The Parable of the Sower

1. This parable is recorded in: Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 4:1-20; and Luke 8:4-15 — Read: Luke 8:4-15.

2. Regarding the text:

1) Supplement and complement describes these three accounts.

2) This parable is about the Kingdom, Luke 8:10.

3) Matthew 13:19.

4) The seed of the kingdom is unique, no hybrids, Galatains 1:6-9.

5) In Luke 8:4-15 there are 3 points:

a. The parable;

b. The reason for parables; and

c. The Lord’s explanation of this parable.

3. Reference to Subject, Title, Proposition and Objective.

1. The sower.

2. The soils.

1. The disciples’ question.

2. The reasons:

1) Fulfill prophecy: Psa. 78:2; Isa. 6:9—10;

2) Clarify for believers;

3) Conceal from infidels;

4) Provide illustrations for contemporary preachers.

1. The seed is the Word of God, Luke 8:11.

2. Sower of no eternal consequence, 1 Cor. 3:5—9.

3. Soils:

1) Wayside – the hardbeaten path.

2) Rocky – pathetic situation of shallowness like so many people today.

3) Thorny — materialism, so prevalent and rampant in our day.

4) Good:

a. 2/3 of the earth’s surface is covered with water;

b. Only 10% of available land area is cultivated (such a small amount produces so much because of soil fertility);

c. The good soil produced, some thirty, some sixty and some 100 fold.

4. Every person’s heart is what he/she chooses it to be and Jesus expressed “honest and good” in relation to the fruit produced when God’s word enters that heart!

5. Fruit acceptable to God is obedience: Ram. 6:16—18; 1 Pet. 1:22-25.

1. In this account we have seen:

1) The Parable;

2) The Reason for the Parable; and

3) The Explanation of the Parable.

2. Your heart is a field. What crop will you grow?

3. Your heart is a field. How will you prepare it?

4. Your heart is a field. Is it honest and good or not?

5. Your heart is a field. It is what you and you alone make it to be. What kind of soil is the field which is your heart?

This sermon outline was originally written by Foy Forehand. It was preached by Kevin Cauley.