“The worry of the world and the deceitfulness of riches – are equally deadly to the Gospel seed.”

“The worry of the world and the deceitfulness of riches – are equally deadly to the Gospel seed.”

TEXT:

Chapter 11, Page 105 –

First, the parable. Look at Matthew 13:3. “Behold, a sower went out to sow.” And you can read the rest of the parable, which I’m sure is familiar to you, about the three unproductive soils. According to Jesus’ explanation of the parable, the soil in which the seed was sown beside the road is the hearts of those hearers who choose not to take the time to understand. The soil in which the seed was sown upon the rocky places is the hearts of those hearers who are too shallow of commitment to withstand the rigors of the Christian life. But as for the soil in which the seed was sown among the thorns, in these hearts the seed finds sufficient receptiveness and depth to grow. Please notice:  These hearts, this soil, grows the Gospel seed very well. If this Christian heart can grow thorns, it can grow the seed of the Gospel. 

Observe what happens when the Gospel seed is sown among the thorns. The thorns of the “worry of the world” rise up to choke out the Gospel and the thorns of the “deceitfulness of riches” rise up and choke out the Gospel. Both kinds of thorns – the worry of the world and the deceitfulness of riches – are equally deadly to the Gospel seed and to the hearts in which the thorns grow.