The Big Picture: “The Parable of the Seed Among the Soils” looks for hearers of the word who persevere in the Christian faith over a lifetime and produce a crop – a “crop” being everything that characterizes Christian behavior. Those who do not hear and do not respond to the word of God will not be saved. They do not believe. Their hearts are not regenerate.

1. Like the sower, God spreads his word widely among all kinds of people.

2. Like the three kinds of unfruitful soil, many will respond to hearing the word with less than saving faith, be it . . .

• A complete lack of response due to the seed falling on their hard heart and being taken away by the devil before it has time to grow.
• Temporary superficiality masquerading as true commitment.
• Genuine interest and conviction about the truth that simply falls short due to the rigorous demands of discipleship.

3. Like the fruitful soil, the only legitimate response to hearing God's word is obedience and perseverance, which demonstrate true regeneration.

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In conversion, God . . .

• gives life to the dead ( 2:5)
• gives sight to the blind (2 Cor. 4:3-6)
• and gives the gifts of faith and repentance ( 1:29; Acts 11:18).

And in conversion, people . . .

• repent of sin ( 1:15; Acts 3:19)
• and believe in Jesus ( 3:16; Rom. 3:21-26)