Uprooting Thorns: Cultivating Spiritual Fruitfulness

 

Summary

In reflecting on the parable of the sower, particularly the seed sown among thorns, we are reminded of the profound truth that the Word of God, though powerful and life-giving, can be rendered unfruitful by the cares and distractions of this world. The seed represents the Word, and the thorns symbolize the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of life that choke the Word, preventing it from bearing fruit. This parable challenges us to examine the soil of our hearts and to consider what might be hindering the growth of God's Word within us.

The seed is the same for everyone, yet the results differ based on the condition of the soil. This illustrates that the problem is not with the seed, but with the soil. Many hear the Word and even accept it, but it does not transform their lives because it is choked by worldly concerns. The thorns, which are natural to the soil, represent the natural inclinations of our fallen nature. They are deeply rooted and require intentional effort to uproot. Without this effort, the thorns will inevitably overtake the good seed.

The deceitfulness of riches is particularly insidious, as it promises security and satisfaction but ultimately leads to spiritual poverty. Riches can deceive us into thinking we are self-sufficient, leading us away from reliance on God. Similarly, the pleasures of life, while not inherently wrong, can become all-consuming, leaving little room for spiritual growth. The pursuit of these pleasures can become a vocation, distracting us from our true purpose.

To combat these thorns, we must be vigilant and intentional in cultivating our spiritual lives. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and a commitment to prioritize God's kingdom above all else. We must be willing to let go of worldly pursuits that hinder our spiritual growth and instead focus on bearing fruit for God's glory.

Key Takeaways:

- The condition of our hearts determines the fruitfulness of God's Word in our lives. We must examine our hearts to identify any thorns that may be choking the Word. These thorns can be the cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, or the pleasures of life. [02:21]

- The deceitfulness of riches can lead us away from God by creating a false sense of security and self-sufficiency. We must guard against allowing wealth to become an idol that takes the place of God in our lives. [26:08]

- The pleasures of life, while not inherently wrong, can become a distraction if they consume our time and energy. We must ensure that our pursuit of pleasure does not overshadow our pursuit of God. [31:12]

- True spiritual growth requires intentional effort to uproot the thorns in our lives. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and a commitment to prioritize God's kingdom above all else. [20:05]

- Our spiritual vitality is often reflected in our commitment to prayer, worship, and service. A lack of engagement in these areas may indicate that the thorns of life are choking our spiritual life. [43:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Parable
- [00:27] - The Sower's Work
- [00:43] - The Idealist Occupation
- [01:12] - Fruit Bearing and Soil Quality
- [02:21] - The Test of the Word
- [03:12] - Personal Reflection on Fruitfulness
- [04:19] - Addressing Different Hearers
- [05:55] - The Seed and Its Reception
- [06:24] - The Unchanging Gospel
- [07:49] - The Responsibility of Hearing
- [08:28] - The Danger of Neglect
- [09:13] - Acceptance Without Transformation
- [10:50] - The Influence of Belief
- [11:44] - The Growth of the Gospel
- [12:40] - Empty Profession
- [13:09] - Self-Examination
- [14:20] - The Thorns and Their Nature
- [15:15] - The Care of the World
- [16:13] - The Naturalness of Sin
- [17:34] - The Established Thorns
- [18:17] - The Struggle with Sin
- [19:25] - The Need for Vigilance
- [20:05] - Conviction and Conversion
- [21:33] - The Growth of Thorns
- [22:27] - The Starvation of the Wheat
- [23:56] - The Care of This World
- [25:24] - Proper and Improper Care
- [26:08] - The Deceitfulness of Riches
- [30:27] - The Pleasures of Life
- [32:12] - The Lusts of Other Things
- [33:41] - The Choking of the Seed
- [35:36] - The Unfruitful Seed
- [36:31] - The Appearance of Religion
- [38:07] - The Decline of Spiritual Life
- [39:17] - The Concealment of Faith
- [40:39] - The Choking of the Pulpit
- [41:52] - The Loss of Spiritual Conversation
- [43:29] - The Decline of Prayer
- [44:00] - The Loss of Joy in Service
- [45:02] - The Call to Fruitfulness
- [46:09] - The Pain of Thorns
- [47:45] - The Use of Thorns
- [48:14] - A Final Blessing

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 13:7, 22

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the seed represent in the parable of the sower, and what do the thorns symbolize? [00:10]
2. According to the sermon, what are the natural inclinations of our fallen nature that the thorns represent? [15:15]
3. How does the deceitfulness of riches affect one's spiritual life, as mentioned in the sermon? [26:08]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how the pleasures of life can become distractions? [31:12]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the condition of one's heart affect the fruitfulness of God's Word, according to the sermon? [02:21]
2. In what ways can the deceitfulness of riches create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency? [26:08]
3. Why might the pleasures of life, though not inherently wrong, become a hindrance to spiritual growth? [31:12]
4. What intentional efforts are necessary to uproot the thorns in our lives, as discussed in the sermon? [20:05]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any "thorns" such as worries, wealth, or pleasures that might be choking the Word of God in your heart? How can you address them? [02:21]
2. The sermon mentions the deceitfulness of riches. How can you ensure that wealth does not become an idol in your life? [26:08]
3. Consider the pleasures you pursue. Are there any that consume too much of your time and energy, overshadowing your pursuit of God? How can you balance them? [31:12]
4. What steps can you take to regularly examine your heart and prioritize God's kingdom above all else? [20:05]
5. How can you increase your engagement in prayer, worship, and service to reflect spiritual vitality? [43:29]
6. Identify one worldly pursuit that might be hindering your spiritual growth. What practical steps can you take this week to let it go? [20:05]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of self-examination and prayer to ensure that your spiritual life remains fruitful? [20:05]

Devotional

Day 1: The Soil of Our Hearts Determines Fruitfulness
The condition of our hearts is crucial in determining the fruitfulness of God's Word in our lives. The parable of the sower illustrates that while the seed, representing the Word of God, is the same for everyone, the results vary based on the soil's condition. The thorns, which symbolize the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of life, can choke the Word, preventing it from bearing fruit. It is essential to examine our hearts to identify any thorns that may be hindering the growth of God's Word within us. By doing so, we can ensure that our hearts are fertile ground for spiritual growth and transformation. [02:21]

"For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: 'Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns.'" - Jeremiah 4:3 (ESV)

Reflection: What specific "thorns" in your life are currently hindering the growth of God's Word in your heart, and how can you begin to address them today?


Day 2: The Deceitfulness of Riches
Riches can be particularly deceitful, as they promise security and satisfaction but ultimately lead to spiritual poverty. The allure of wealth can create a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, drawing us away from reliance on God. It is crucial to guard against allowing wealth to become an idol that takes the place of God in our lives. By recognizing the deceitfulness of riches, we can ensure that our trust and security are rooted in God rather than material possessions. [26:08]

"Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. When your eyes light on it, it is gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven." - Proverbs 23:4-5 (ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed the pursuit of wealth to overshadow your reliance on God, and what steps can you take to realign your priorities?


Day 3: The Pleasures of Life as Distractions
While the pleasures of life are not inherently wrong, they can become distractions if they consume our time and energy. The pursuit of these pleasures can overshadow our pursuit of God, leaving little room for spiritual growth. It is essential to ensure that our pursuit of pleasure does not become all-consuming, allowing us to maintain a balanced focus on our spiritual journey. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can enjoy life's pleasures without them becoming a hindrance to our spiritual growth. [31:12]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." - 1 John 2:15 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one pleasure or activity in your life that has become a distraction from your spiritual growth, and how can you create a healthier balance?


Day 4: Intentional Effort for Spiritual Growth
True spiritual growth requires intentional effort to uproot the thorns in our lives. This involves regular self-examination, prayer, and a commitment to prioritize God's kingdom above all else. By being vigilant and intentional in cultivating our spiritual lives, we can ensure that the Word of God takes root and bears fruit in our hearts. Letting go of worldly pursuits that hinder our spiritual growth allows us to focus on bearing fruit for God's glory. [20:05]

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." - Philippians 2:12 (ESV)

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to intentionally cultivate your spiritual life and uproot any thorns that may be present?


Day 5: Spiritual Vitality Through Engagement
Our spiritual vitality is often reflected in our commitment to prayer, worship, and service. A lack of engagement in these areas may indicate that the thorns of life are choking our spiritual life. By actively participating in these spiritual disciplines, we can maintain a vibrant and fruitful relationship with God. It is essential to regularly assess our level of engagement in these areas and make necessary adjustments to ensure that our spiritual life remains healthy and thriving. [43:29]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you increase your engagement in prayer, worship, and service this week to enhance your spiritual vitality?

Quotes

If you do not bring forth fruit unto holiness, and the end is not everlasting life, I should be better employed in breaking stones on the roadside than in preaching to you. Fruit bearing made the difference appear in the various soils upon which the sowers scattered seed. [00:01:20]

If no saving faith is produced upon your souls we shall know that the soil of your heart has not been prepared of the Lord but remains in its native barrenness. What fruit have you born hitherto from all your hearing? May I venture to put the question to each one of you very pointedly. [00:02:58]

You are religious persons and to all appearance you are under the influence of godliness; you exhibit plenty of leaf, but there is no corn in the ear, no substance in your Christianity. I cannot speak with any degree of physical vigor to you by reason of the infirmity under which I struggle. [00:04:56]

Remember first that it was the same seed in every case. Yonder it is brought forth 30-fold; it was the same seed which was lost upon you. In a still better case the seed is brought forth a hundred fold; it was precisely the same corn with which your field has been sown. [00:05:58]

I want you to consider this: how covered with briars and thorns must your mind be that the gospel which converted your sister or friend never touched you. Though you may be nominally a believer in the word of God it has never so affected you as to make you gracious and holy. [00:07:07]

The seed sown among thorns lived and continued to grow, and in many men's minds the gospel of divine truth is growing after a fashion. They understand it better, can defend it more valorously, and speak of it more fluently; moreover it does influence them in some form and degree. [00:11:39]

The thorns were already established in the soil; they were not only the natural inhabitants of the soil but they were rooted and fixed in it. Our sins within us claim the freehold of our faculties and they will not give it up if they can help it. [00:17:36]

The thorns aspired to the mastery and they soon obtained it, and that done they set to work to destroy the wheat. They blocked it up, crowded it out, and some of the thorn shoots twisted round it and held the wheat by the neck till it was choked. [00:21:54]

The deceitfulness of riches will enable you to admire yourself. With pride comes a desire for wealthy society and vain company, and thus again religion receives severe injury. There is apt to grow up in the mind an idolatry of this world and its treasures. [00:28:37]

I have nothing to say against recreation in its proper place; certain forms of recreation are needful and useful, but it is a wretched thing when amusement becomes a vocation. Amusement should be used to do as good like a medicine; it must never be used as the food of the man. [00:31:02]

The seed is choked in our souls whenever Christ is not our all in all. You see my drift: be it what it may, gain, glory, study, pleasure, all these may be briars that will choke the seed. [00:33:46]

The spiritual life is low when there is little delight in holy service. Oh for the old methodistic fire! Oh to feel our hearts dance at the sound of Jesus' name! Oh to flame up like beacon fires and blaze towards heaven with holy ecstasy! [00:43:31]

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Transcript
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