How to grow in good ground?

Luke 8:4-15

In way of introduction we see the typology of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soil. First the Sower is God; our Lord sows the seed on all types of ground giving everyone the opportunity to be saved. As we see, 2/3 of those who hear the Word of God will refuse the receive it. Secondly, the Seed is the Word of God; as the Word of God spread throughout the world, many will not receive it properly. Thirdly, the Soil is us; God sows the seed in us so we can grow spiritually in good ground. But it’s sad to see 2/3 of those who witness God sowing and the seed falling on them will not fully receive His grace. How do we grow in the good ground?

I)       I must be Receptive to God. Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. Luke 8:12 Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. The wayside or hardened path represents a closed mind. Three causes for some to go by the wayside.

A)    Fear. Proverbs 28:1 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

B)    Bitterness. James 3:14-15 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

C)    Pride. James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

II)    I must be Resolved to Grow. Luke 8:6 And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.  Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.  The rocky ground or shallow soil represents a superficial commitment. A commitment that is shallow and has no depth.

A)    Be committed examples. James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

B)    Be committed exercisers. 1 Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. Five ways to be committed examples and committed exercisers.

1.      Commit to connect with others.

2.      Commit to build spiritual habits.

3.      Commit to use your talents for the Lord.

4.      Commit to share your faith with others.

5.      Commit to fulfil your purpose in life.

III) I must be Ruthless with Distractions. Luke 8:7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. Luke 8:14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. The thorns represent the weeds given during the fall and curse of man. Genesis 3:17-18 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; The soil with weeds represents an overcrowded life. Closing - Luke 8:15