THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER*
Edited from writings by
ARLEN L. CHITWOOD
[*
Note. (1) The author is
using the K.J.V. (1611) translation and the American Standard Version.
(2) These writings are taken from the author’s book, Mysteries of the Kingdom; and are edited. (3) The reader is advised to compare what is
written here with the author’s original writing.]
INTRODUCTION
The
importance of Matthew, chapter thirteen has
been recognized by students of Scripture over the years:-
"... from the standpoint
of prophecy, the most important chapter of all the New Testament"
- Arthur W. Pink.
"If this one chapter could be rightly understood by the
professing Church, the consequences would be the most far-reaching"
-Arno C. Gaebelein.
"If one has a conversant knowledge of
Matthew, chapter thirteen, he will be fairly conversant with the remainder of
Scripture. This chapter is fundamental and primary because it is a
chronological development of Christendom from the time of our Lord’s first
advent until His return" - A. Edwin Wilson.
The
word "parable" is a transliteration of
the compound Greek word parabole, which means
to "cast alongside." Used in this sense, a parable is one truth
cast alongside a previous truth to help explain the previous truth. For
those who had rejected the previous truth, the parable would hold little
meaning. But for those who had accepted the previous truth, the parable
would cast additional light upon truth already given. Note the question
of the disciples in verse 10 and the
statement of Jesus in verses 11-17.
SUBJECT MATTER
"When anyone heareth the word
[or 'the message,'
N.I.V.] of
the kingdom ..." (Matt. 13: 19a).
Matthew,
chapter thirteen has to do with the mysteries of the kingdom of the
heavens. It is not the word of salvation by grace through
faith in Christ Jesus which is in view, but, rather, the word of the
kingdom. Fruitbearing (verses 22, 23) is associated with the message of the kingdom, not the message of
salvation by grace through faith.
There is one
gospel but several facets of this gospel. The word "gospel"
means "good news," and within the
good news message, there is (1) good
news concerning the eternal salvation
which we presently possess; and (2) the good news message concerning the
outcome of our faith – “the salvation of the soul”
(1 Pet. 1: 9): a future salvation yet to be
revealed. Various descriptions of the one gospel are
differentiated in Scripture through the use of four titles: "the gospel of grace," "the gospel of glory," "the gospel of the kingdom," and "the everlasting gospel."
1. The Gospel of
Grace.
Key
verses for this gospel are Rom. 1: 16
and Eph. 2: 8, 9. This is the good
news that "Christ died for our sins according to
the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose
again the third day according to the scriptures" (1 Cor. 15: 3, 4). This is a message for the unsaved alone. This
‘gospel’ was once described as ‘just the simple gospel’
Romans 1: 16 reveals that this gospel is
"the power of God unto salvation to everyone that
believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." God
requires shed blood to atone for sin. God’s Son paid the price on
Man
can add nothing to what God’s Son has already paid in full. This is the
reason we read in Eph. 2: 8, 9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man
should boast."
This
eternal salvation is free for fallen man only because Someone
paid the price - a price which God required, and a price which fallen man
could not pay. Your eternal salvation and my eternal salvation cost
plenty. This salvation cost the
death of God "as Son" on
A
present tragedy in Christian circles is the light regard many hold for the
eternal salvation which we possess merely because it didn’t cost us
anything. The tragedy for those in the world is the fact that God "as Son" has already paid the full price for their
salvation, and this salvation is being spurned.
2. The Gospel of
Glory.
Key
verses for this gospel are 2 Cor.
4: 3, 4 and 1 Tim. 1: 11. This
is the good news concerning the coming glory of Christ which will be
revealed in the age to come. This good news message is for those only, who have received eternal
salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
The Words "glorious gospel"
in 2 Cor. 4: 4; 1 Tim. 1:
11 (A.V.) is misleading, and should be translated "gospel of glory." (R.V.).
Only
in this
gospel does one find the heirship,
and the unsearchable riches of
Christ. The salvation which we presently possess [eternal salvation] is not an inherited salvation. Nor
does the gospel of grace involve the unsearchable riches of Christ, but,
rather, the shame, suffering, and humiliation of
God
has visited the "Gentiles to take out of them a
people for his name" (Acts 15: 14),
and the mystery concerns the fact that God has accorded to these Gentiles (now
Christians) the same privilege He accorded to believing Jews - to participate in the Son’s inheritance as
joint-heirs with the Son in the coming kingdom when His glory is
revealed for the entire universe to behold.
During this time – during this evil age - the Holy
Spirit is calling out* a bride
to rule the earth with the Son. As the first Adam had a bride (taken from
part of his body) to rule as consort queen with him, so will the Last Adam take
those “accounted worthy” to rule with Him in the
“age” to come, (Luke 20: 35).
[i.e., out of the ‘body’
the ‘Church’.]
The
"word [or ‘message’] of the kingdom" centres around Christian’s
qualifying to occupy positions as joint-heirs with Christ in the future kingdom
of the heavens. Why are you here? What is the purpose of your
initial salvation? What lies out ahead? The "word of the kingdom" answers these questions.
Kingdom and Church.
We’re
living in a day when the teachings of men are rapidly supplanting the Word of
God. Nowhere is it more evident than in the realm of Biblical
prophecy. The Church has been associated with the kingdom to such an
extent than many times one is thought of as a synonym for the other.
Through this one error alone confusion reigns supreme in the minds of many
Christians, and, consequently, the entire future program of God as set forth in
His Word remains sealed to those same Christians. Christ said, "I
will build
my Church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" (Matt. 16: 18), but He has gone away to receive the
kingdom. Christians are spoken of as heirs of the kingdom (1 Cor. 6: 9, 10; Gal. 5: 21;
James 2: 5), but never as heirs of the Church. Christ is the Head
of the Church, but King of the kingdom (Col. 1: 18;
Matt. 2: 2; 27: 37; Rev. 19: 16).
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THE EXPOSITION
And he spake many
things to them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower [Lit. the Sower] went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some ...
(Matt. 13: 3, 4a).
Matthew,
chapter thirteen is a chronological development of Christendom from the time of
our Lord’s first advent until the time of His return. There is nothing in
this chapter which occurs following His second advent.
The
2,000-year history of the Church is set forth in Matt.
13 (note also Rev. chs.2. & 3). One age is in view - (vv. 39, 40, 49; the word "world" should be translated "age" in each verse). The sowing commences
at the beginning of the age (first and second parables) and continues
throughout this evil age. Parables three through six describe events and
conditions which persist throughout this age, and the seventh parable (parable
of the dragnet) describes events at the end of this age. Once the good
seed are placed in the field, once the tares are placed in the field, once the
birds of the air lodge in the branches of the great tree, once the woman
inserts leaven into the meal, these conditions persist from that point until
the end of this age. Thus, the good seed and the tares continue in the
field together during the time other revealed events in the chapter occur. Changes will be wrought only through the
personal intervention of the Lord Himself at the end of this evil age.
THE SOWER
In
the Greek text there is a definite article before the word "Sower" (verse 3). This is a particular Sower, and He is defined in
verse 37 as "the Son of Man,"
the Lord Jesus Christ. Although verse 37
is a part of the Lord’s explanation of the second parable - the parable of the
tares of the field - the first parable must be understood in the light of this
explanation, for all seven parables constitute one connected discourse.
The One sowing the good seed in the second parable and the Sower
in the first parable are the same person. Also, that which is sown by the
Sower is the same in both parables. One parable
will cast light upon and help explain the other.
In
the first parable, unlike the second, the words "seeds"
are in italics, indicating that it is not in the Greek text. Deleting
this word will provide the correct translation: "And
when he sowed, some fell by the wayside." The translation in verses 5, 7, 8 are correct: "Some fell"; "other
fell." A corrected translation of portions of the explanation
in verses 18-23 will reveal what is being
sown. Verse 19 explains verse 4; verses 20, 21
explain verses 5, 6; verse 22 explains verse 7; verse 23 explains verse
8. In each of these explanations the words "he that received seed" should be translated
"he that was sown" (ref. ASV). In each instance it is individuals who
are sown, and they are identified in verses 24
and 38 as "sons
of the kingdom" (the word "children"
in verse 38 should be translated "sons").
The
parable of the Sower has to do with the Lord Jesus Christ
sowing sons with a view to their
bringing forth fruit for the kingdom.
The individuals placed out in the world are already saved, and,
thus, eternal salvation is not the issue in this parable. The parable of the Sower
concerns itself with either barrenness
or fruitbearing
on the part of saved individuals
which the Lord Jesus Christ places in the world during the present evil age. There are four categories among those sown (vv. 4-8), and every regenerate believer will fit into one of these four.
1. ONES SOWN BY THE WAYSIDE.
“And when he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and
devoured them up” (verse
4).
“When
anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth
it not, then cometh the evil one, and snatcheth away that which hath been
sown in his heart. This
is he that was sown by the wayside” (verse 19, ASV).
We
are rapidly moving toward an era in which the Lord Jesus Christ will establish
a kingdom and rule from the heavens over and upon this earth. Christians are presently in a school, as it
were, preparing for that coming kingdom. One of the mysteries of the
kingdom of the heavens is that God has
chosen to extend to regenerate believers an opportunity
qualify for entrance, and a place of sovereignty in His millennial kingdom.
The
time in which we presently live, anticipating the coming era, is an age in
which Satan is still on the throne. And he is busy today blinding the minds of Christians relative to "the gospel of the glory of Christ"
- "the word [or ‘message’] of the kingdom"
(2 Cor. 4: 3, 4,
ASV. See Gk. text). Exactly how well he is succeeding is evident on every
hand.* One
need only look around and observe his fellow- Christians’ interest in or knowledge
of "the word of the kingdom."
[* This can be seen by the virtual silence amongst Christians regarding
Christ’s millennial reign - the time when His glory
will be manifested on this earth, (Psa. 85: 9, 10) "Wait for the Lord, and keep
his way, And he shall exalt thee TO INHERIT THE LAND: When the wicket
are cut off, thou shalt see it," (Psa. 37: 34,
R,V,). Keep in mind: Satan’s mouthpieces are often found to be
amongst the regenerate.]
The
ones sown by the wayside in the parable of the Sower
possibly depict the largest group of Christians in the world today. Their attitude toward the word is either one
of rejection, disinterest, or little or no understanding. Some
hear, but their interest lies elsewhere; others hear, but do not
perceive. Satan catches away the
word of the kingdom which was sown in their hearts. They, thus, bear no
fruit for the kingdom. They are of no particular value to the
kingdom, and miss the very purpose of
their calling. Satan ultimately has the victory in their lives.
2. ONES SOWN UPON STONY PLACES
“Some
fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they
sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they
were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away” (vv. 5, 6).
“And he
that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and
straightway with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but
endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth
because of the word, sataightway he stumbleth” (vv. 20, 21, ASV).
The
person sown upon the rocky places depicts individuals not grounded in the
Word of God ("hath he not root").
This failure to be properly grounded in the Word results in tragic
consequences. God has placed
pastor-teachers in the Church to lead Christians into a mature knowledge of the
Word of God (Eph. 4: 11-14). We are
presently engaged in a warfare (Eph. 6: 11- 17);
we are presently enrolled in a race (1 Cor. 9: 24-27). The task of the pastor-teacher
is to provide instructions from the Word of God to those placed under his care
in order that they might be able to properly clothe themselves for the warfare
and properly equip themselves for the race. There is no such thing as
a spiritually blinded Christian being successful in either the warfare or the
race.
Paul’s
great desire on behalf of those whom he ministered is given in Col. 1: 25-29. Paul warned every man in all
wisdom in order that he might present every man "perfect"
(mature) in Christ Jesus (verse 28). Paul did not want to appear in the presence
of Christ with even one spiritually immature Christian among those who had been
entrusted to his care.
Note
in verse 26 that Paul’s teaching ministry
centered around "the
mystery." This was the revelation given to Paul by the Lord
Jesus Christ on the
Paul’s
teaching ministry centered around the coming
inheritance of the saints. He
taught every man and warned* every man concerning what lay out ahead. He
didn’t want one single regenerate individual under his ministry to appear in
the presence of Christ ignorant of these things.
[*
Gal. 5: 21; Eph. 5: 5.]
This
is in sharp contrast to most of the preaching today. Most of the present
preaching centres around the Church, and the reason for this is easy to
explain. The Church out in the world today, by large, has degenerated to
the point where it is built around men with their goals, aims, plans,
ambitions, methods, schemes, etc. When men talk about the Church today,
they are talking about themselves; they are talking about what they have done,
are doing, and are going to do. Men, with their fallen, depraved natures,
would much rather talk about what they have done, are doing, and are going to
do than talk about what the Lord has done, is doing, and is going to do.
The Church is neither the goal nor the end toward
which God is moving. The Church is merely a means to this end. The goal
toward which all things have been moving since the time preceding the creation
of Adam is the kingdom. The Church was called into existence for a definite and
specific purpose pertaining to the kingdom, and the Church will ultimately fulfill this purpose.
Any true preaching concerning
the Church will always have this end in view and will magnify the kingdom and
the Lord (future), not the Church and man (present).
Over
the years the teaching ministry in the majority of churches today are filled
with spiritually immature Christians - babes in Christ. Christians in these churches have simply not
been taught the Word of God and the end result: a generation of Biblically
illiterate Christians.
A
spokesman for the largest protestant denomination in existence today recently
called attention to this very thing. But efforts to ratify the situation
today have gone in the opposite direction. Churches, in increasing
numbers, continue to pour hundreds of thousands of pounds into gigantic recreation
centres for their members - especially the young people. True, they are
providing a ministry, but it is the same ministry which the world
provides. They have gone "in the way of Cain"
(Jude 11); they have gone in the direction of ministering to the man of flesh rather than the man of Spirit. This will serve only to foster
a further degeneracy in spirituality.
Crowns will be given to those ministers of the Word
who heed the clear command: "Feed the flock of God which is
among you" (1 Peter 5: 1-4).
No crowns are provided for all those
other activities engaged in by Christians who have supplanted this command.
Note
what the text in Matt. 13 reveals happens to
Christians sown in stony places who hear the word of the kingdom. Unlike
the Christians sown by the wayside, they take an interest in the word of the
kingdom and "with joy receive it" (verse 20). But, when tribulation or persecution arises, "because
of the word" (the word [or, ‘message,’
as in the NIV] of the kingdom), they are "offended"
(verse 21). They have not been
sufficiently grounded in the Word to ignore what men have to say when they
ridicule or belittle this
message.
Such tribulation or persecution invariable comes
from other Christians, from those who have little or no appreciation for the
word of the kingdom, not from those in the world who know nothing about the
Word of God. What
usually happens is that some program man or denominational leader comes along
and begins belittling a Christian’s belief in the word of the kingdom through
various means - "You shouldn’t talk about those
things." "Let’s concern
ourselves with the program, the Church,”
“It’s dangerous to use that word ‘millennial.’” “Why don’t you go
and talk to the unconverted? etc." - and a Christian not sufficiently grounded in the Word may
simple quit. Such a
Christian consequently bears no fruit for the kingdom and is of no particular
value to the kingdom - simply because he was not taught the Word of God.
3. ONES SOWN AMONG THORNS
“And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up, and
choked them” (verse
7).
“And he that was sown
among the thorns, this is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world [Gk., aion, ‘age’] and the deceitfulness of riches,
choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful”
(verse 22, ASV).
The Care of This Age
One’s
care concerning the present age, the day of man, as opposed to one’s care
concerning the coming age, the day of the Lord, will invariably determine that
individual’s attitude toward and care for the return of our Lord with all
kindred events. The present age is an age of darkness. Corruption,
disease, and death permeate the things associated with this age. The
coming age is an age of light.
Incorruption, healing, and life permeate the things associated with that
age.
The
word of God commands us, "Be not conformed to this
world [Gk., aion, ‘age’]: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Rom.
12: 2). In this verse there is a negative command followed by a
positive command: "Be not conformed to this age:
but be ye transformed ..."
Be Not Conformed
The
Greek word "conformed" is sunchematizo. This is a compound word with the
preposition sun (with) prefixed to the verb form of the word schema
(outline, diagram). The English word "scheme" is a
transliterated form of the Greek word schema. The word has to do
with a schematic outline. The thought inherent in this compound Greek
word is not to outline or diagram your
life in accordance with the present age.
It
is not becoming any Christian to involve himself with the affairs of this
present age. During the present day and time the Christian is to occupy
the same place which Christ presently occupies relative to this world.
Christ has been rejected by the world, and is in a place removed from the
world. The Christian is to share this rejection by and separation from
the world with Christ. It is not
possible for a Christian to involve himself with the affairs of this present
age and at the same time share Christ’s rejection by and separation from
the world.
Be Ye Transformed
Following
the command, "Be not conformed to this age,"
the Christian is commanded to "be transformed by
the renewing of your mind." The Greek word translated "transformed" is metamorphoo. This is the word from which the English word
"metamorphosis" is derived.
This word refers to an inward change brought about completely apart from the
power of the individual himself. The individual Christian is powerless to
bring about this metamorphosis.
In
2 Cor. 11: 14 Satan
is said to be "transformed into an angel of light."
In the Greek text the word "transformed"
is not the same in Rom. 12: 2 (referring to
the Christian) as it is in 2 Cor.
11: 14 (referring to Satan). The Greek word used in 2 Cor. 11: 14 is metaschematizo.
This word refers to an outward change brought about through one’s own
power. Satan, thus, seeks to counterfeit the work of the Spirit by
substituting an outward change in place of the inward change. And the
nature and source of this pseudo change often goes unrecognized.
Christians
who seek to bring about the change of Rom. 12: 2
themselves will always effect a metaschema
(outward change) rather than a metamorphosis (inward change). At
the time of the birth from above (John 3: 3)
the Spirit of God began a work IN the Christian which He will continue
"until the day of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 1: 6). No effect on the part of
Christians can help the Spirit of God effect this change.
Man’s
way finds man actively involved through either quitting certain things or doing
certain things, subsequently producing a metaschema.
But God’s way finds man passive, and God performs a work in the individual,
ultimately producing the metamorphosis. The endless list of do’s,
do not’s, and taboo’s formed by Christian groups have
to do with a metaschema, not a metamorphosis.
Any effect on the part of Christians to help the Spirit of God bring about the
transformation of Rom. 12: 2 will always
result in pseudo-spirituality. God’s way is an inward change wrought
through the power of the Spirit, not an outward change wrought through the
power of the individual.
The Renewing of Your Mind
Note
according to the text how this inward change takes place: "be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind." The renewing of
the mind is the manner in which the metamorphosis takes place. The word
"renewing" is a translation of the
Greek word anakainosis, and the action of the
preceding verb ("transformed") directs
attention to a renewing process which is to keep on taking place. In 2 Cor. 4: 16 we are told
that "the inward man is renewed [lit. ‘is
being renewed’] day by day". This renewing
process is to keep on taking place day in and day out for the entire duration
of the Christian’s life here on earth.
In
Col. 3: 10 we are told how the renewing of
the mind is accomplished: "And have put on the new
man, which is renewed [lit. ‘is being renewed’]
in knowledge after the image of him that created him."
Note the word "knowledge" in this
verse. The regular word for knowledge in the Greek text is gnosis.
The word used in Col. 3: 10 is epignosis. This is the word
gnosis (knowledge) with the prefix epi
(upon). Epignosis, thus, means
"knowledge upon knowledge," i.e.,
"mature knowledge." The word
translated "renewed" is a past
particle of anakainoo (the same word used in Rom. 12: 2 and 2 Cor. 4: 16) and could be better translated "being renewed."
The only place a Christian can acquire this mature knowledge, which allows the
Spirit of God to work the metamorphosis in his life, is in the Word of God.
The Spirit of God will not act apart from the Word of God.
A Christian conforming his
life to the pattern of the present age, rather than allowing the Spirit of God
to work the metamorphosis in his life, cannot bear fruit for the kingdom.
The Word of God states unequivocally that the care of this age will choke the word of the kingdom and cause the
Christian to become unfruitful.
One of Satan’s great aims is to integrate and amalgamate the Church with
the world to such an extent during the present age that Christians cannot bear
fruit.
The Deceitfulness of Riches
The
other thing in our text which will choke the word of the kingdom is the "deceitfulness of riches." There’s nothing
wrong with monetary gain or material wealth. The problem lies in where
these things often lead. Scripture states that the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil" (1 Tim. 6: 10, ASV). Note that it is the
"love of money," not money itself.
The
love of material wealth is what stood in the path of the rich, young ruler’s
bringing forth fruit for the kingdom. This man approached Jesus wanting
to know what he must do to have life in
the coming age, which is equivalent to asking what he must do to occupy
a position of power and authority with Christ in the [millennial]
kingdom. Jesus told this man exactly what he must do - "Go and sell all that thou hast, and give to the poor, and
thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me" (Matt. 19: 21).
ut the rich, young
ruler "went away sorrowful: for he had great
possessions" (verse. This man allowed his material wealth to stand
in the way of his bringing forth fruit for the kingdom. “How hard it is or
those who are rich,” said Jesus, “to enter the
Kingdom”.
Under
the preaching of the gospel of grace, Christians are not commanded to go and
sell all that they have and give to the poor. But Christians are exhorted to do
good with their riches. They are to be ready and
willing to distribute and to communicate to those who have need. They are
to do this in order that "they may lay hold on
eternal life [lit. ‘life for the age’]" (1
Tim. 6: 17-19). The
acquisition of material wealth and not knowing how to handle it has stood, is
standing, and will stand in the path of many Christians’ bringing forth fruit
for the kingdom. This
subject is not open to question. The
Word of God states unequivocally that the
deceitfulness of riches will choke the word of the kingdom and cause the
individual to become unfruitful.
4. ONES SOWN INTO GOOD GROUND
“But
other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an
hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirty” (verse 8).
“And he
that was sown into the good ground, this is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; who verily beareth fruit,
and bringeth forth, some a hundred, some sixty, some thirty”
(verse 23. ASV).
Only one of the four classes of the sons of the
kingdom placed out in the world bore fruit. Numerous
things, listed in the text, prevent Christians from bearing fruit. And
among those who do bear fruit, there are varying degrees of fruitfulness.
This is in keeping with the other
parables of our Lord, such as the parable of the talents (Matt. 25: 14-30), and the parable of the pounds (Luke 19: 11-27).
There
will be numerous positions of power and authority with our Lord in the
kingdom. Fruit-bearing during the
present age and positions which Christians will occupy during the coming age
are directly related, one to the other. An unfruitful Christian will
occupy no position; a Christian bringing forth little fruit will occupy a low
position; a Christian bringing forth much fruit will occupy a high position.
A
Christian brings glory to the Father by bearing much fruit. A Christian is
to abide in Christ, and the Words of
Christ are to abide in him in order that he might be fruitful. A
Christian who abides in Christ and bears fruit is likened to a branch abiding
in the vine, which Christ continues to purge (Gk. kathairo,
cleanse). That is, an obedient Christian
who abides in Christ and the Words of Christ abide in him will bring forth
fruit, and Christ continuously cuts away the dross (cleanses) in order that the
Christian might produce more fruit (John 15: 1-8).
Some
Christians allow Christ to cut away the dross - things in our lives which
hinder fruitbearing - and, consequently, they bear
much fruit. Other Christians refuse to allow Christ to cut away the
dross, the fruit-bearing process is subsequently choked by the dross, and the
individuals become unfruitful.
The
parable of the Sower is a parable of fruit-bearing on
the part of Christians which ultimately rebounds to the glory of God the
Father.
"Hear ye therefore the
parable of the sower..."
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