Parable of the Soils Part IV

Today, we will briefly look at the various types of soil. If you've been following along, you know that my recurring theme has been that the soil determines the type of harvest. As long as we are faithfully sowing and watering the seed (the Word) then we are assured of success. Jesus mentioned three types of "unfavorable" soils (if I can use that terminology). I always believe in giving the bad news first, so today's entry will focus primarily on the negative aspect(s) of this parable.

The first type of soil mentioned is "beside the road" (NASB) or the "wayside" (KJV) or "along the path" (NIV). This first type of soil describes a person in which the Word of God (in a sense) goes "in one ear and out the other." There is no comprehension of the message, and Satan comes immediately to prevent the person from making any progress. We often find that these are the types of people who immediately change the subject when we bring up the topic of Christ or the Bible. They are not necessarily hostile to the message of Christ (although they often can be), but have nothing more than a passive interest in what you are saying. It comes as little surprise because Paul told the Corinthians that the natural man does not discern the things of the Spirit of God..they are foolishness unto him (paraphrase of I Cor 2:14). We also find that these are the types of people that love to debate and ask questions that bring about little or no true understanding of the supremely important message of the Gospel. They will ask questions about the bible, but often out of an attempt to prove some perceived contradiction they think exists or to add fuel to a controversial debate.

The next type of soil described is the "rocky" soil. Now these can initially show encouraging signs because they immediately receive the Word with joy. It is difficult to know initially if you are dealing with rocky soil because the first stages are much like that of truly good ground. All Christians can point back to the initial joy they felt at knowing that their sins have been forgiven. Much like the parable of the wheat and the tares (Matt 13:24-30) , it is difficult to discern between the true and the false until some time passes by. The rocky soil will eventually be shown for what it is, because trials and temptations are inevitable. The floods and the storms come to Christians and unbelievers alike. It rains on the just and the unjust. The difference lies in the root system. It proves faulty because when trouble finally does come (and it will), it will not endure. The NASB says that this person "falls away"(Mark 4:17). Luke makes mention that this type of person "believes for a while" (Luke 8:13)...only to eventually fall away. I believe this is why it is so important that we do not sugar-coat the gospel. We must make sure that individuals understand the cost of discipleship. I believe we set people up for certain failure and apostacy, by telling them that coming to Christ will solve every problem, and cause life to become a flowery bed of roses!

The next type of soil described is the "thorny ground." They hear the word of God, but they are not willing to make a clean break from the world and it's system and pleasures. Just as thorns and weeds will choke out vegetation in a lawn or garden, so worldly cares and pleasures will choke out the fruit of the Word of God in our lives. Remember, there's nothing wrong with the seed...the breakdown is with the soils. The bible mentions several "thorns" in this particular passage. Anxiety is mentioned- now truly we all suffer from some type of fear at one point or another (if we'll be honest). But this is a different kind of fear- this is a fear that chokes out faithfulness to God and His Word. A fear that takes away trust in God and places trust in fallen man and things. Riches and pleasures are also mentioned as thorns. These things have always been around and the temptations have been ever-present, but I believe we live in an age absolutely permeated with an insatiable desire for money and pleasure. We crave more and more "things" and then we are riddled with anxiety because we worry about how to pay for them....how to keep them secure....and how to insure them once we posess them. I'm reminded of the words of "the Preacher" in Ecclesiastes:

Ecclesiastes 5:10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. 11 When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? (NASB)

Ecclesiastes 1:8 All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. (KJV)

It seems that no matter how much we see, hear, or experience is ever enough....we WANT MORE!!! With this type of soil, we must be very careful and diligent not to preach the gospel as a means of material wealth. There are many ministers who have fallen into this error...supposing that "gain is godliness." This is one of the devastating consequences of teaching and preaching such a gospel...it is a never-ending cycle of covetousness...and it usually ends in disappointment, when people learn that the Bible is not some good luck charm or slot-machine.

That's about all for today....I realize this has been a rather negative type of entry...but it helps to know what you're up against. Remember if the parable of the sower is true (and I believe it is), then this group represents 75% of the soil out there. But don't lose heart....next we will talk about the good ground. Praise God...He does have some good soil out there just waiting to be sown, watered, and harvested!!!

Until next time....
-henry

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