith! I’m going to go finish filling out the form. I’ll see you later.

(Mom exits the stage)

Act Three- Pastor expands on the meaning of the parable (center of platform)

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 8:8

“Therefore consider carefully how you listen.” Luke 8:18

Big Idea: Be careful how you listen to God and His Word because your soul is at stake!

Where do you find yourself in this story? What kind of hearer are you?

Four Responses

#1 The Unresponsive Hearer “Hard heart”

(Make the connection between “Lane” in the skit and the unresponsive hearer in Jesus’ parable represented by the hard packed soil of the path.)

This is the person who is unconcerned with the things of God, completely indifferent to anything spiritual. The word makes no penetration into his mind or heart. He does not give the gospel the least consideration, thinking it to be total foolishness. He has so continually and consistently resisted anything that hints of spirituality, that the soil of his heart has been pounded down until it is impervious and insensitive.

Because it makes no penetration, the seed of God’s Word is fully exposed to the enemy of the soul, and the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in the person’s heart. His lack of repentance or any sense of guilt and shame insulates him from God’s help and leaves him totally exposed to Satan’s attack. His heart has never been softened by remorse nor broken up by conviction of sin.

He is self-sufficient, self-satisfied, and often self-righteous. On this kind of person the Gospel has no effect, because it is veiled to determined unbelievers in whose case “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:4

Be careful how you listen to God and His Word because your soul is at stake!

For rejection of the word of God leads to a hardening of the heart and judgment from God.

Big Idea: Be careful how you listen to God and His Word because your soul is at stake!

#2 The Superficial Hearer “Shallow heart”

(Make the connection between “Pebbles” in the skit and the superficial hearer in Jesus’ parable represented by the soil that was shallow because of the rock just under the surface.)

This is the person who accepts the message of salvation with open arms and is overcome with joy and enthusiasm. He/she cannot say enough good about the gospel, the preacher, the church and the Lord. He is on an emotional high, in a state of spiritual euphoria.

Because his emotional response to the gospel is so immediate and positive, this person stands out above most others. He is often more vocal in talking about his experience and may even be zealous in church attendance, Bible study, and prayer for a while. (Key thought)

But because the soil of his heart is shallow, the word does not take root. The gospel prompts an immediate positive reaction, but it is temporary, and all the change is on the surface, rather than in the depths of his heart. There is no repentance, no remorse over sin, no recognition of lostness, no brokenness or humility.

When this person hears the gospel it brings a religious experience but does not bring true salvation, evidenced by the fact that when a time of testing comes he falls away. He immediately renounces his faith as he immediately received the faith.

The superficial believer may be baptized, serve in the church, and function like an ideal Christian for a long time. But when his faith is tested it will eventually expose his superficial faith. When the cost of obedience to God and his word becomes too high, he renounces his faith.

The test may be regarding his morality or money or even the criticism of his friends and family who pressure him to compromise or renounce his faith. But because his profession had no conviction or sincerity, he never was really born again, and his sham faith soon withers.

Big Idea: Be careful how you listen to God and His Word because your soul is at stake!

#3 The Distracted Hearer “Worldly heart”

(Make the connection between “Rose” in the skit and the distracted hearer in Jesus’ parable represented by the soil infested with thorns.)

This person hears the word of the gospel and may make a token profession of faith, but his first love for the world and his worry or preoccupation with the riches and pleasures of this world blinds him to the importance of the gospel and the word of God.

He loves riches and lives as if they are the answer to all his needs and desires. His entire focus is on his riches, possessions, prestige, position and comfort. He is oblivious to their deceitfulness, and is unaware that they are choking the word of God is his life.

This person comes to church but never becomes committed to serving because he is continually preoccupied with money, career, fashion, sports and everything but the Lord’s word and work. This professing believer is unconcerned about sin in his life and does not have evidence that he really loves God. His love for the things of this world is greater than his love and respect for God and His word and therefore what faith he seemed to have is choked out by these other things.

Big Idea: Be careful how you listen to God and His Word because your soul is at stake!

#4 The Receptive Hearer “Humble heart”

(Make the connection between “Faith” in the skit and the receptive hearer in Jesus’ parable represented by the good soil.)

This person hears the word of God and believes it! His soil of his heart is good not because it has a different composition than the other kinds of soils, but because it was rightly prepared.

The only barrier to salvation is unbelief, and anyone who is willing to accept Jesus Christ on his terms is good soil. The person hears the word of the gospel and humbly receives it and God grants him understanding and salvation.

The ultimate mark of a genuine believer, the good soil, is that he bears fruit. The fruit of the spirit found in Galatians 5 is proof of genuine conversion, genuine faith, real salvation.

So, let me ask you again, where do you find yourself in this story?

What kind of hearer are you?

This is a serious call to examine your heart!

Why should we listen carefully to God and His Word?

We should be careful how we listen to the Word of God because our souls are at stake!

Eternity is at stake!

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which is able to save you.” James 1:21

The Word of God is able to save us from the damnation of sin. (Hell)

“You have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

The Word of God is able to save us from the damage of sin. (Consequences of sin)

“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9-11

“The words of the Lord are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:10-11

How are we to prepare the soil of our heart?

It all has to do with our attitude toward God and His Word!

James 1:21 “ humbly accept the word planted in you.”

It is as simple as ABC…

Accept God’s Word. (Humbly accept it and cultivate your heart with regular reading of the Word of God.)

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.

Confess your sins to God.

As you begin this new year, renew your commitment to read and obey God’s Word every day!

Act Four- Cosper Family acts out skit (on the stage)

Lane: (enters holding a drink) Ready to go Faith?

Faith: Yeah, Dad. (turns off machine)

Lane: Faith, you really paid attention to what mom aid a year ago. I’m proud of you.

Faith: Thanks Dad. (pats dad’s potbelly) Hey, what happened to those good genes you were talking about.

Lane: It’s a good thing they come with elastic in the waistband.

Concluding Prayer- Pastor Brad (center of platform)