We continue to identify hallmarks of God’s kingdom citizens in the Parable of the Sower.
In this parable, Jesus describes four types of soil on which the sower’s seeds fall. The seed represents the word of God; the soil represents the heart. The first three soils show the marks of unregenerate hearts that all men are born with- the Wayside Heart, the Rocky Heart, and the Thorny Heart. Though they vary in their responses to God’s Word, they all ultimately fail to bear fruit. The last soil represents the Good Heart. This soil is the heart made good not by man’s deeds, but by regeneration through God’s mercy. (Titus 3:5) This is the only soil that represents the heart of a true Christian.
As we delve into the characteristics of the first two soils in this parable, we are called to examine our own hearts through God’s Word. Do you recognize in your own heart these traits of those who are not kingdom citizens?
Wayside Heart
The soil of the well-trodden path represents a heart that is as hard as stone. Just as a packed and hardened dirt path is unable to allow a seed to penetrate its soil, this wayside heart is of a stiff-necked person who will not listen and hear the gospel with faith. When the Word of God comes to him, Satan comes and snatches it away so he wouldn’t be saved. He confuses them with lies that misrepresent the severity of sin, God’s wrath against sin, and man’s futile pursuit of truth apart from God’s Word.
How should we deal with these people who reject the gospel? As long as they are alive, we must pray for them to repent as they hear the gospel.
Rocky Heart
The rocky soil represents the hearts of those who are shallow and superficial. They may seem like believers, but there is no depth to their confession. These individuals respond quickly to what they hear, but their joyful response is merely an emotional reaction. They view the gospel as the key to solving all their problems, but their problem is never about sin but is merely psychological and circumstantial.
It is difficult for the gospel to take root in a rocky heart because these types of people do not count the cost of Christianity. They claim salvation on their own terms, wanting God’s grace but rejecting His lordship. Their faith is not genuine, and because of this, they fall away when they are tested with persecution or suffering.
These soils exist within the church. They exist among those who may be falsely assured of their salvation. Salvation is a gift of God, who shed His blood on the cross to save us. As we examine ourselves to see that the Holy Spirit is truly working in our hearts, we can appreciate this matchless gift and give glory to our merciful God.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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