The Story Of The Soils

Sunday Service

Luke 8:4-21

The story of the sower, the seed, and the soils is the first parable Jesus ever told and it laid the foundation for the rest of the parables He told. This parable teaches us the importance of receiving and responding to the preaching of God’s Word. Jesus described four kinds of soil that illustrate FOUR HEART RESPONSES to God’s Word.

1. THE ROAD SOIL = A STUBBORN HEART
These are those who have a hard, unreceptive heart to God’s Word. Ignorance or indifference (Romans 1:18; James 1:21; 2 Corinthians 4:4).

2. THE ROCKY SOIL = A SUPERFICIAL HEART
This is shallow soil with little depth for roots to develop. This like someone who impulsively, and perhaps enthusiastically, hears the gospel but does not appreciate the commitment (Mark 4:5, 4:17). This type of person is a ‘fair-weather’ Christian.

3. THE THORNY SOIL = A STRANGLED HEART
This soil looks good on the surface, but contains thorns and thistles that will soon grow rapidly to choke off the plants. This type of person is one who has heard and receives the Word but has succumbed to the influences and concerns of the world, which chokes out the Word in their life (2 Timothy 4:10).

4. THE GOOD SOIL = A SOFT HEART
This is soft, deep and rich oil that is free of weeds and thorns. This kind of person has heard and received the Word and understood and accepted God’s Word. Moreover, this person holds fast to what is learned from God’s Word and bears fruit as evidence of lasting change in their life (1 Thessalonians 2:13; Galatians 5; Matthew 7:16).

Thank God for His Word that powerfully accomplishes His saving and sanctifying work in your life. Ask God to cultivate in you a soft, humble, teachable heart in which the seed of His Word can sink deep down and grow up to produce much fruit in your life for His glory.