Matthew Chapter Thirteen

Time For An Explanation

ONE: THE RELATIONSHIP OF THE PARABLES

I. Illustration By A Parable - vs.1,8 & 18,23 We note How & Where the Word of God is sown and the results.
a. Soil On The Road - vs.1,4
b. Soil On The Rocks - vs.5,6
c. Soil On The Rotten - vs.7
d. Soil On The Rich/Fertile - vs.8

II. Interpretation Of The Parable- vs.18,23
a. The Word Is Sown - vs.18,19a
b. The Word Is Stolen For Lack of Depth - vs.19b. This represents those who hear but are not rooted. They remain vulnerable.
c. The Word Is Shortened - vs.20,21 This represents those who hear with reservation. Circumstances rule their life.
d. The Word Is Snuffed - vs.22 This represents those who hear with one ear and the other ear turned to the luring riches of the world.
e. The Word Stands - vs.23. This represents those who hear and become doers of the Word.

God's Word is presented as the only means for life that makes life meaningful.
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I. Illustration Of Sowing - vs.24,30 & 36,43
a. The Dedication Of The Sower - vs.24
b. The Discernment Of The Sower - vs.25,28
c. The Decision Of The Sower - vs.29,30
// He Will Carefully Work - vs.29
// He Will Prayerfully Wait - vs.30

II. The Interpretation Of Sowing - vs.36,43
a. The Sower Is Christ - vs.36,37
b. The Field Is The World - vs. 38
c. The Good Seed Is Believers - vs.38b
d. The Thistles Are Unbelievers - vs.38c
e. The Enemy Is Satan - vs.39
f. The Harvest Is The End Of The Age - vs.39b
g. The Reapers Are Angels - vs.39c,41. This period is the Great Tribulation. Not The Church Age.
h. The Furnace Is Hell - vs.42
i. The Granary Is Heaven - vs.43
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Note The Mustard Seed - vs.31,32
1. The Smallest Seed Planted In The Ground - 31,32a
2. The Tallest Planted Out Of The Ground - vs.32b

Note The Yeast - vs. 33
1. Just A Little Is Permitted - vs.33a
2. Just A Little Is Permeating - vs.33b

Note The Treasure In The Field - vs.44
1. A Man's Diligence - vs.44a
2. A Man's Delight - vs.44b
3. A Man's Duty - vs.44c

Note The Merchant And The Pearl - vs.45,46
1. He Sought The Pearl - vs.45
2. He Bought The Pearl - vs.46
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TWO - RELATING THE PARABLES
I. Convey The Truth To The Believers - vs.9,12; 34,35; 51
II. Conceal The Truth From Unbelievers - vs.12b,13

THREE - RELATING TO THE PARABLES
I. Many Are Astonished - vs.53,56
II. Many Are Aggravated - vs.57,58
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Here we have a perfect example of how one comes to understand the Word of God. It is only by the God of The Word (John 16:13; Psalm 119:17,18).

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