BobRyan
Well-Known Member
The seed that falls among the thorns – is “choke Out”. Though – again – the dead barren ground “comes to life”.
Christ does not leave them at the shallow level of “they professed” – but rather they “received the word with Joy” and they “Believed” it is never the initial reception that is condemned but rather that at a later time “of temptation” they fall away.
They fall away from “something good” and that is condemned. To fall away from “false profession” or “unreal belief” is never bad.
These “hear the Word”, come to life and “Grow up” but then the Life that they have is “choked out” by worldly concerns. They bear no fruit. In John 15 Christ points out that “every branch in Me that does not bear fruit is cast into the fire”.
Christ does not leave them at the shallow level of “they professed” – but rather they “received the word with Joy” and they “Believed” it is never the initial reception that is condemned but rather that at a later time “of temptation” they fall away.
They fall away from “something good” and that is condemned. To fall away from “false profession” or “unreal belief” is never bad.
7 "Other seed fell among the thorns; and the thorns grew up with it and choked it out.
These “hear the Word”, come to life and “Grow up” but then the Life that they have is “choked out” by worldly concerns. They bear no fruit. In John 15 Christ points out that “every branch in Me that does not bear fruit is cast into the fire”.
14 "The seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with worries and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to maturity.
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In the case of the “good ground” – we see the “same growth” the same springing to life and growth But then it ALSO bears the Fruit. And as Matt 7 points out “by their fruit you shall know them”. And John 15 states that it is the purpose of God to bring out that fruit.
(Which is as Galations 5 points out – the fruit of the Spirit given in increasing measure to all who are saved).
Christ’s summary point is that this is a case of “perseverance”.
Luke 8
8 "Other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great." As He said these things, He would call out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
15 "But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.