April 6, 2008
By Jeremy J. Main
In writing to the church of God at Corinth, Paul warned the brethren about Satan and “his devises” (2 Cor. 2:11 NKJV). At the time Paul wrote the first epistle, one of their members was guilty of sin. As instructed, he was rebuked and later repented. In the second epistle, Paul now urged them to forgive, comfort, and to reaffirm their love for the penitent brother (2 Cor. 2:6-8). This conforms to the words of Jesus, who said, “If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:3-23; Mark 4:2-20; Luke 8:4-15). Within the parable are eight devices used by our adversary, also called, “the wicked one” (Matt. 13:19), “Satan” (Mark 4:15), and “the devil” (Luke 8:12).
Misunderstanding is the first listed in connection with the wayside ground. Jesus said, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart” (Matt. 13:19). He does so immediately, “lest they should believe and be saved” (Luke 8:12). How many today, having heard the word, are lost because they do not understand the word (Matt. 13:10-17)?
The three devices of tribulation, persecution, and temptation are located in the portion of the parable describing the stony or rocky ground. These hear and immediately receive the word with joy and gladness. However these have no root in themselves and so endure only for a while. Whenever tribulation, persecution, or temptation arises for the word's sake, they immediately stumble and fall away. Jesus told those who would face tribulation, “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). Jesus gave the beatitude, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10). Paul taught, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). Jesus taught His disciples, “pray, lest you enter into temptation” (Matt. 26:41; Mark 14:48; Luke 22:46)? James wrote, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life” (James 1:12). Yet how many today stumble and fall away because of these devices?
The four devices in the text, concerning the thorny ground, are the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, the desires for other things, and the pleasures of life. These are those who hear the word, but as they go on their way, they permit cares, riches, desires, and pleasures to enter in and choke the word. As a result, they become unfruitful. Jesus forewarned His listeners to watch lest their hearts be weighed down with the “cares of this life” (Luke 21:34). Concerning riches, Jesus told His disciples, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:24). Paul told Timothy to command the rich not “to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God” (1 Tim. 6:17). Jesus also taught, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:32). Our desires for other things, such as food, drink, and clothing ought not to come before God and His righteousness. Paul wrote that some are guilty of “serving various lusts and pleasures” (Titus 3:3), and that some men would be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4).
Despite the devices of Satan, there are those, represented by the good ground, which hear, understand, and accept the word. Having a noble and good heart, they keep the word and bear fruit with patience (Matt. 13:23; Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15). Preachers, teachers, brothers and sisters in Christ: “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).