Matthew 13:23 (ESV Strong's)
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
Subject: Sanctification - Fruit bearing
Jesus, in this passage in Matthew, had given a parable to the religious leaders of the day. The parable was about the seed (God's Word) sown onto difference surfaces and in different conditions. The seed (God's Word) was sown on the rocks and nothing could take root. The seed (God's Word) was sown among the thorns and the throne choked out the Word. And, finally, the seed (God's Word) was sown in good ground and fruit was produced. This is a picture of the work God does in our lives to produce fruit in us and through us. Too, too many believers believe it is their efforts that produce fruit. However, what actually is producing the fruit in this parable? The fruit is not coming from the soil (us). The fruit is coming from the seed ... God's Word!! We are to have faith in God's Word to produce fruit in us. We are not to have effort in our lives to produce fruit. When we read God's Word and believe it will produce fruit in us (despite our clear understanding sometimes) we mix faith (a gift from God) with God's Word and fruit is produced!!! That is the way sanctification in the life of believers works. We don't produce fruit. We have fruit produced in us and that is an act of God!!
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