Are You ALL In It?

In the United States especially the Gospel, the TRUE Biblical Gospel has been terribly watered down. Although I do not believe you can lose your salvation I know there are many in the "church" who claim to be true disciples of the Lord but who are unfortunately not. In Matthew 13 (1-23) Jesus preaches an extremely vital parable explaining exactly this, verses 18-23
"18"Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. 22The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

There are what seems to be four types of people, three who are not genuinely saved and then one (with three manifestations) who are. Pastor Mike at Compass Bible Church today explained in detail each of these in a way that hopefully helps all of us search our hearts and evaluate where we stand.

SEED 1 (v 19)- The Pew Warmers?
Their Spiritual Response to God's Word and the Gospel: "I don't get it!" Although it may logically make sense, there is no lasting effect that transforms their weekly lives. This seed is so dangerous because most of these people are faithful church attenders and even involved in ministry. But look at Christ's stern warning in Matthew 7: 21-23 "21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" This is not what you want to hear when you stand before the King of the universe. These people are spiritually blind. 2 Corinthians 4 explains this blinding. Satan even deceives many into believing that they are saved, what a scary strategy he uses. If the Holy Spirit begins working on the hearts of these they need to pray for light, for God to renew them and to be made alive in Christ!

SEED 2 (v20-21) The Temperamental Learners?
These are those who filter in and out of the church. While involved in the church they seem to be genuinely on fire and passionate about the truths of God but they soon leave. Their response to the life of a disciple could be summed up in "I'm in this as long as it makes me happy or feel good". For these, once it gets tough being a follower of Christ they are out! 1 John 2 verse 19 says "hey went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." Obviously these people did not embrace the word fully. Because they are in it for the wrong reasons, only wanting the blessings of the Christian life their attitude could look like a "Christ is the means to an end". Some passages that describe this are John 6:26, Romans 16:18, and Philippians 3:18. These people need to look and count the cost of discipleship and then take up their cross and follow Christ!

SEED 3 (v 22) The Chronically Conflicted?
These are the bitter people within the church who look at God's truth and say "Yeah but...what about...?". They look at the here and now and not what God has promised for the future. They have a foot in both worlds. They can't fully put behind them the concerns of the world but want a taste of the truth as well. They are idolaters. Christ is an addition to their life and not a replacement as He must be! These people need to look at the reality and serve ONE master! Joshua reminds us to choose today whom you will serve!

SEED 4 (v 23) The All in Appliers?
In Matthew 12 we read of the follower of Christ as the one who is willing to do the will of God. These are TRUE disciples. They have counted the cost and taken up their cross. They are here to do HIS will no matter what! They will give up anything and everything for Christ. Look at Paul's example in Acts 20:22-24 and Acts 21:12-14, "12When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, "Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 14When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, "The Lord's will be done." Jesus Christ is their LORD! He gives the commands, He rules. There are three types however described in the passage, there is the one who bears 30x, 60x, and 100x. If this is you? How much fruit do you bear? One day we will be rewarded for the life we lived for the glory and honor of Christ. Bear more fruit! Be productive and fruitful for Christ.

Reading this passage in Matthew allows us as believers to refocus our minds on our goal and keep focused on the prize! Are we all in it?