Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Sowing the Gospel Seed

Dr. Eliah Massey · June 4, 2022

Matthew 13:1-9

sharonrpc.org/sermons/sowing-the-gospel-seed

Summary

Matthew 13 describes the kingdom through the parable of a sower whose seed encounters several kinds of soil and produces differing results.
The sermon focuses on the sower: his mission is to take the seed out of storage and place it into the field rather than keep it for himself.
Jesus himself is the heavenly Sower who left glory, entered the world, suffered, and gave his life to bring the saving message to sinners.
Christ commissions all his people—not only preachers or missionaries—to go, tell the gospel, and speak to every kind of person.
The gospel message centers on the historical saving work of Jesus: he died for sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to Scripture.
The sower broadcasts widely because Christians cannot see hearts, predict soil, or decide in advance who is worthy to hear.
Faithful success is measured by obeying the commission and sowing the entrusted seed, while conversion and fruit belong to the Lord of the harvest.
Different responses, spiritual opposition, and delayed fruit should produce prayerful patience and perseverance rather than silence or despair.

What does the parable of the sower reveal about the kingdom and the varied reception of the gospel?
Why does the sermon focus on the sower's mission rather than primarily analyzing the four soils?
How does Jesus model the movement of leaving security to bring life to sinners?
What is the irreducible gospel message Christians are commanded to tell?
Who is included in Christ's command to go, and which people are included among those who should hear?
Why must Christians scatter the gospel broadly when they cannot discern the true condition of a heart?
How should faithful success be measured when visible responses are few, delayed, or disappointing?
What opposition, fear, or desire to control results most often prevents me from sowing the gospel seed?

Gospel seed: The Word of God centered on Christ's death for sins, burial, and resurrection, proclaimed for the salvation of sinners.
Sower: One who takes the gospel into the world and speaks it broadly, following Christ's own mission and command.
Soil: The human heart as it receives, resists, superficially welcomes, or fruitfully holds the proclaimed Word.
Kingdom of heaven: God's saving reign revealed in Jesus Christ and advancing through the Word amid genuine and false responses.
Great Commission: The risen Christ's command that his disciples go to all nations, make disciples, baptize, and teach.
Witness: A believer who speaks truthfully about Jesus' saving work and its transforming mercy.
Fruit: The spiritual life, obedience, and multiplication that God produces when the Word takes root in a receptive heart.
Lord of the harvest: God as the One who alone prepares hearts, gives growth, raises workers, and determines the fruit of gospel labor.