Sermon Preparation

January 11, 2008

Matthew 13:3-9, 18-23*
3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the pa th, and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, 6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. 7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears, let him hear."

18 "Hear then the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is what was sown along the path. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away. 22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 23 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."

This passage is commonly associated with sharing the gospel and how it will be received. But if you look at verses 18-23 it talks about hearing the word. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I still hear the word, and I'm 20 years past my accepting Jesus into my life as Lord and Savior.

I would like to talk about a common place we all can hear God's Word. That would be at our church - the weekly sermon. Fortunately, the pastors at my church preach directly from the Bible and help put its wonderful truths in a context where the members can understand and apply it.

So the question now is: "How's your sermon preparation?"

"But I'm not a preacher," is not going to cut it.

What is the condition of your heart when you go to hear a sermon? Are you clueless about the Word? Are you angry and the Word just doesn't take root in you? Do you have too many worries to pay attention to the Word? Or is your heart fertile ground ready to accept the Word and apply it in your life?

Do you prepare for the sermon with prayer?

Prayer that you will understand?

Psalm 119:18 - Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (KJV)

Do you pray for your pastor?

Are you confessing sin in your life?

Are you actively seeking to grow when you hear a sermon?

*The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles.