Main Idea: Receiving and sowing the spell seed in faith results in lasting fruitfulness.

1. the sower proclaims the gospel of Christ the King

2. the Seed of the Gospel is sown freely and faithfully

3. the soils picture hearers' heart responses, revealed by the lack or abundance of fruit.

a. the path: this person hears but understands satanic scoffing instead of Christ

b. Rocky soil: this person hears but understands self-protection instead of Christ

c. Thorns: this person hears but understands the cares of the world instead of Christ

d. Good soil: this person hears and understands christ, producing real fruit.

Questions for prayer, meditation, discussion, and application:

- what fears or hesitations most often keep you from "sowing freely and faithfully"? what truth in this passage most helps dissolve that fear?

- if God alone gives the growth, what role do prayer, obedience, and perseverance play in our own spiritual growth?

- which of the four soils do you most Identify with today, and why? How have different seasons of your life reflect different soils?