But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble (kalos) and good (agathos) heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop
Luke 8:15
We’ve spent the past five days discussing the sower, the seed, and the soil. Three of those days were dedicated to analysing the various types of soil. We’ve noted the many battles the soil of our heart must fight to benefit from God’s word. Today, we come to the final and good type of soil.
Three characteristics of a good heart are given in this passage:
(1) hear the Word,
(2) retain the Word,
(3) persevere in the Word
When these three things are in place, there will be a harvestable crop as a result.
The word translated “retain” is Greek katechō, “hold fast, retain faithfully, keep in one’s possession, possess.” Those with a “good and noble heart” don’t let the Word go. They hold it fast, retain it in mind, and do not release it to lay hold on something of less value. They retain the Word; they hold it fast.
The word rendered “persevere” (NIV) or “with patience” (KJV), is Greek hypomonē, “patience, endurance, fortitude, steadfastness, perseverance.” A characteristic of the good soil, the good heart, is to retain the Word of God over the long haul. As A.T. Robertson observes, “Mushrooms spring up overnight, but they are usually poisonous. The best fruits require time, cultivation, and patience.”
To put all these together, the way to become fruitful with the word of God is first to hold fast to it as if our life depends on it and secondly to watch over it with patience. God is always faithful, at the “…proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).
In conclusion, there are three major enemies that we must fight hard if we must profit with the word of God. First, we must wage war against Satan who tries to stop the word of God from ever penetrating our hearts. Next, we must overcome the trials and temptations that will come as a result of the word. Finally, we must fight to stay focused on God’s word, not allowing the cares of this life (worry, wealth or pleasure) to distract us. May God strengthen us in our journey to fruitfulness in Jesus name.
Lord, grant us receptive hearts that hold fast to Your word. Give us the strength to retain it faithfully and the perseverance to endure through trials. May we be vigilant against the enemies that would distract us from Your message. We pray for the patience to cultivate the seeds You sow in our hearts, knowing that with steadfastness, we will reap a bountiful harvest in Your name. Amen.
Thirty-eight years. He had been lying by the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. Around…
Twelve years. She had been bleeding for twelve years, and in that time she had…
He came with horses and chariots and a letter from a king. He had gold,…
She was an orphan who had become a queen, and she was the only person…
The trap was elegant in its specificity. The administrators and satraps who wanted Daniel removed…