Matthew Study 15: 13:1-30

Dear Student of the Word,

Did you ever consider that the parable of the sower could have just as easily been called the parable of the soils?  This week we move into Matthew 13 where Jesus begins a series of lessons on the kingdom of God.  He began with the story of the sower who went out to sow seed, which had varying degrees of success in sprouting and taking root. What was the difference?  The difference was the condition of the soil, for there was nothing wrong with the seed.  Here is a sample of what I wrote in this week's lesson:

13:5-9 – Without the explanation to follow, we would have no idea what Jesus was talking about, or it would be left to our personal interpretation.  I want to have insight into God’s word, but I don’t want to be weird and force meanings that the Holy Spirit never intended.

One of the best ways to gain insight into God’s word is to seek the Lord through study.  This is something I have not done enough of the last few years.  I prepare these studies and I prepare for teaching and preaching.  Yet I am not satisfied with the depth of my understanding, so I have enrolled in a doctoral program at Reformed Theological Seminary.  I have completed twenty percent of the program and it has helped me focus and discipline myself for study.

Yet when I study, all I can do is position myself for God to open my eyes and ears to the truths in His word.  While I do my part, any insight I receive is grace, but I must position myself to receive the grace.  What work are you doing to be able to receive God’s grace?  The least you can do is pray for insight like the psalmist:

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law (Psalm 119:9-18).

Jesus often said, “I tell you the truth,” and “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”  Jesus would always tell the truth but not everyone wanted to hear the truth.  Those who wanted to hear would hear, those who did not would go home and have no idea what Jesus was talking about.

Do you have ears to hear?  Then what are you hearing?  What new insight about God or His purposes do you have?  How are you sharing this with other people?  What difference has it made in your life and purpose?  What changes do you need to make to gain more insight into God’s word?  I am not saying that you need to go back to school like I have done, but there is something you can do, or stop doing (like watching television), to provide the time you need to position yourself for the grace of insight into God’s purposes.

As always, I welcome your comments to this week's study. You can write them or find the studies to Corinthians, First Timothy and Mark's gospel on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go there to sign up to receive each week's study.

Download this week's study: Matthew Study 15.doc

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Episode One: Write a Book, Save a Child
 
Have you ever thought about writing a book?  Ever wanted to travel or start a company that will make the world a better place to live?  If so, then you won’t want to miss John Stanko’s inaugural program with his guest, Diana Scimone.  Diana is a publisher, author, world traveler and founder of “Not For Sale,” a nonprofit organization working to alleviate the child trafficking problem around the world.  Join John and Diana as they talk about writing, travel, purpose and how you can be a person of purpose, too!