Matthew 13:1-23
Parable of the People


1. First person, v. 18- lacks understanding 

Two words that are helpful:

a) kingdom- “territory subject to the rule of a King”
b) understand- means “to set or join together in the mind"

“For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.”-Romans 8:7-8


2. Second person, v 20- lacks depth
“immediately he falls away”-  the Greek word "skandalizo” and it means “to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey; to be offended in one, to see in another what I disapprove of and what hinders me from acknowledging his authority.” 
How do I go deeper as a person…

a) read
b) think
c) suffer
d) experience
e) solitude
f) silence
g) obedience


3. Third person, v. 22- lacks priorities

This person lacks priorities because of two things:

cares of this world
“Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and the pride of life- is not from the Father but is from the world.  And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”
-I John 2:15-17
deceitfulness of riches

Diagnostic questions to help us see money clearly…

Do you think more money would make you happy?
Do you use money to control people/get your way?
Do I see money as the means by which I get what I really need?
Do I believe I am more deserving than those who have less or more?
Am I stingy or have I grown in the joy or generosity?
Does being generous still humble you?
Am I content to be anonymous in my giving or do I like people knowing?
Do I manage well what I have been given and can I enjoy it guilt-free?
Who’s reputation grows as my money grows?
Can I meaningfully experience all that I possess?
In my hands, is money a weapon or a tool?
                                                                                                 



4. Fourth person, v. 23  

* This person has understanding, this understanding produces depth and this depth informs their priorities and these priorities yield fruit.  




Mental worship…
If your friends understood more about the King (God) do you think they would be curious about life in the Kingdom? (Christianity)
What is the last thing you did or experienced that deepened you? 
Are you most often offended or convicted?  
Is someone or some thing your priority that shouldn’t be? 
What is the Bible becoming to you? 
What is your theology of money?