Sermon Tone Analysis
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Introduction:
Have the scriptures read:
Matthew 13:
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Jesus loved to use stories to explain spiritual principles -
As I mentioned last week this story has two main characters -
The Seed
The Soil
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Last week we spoke on the Seed - Let me quickly recap -
The Seed is the message of the Kingdom
Seeds are small and look insignificant
Seeds look fragile and are dependent on the soil and nature.
Yet, a small tiny seed when planted in good soil is powerfully transformative.
Sequia seed and tree image.
The message of the Kingdom of God like a seed looks insignificant and fragile - but when planted in a ready heart transforms people into new creations!
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Now let’s look at the second character in this story about the Kingdom of God.
The Soil.
Jesus speaks of the soil as the heart of man.
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The Heart is significant in both the OT and NT.
The heart symbolizes
The passions
Loves
Intuition
It is the seat of our emotions and desires.
The heart is not rational yet, it drives us and directs our lives.
Jer
The Scriptures tell us two things here about the heart.
It is evil - It desires and chases after that which brings destruction.
It drives our actions.
So Paul talks of his rational mind wanting to do what was right but his heart - desires, loves and passions drive his actions in the opposite direction.
Johnathan Haidt - describes the heart and rational mind relationship as a small man riding an elephant.
The message of the Kingdom then, is planted in the heart of man -
The Message of the Kingdom Transforms our Passions, Desires, Loves and Intuitions towards the direction of God’s character.
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Jesus speaks of 4 Conditions of the Heart Towards the Message of the Kingdom.
The hard heart - Those who hear but do not care and choose not to put the message into practice in their lives.
They choose not to apply it to themselves.
The shallow heart - Received with joy – put into practice – but the trials and hardships cause the person to abandon the message of the Kingdom.
(It is too hard – I am done!, if it means persecution, I want nothing to do with it, if it means trials – Keep it away – fare weather fan.)
The heart that is consumed with worry and wealth - · the heart receives the message, grows and matures but loses focus on the message and focuses instead on their worries and wealth as the cure.
The one who hears and understands - · This person receives the message and immediately puts it into practice.
Trials and worries do not distract this person from keeping their focus on the message of the Kingdom.
The outcome is transformative -
The person matures in the message and shares the message to see it reproduced in the lives of others.
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How is your heart?
All four heart conditions are likely represented here today.
For some, you are not hostile to the message of the Kingdom, you just do not see the point or care.
God’s message to you today is he loves you.
And he will use the consequences of your own life to try and soften your heart.
Story
Some of you have received the message with joy – but now it is messing with your life – it seems to be causing you trials and even turning people against you.
You have or are tempted to leave it behind and return to the easy life.
God’s word to you is this – life is hard with or without God.
But with God, he will never leave or forsake you.
Your trials and hardships will be used by God to mold you into a magnificent, beautiful person if you will just hang on.
Story
For some, you love the message of the Kingdom, you are growing even now but, you constantly worry about what you lack.
Your mind is fixated on what you do not have and you have forgotten that you have the greatest treasure there is – The Kingdom of God!
Today God would say to you –
Do not let your worries and the temptation that money will solve your problems, choke out the incredible work God has been doing in your life.
Do not let the Kingdom die in you because of your worries.
Seek first the Kingdom – He will provide.
c.
Story
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Lastly,
Some of you struggle with how to handle those you love who’s hearts are not ready to receive the message of God’s Reign.
You may get angry or arrogant towards them - Dont
You may lose hope and want to give up - Dont
Be patient - It takes time for a seed to turn into a harvest - It does not happen over night.
Pray daily for the Spirit to soften and prepare their hearts - never stop praying.
Live love towards them - Never let them use you as a reason to reject the message of the Kingdom.
Gently and courageously share the message of God’s reign when ever you get the chance.
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Today I look around and I see a lot of growth and transformed lives!
Lives that used to be atheists
Lives that were filled with worry and fear
Lives that were focused on wealth
I see hearts that used to not careless about the Kingdom of God.
But what I see now - Is a harvest of men, women and children who are growing into the very image of Jesus.
All because of the little, frail seed - the message of God’s Kingdom has taken root in your heart!
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