Matthew 13:33,35
Here in this chapter Jesus tells these 7 parables.
- Parable of the Sower
- Parable of the Tares
- Parable of the Mustard Seed
- Parable of the Leaven
- Parable of the Hidden Treasure
- Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
- Parable of the Net
Jesus’ disciples asked him why he spoke in parables. It was given to those who had a heart to hear the Word. But, for those who didn’t have a heart, it would not be revealed.
He draws a contrast between those who do see and hear and those who do not, vs. 16,17.
It comes down to their attitude. It is a settled way of thinking or feeling about something. It is often reflected in their behavior. We can see it reflected in their attitude toward the word of God. Our attitude is reflected in our willingness to hear and learn.
We must have a willingness to put forth the work. We must trust in God's Word, We must have reverence for and delight in it. And, we must love God's Word.
#6 Desire to Understand God’s Word
We have that desire the willingness to learn, and we must have a desire to learn from God’s word.
- Psalms 119:34
Two common reasons why man will not learn from God’s law.
We need to understand the truth as God’s word states it. Rather than how we want it to be.
Questions to Ask in Studying God’s Word
- Am I willing to Seek the Truth whether anyone else believes it or not?
- Am I willing to yield to the Bible wherever it leads?
- Am I willing to accept all truth, no matter how uncomfortable it is?
Acts 20:26-27
- Am I willing to arrive at the truth, disregarding my own opinions, emotions, desires, or hopes?
- Am I willing to search each new fact without any fear of what I might find?
- Am I willing to see both sides of any issue?
- Am I willing to study what I dislike as well as what I like?
There are things in the Bible that people love to study. But, there are also some hard truths found in the word of God. Am I willing to truly hear, and be willing to understand all aspects of God’s word?
As we stand before God with his word in our hands, we should be able to identify when someone teaches anything false.
- 2 Timothy 3:7
#7 We Must Shun Perversions of God’s Word
Many strive about questions, and doctrines, twisting God’s word, and thus perverting the truth. God’s word gives us many warnings about how some corrupt the word.
- 2 Corinthians 2:17
- Galatians 1:6-8
- Ephesians 4:14
If we come to a mature knowledge of the word of God we will not be carried about by winds of doctrine.
- Colossians 2:4
If you know the word, you will not be beguiled with enticing words.
- Colossians 2:8
- 1 Timothy 6:3-5
- Titus 1:10-14
- 2 Peter 2:1-3
- 2 John 1:7-11
There are many who bring in heresies, and false teachings, they are a deceiver. Whosoever transgresses or goes beyond the word, by adding to, or taking away from is perverting the word of God.
#8 We Must Under Gird Study with Prayer
We need to have a prayerful attitude. Before turning to scripture, we should got to the Father in payer asking for understanding.
We pray for wisdom, but we have to open the word of God, and learn to apply it to our lives. Wisdom is knowledge properly applied.
A grumbling Bible student shall not obtain wisdom.
- James 1:5
The spirit of prayer should lead us in the word of God.
#9 Have a Spirit of Expectancy
While many are overwhelmed by the expansiveness of it. Some revere it to say it’s a mystery. Some use it as a proof text of their doctrine. We must have a spirit of expectancy that we may understand it. It is to be read among the brethren.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:27
- 2 Timothy 2:7
- Ephesians 3:3-4
- 2 Timothy 3:14-17
We have can have the knowledge of the mystery. It was revealed in the Word so we can know God’s will. But, we have to read it, study it to gain the knowledge.
The word of God can be understood by a child. It is written on about a a 6th grade level. And Timothy was taught the word from a child. You can and will understand it if you put forth the effort.
- Ephesians 5:17
We can understand the Lord’s will. we can understand his word.
#10 Have a Desire to Be Obedient
As your knowledge and understanding grows you must have a desire to be obedient to His will.
- Psalm 119:33-34
- 1 Peter 2:2
The word of God is spiritual food for the soul. A child must have milk, must have nourishment. If spiritual milk is withheld, spiritual meat will also be withheld because it can’t digested if the milk wasn’t digested.
- 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
- Hebrews 5:12-14
There comes a time when we ought to be able to teach others. We've got to have that lifelong desire to be obedient, to continue to study from God’s word. Studying is necessary beyond knowledge or how to be saved. We must continue to study.
- 2 Peter 3:18
But with a right attitude, a right spirit of heart, we can grow in grace and knowledge. We’ve got to continue to grow.
In order to grow as a Christian we must first BE a Christian. God’s word teaches us all we need to know to be a child of God. Jesus said that if we love Him we must obey Him.
To obey him we must believe that he is the son of God, repent of sins, confess his name, and be batpized for the remission of sins, being faithful and continuing to Grow in His word.
Jack McNiel, Evangelist
