December 10 - Parable of the Sower: Superficial Hearers, Part 1

GracetoYou.org ^ | 2008 | John MacArthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“‘The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he falls away’” (Matthew 13:20–21).

Shallow acceptance of the gospel can be encouraged by shallow evangelism that promises blessings of salvation but ignores the costs of discipleship. If people just “make a decision” for Jesus Christ without accepting all His claims on their lives, they can become insulated from genuine salvation.

When superficial hearers first hear the gospel, they have a euphoric religious experience, believing that at last God has met their felt needs. They are often zealous and energetic in church activities and eager to tell others about their new happiness.

But sadly for such people, all the change is superficial rather than deep-down in the heart. Their feelings are changed, but not their souls. There is no repentance, mourning over sin, or humility, which is the first trait of real conversion (cf. Matt. 5:3). Such a person has placed his or her religious house on the sand, and when the storms of trials and persecution come, the house crumbles and washes away (Matt. 7:26–27).

For the superficial hearer, God’s truth has penetrated only the edge of the mind, but not the heart. That is why, when the high cost of salvation does confront the person, the gospel can be as quickly renounced as it was once seemingly accepted. Spiri-tual reality has no root and thus can’t produce true spiritual fruit, which as Jesus soon makes clear, is the only sure evidence of a transformed life.

Ask Yourself

How can you come closer to ensuring that those with whom you share your Christian faith are not given the impression that salvation is a quick, emotional, unthinking decision?

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word ping

[Dacula]

This is one of my favorite Bible verses - Matthew 13:20–21

This verse has helped throughout my life.

[Ezekiel]

Sooo much to learn and discover, so many ways to lift people up and be nice, yet the usual expert suspects spend their hours dinging those “other people” who come up short according to those “in the know”.

Sad.

Wait til the Messiah appears. Scholars won’t see him coming. They are too busy finding fault with everyone else to see the beautiful soul that God has sent to heal people.

[melsec]

So what? Do we deny that initial experience? It is exactly that deep religious experience that has kept me going for over 40 years. It may be that these keen evangelists are quickly disappointed at the lukewarmness of those inhabiting the seats but doing little more. Maybe they ought to be refreshed and invigorated by younger Christians and help them use their energy wisely.