Matthew 13:19-23 “Now listen to the explanation of the parable about the farmer planting seeds: the seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it. Then the evil one comes and snatches away the seed that was planted in their hearts. The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long…,”.

As Christians, it is essential that we live consciously in the new life we have received through Christ when we were born again. This new life empowers us to overcome the influence of the enemy and to stand firm in the face of challenges while enjoying the benefits it offers. Although the devil may come against us, we must remember that he is subject to us in the name of Jesus Christ. We can resist him by using our faith in the Word of God as our shield.

It is also crucial to have an understanding of the Scriptures, not relying solely on human understanding but seeking revelation from the Holy Spirit. First, we must have a clear comprehension of what the Scriptures say. Armed with this knowledge, we can rightly divide the truth and believe it to the extent that we take action. Faith requires action. When there is no faith in the Word, there is no corresponding action. Our actions reflect what we truly believe. The substance of faith is the action that aligns with our beliefs. The evidence of faith is our actions that demonstrate our trust in the Scriptures, even without seeing the results. This is how we respond to the Word of God for it to manifest in our lives. Therefore, we can live out our new life, which is the life of Jesus Christ.

In Proverbs 4:20-22, we are encouraged to pay attention to God’s words, keep them in our hearts, for they bring life and health to our being.

There are four types of hearers when it comes to receiving the Word of God, but only one of them produces the fruit of the seed, which is the abundant life in Christ Jesus.

1. Those without understanding: Matthew 13:19 “The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message about the Kingdom and don’t understand it.” These individuals hear the message but have no interest or desire to understand it. They attend church without a genuine hunger to learn about Jesus.

2. Forgetful ones: Matthew 13: 20 “The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word.” These individuals receive the word with joy but quickly forget it once they leave the church premises. They neglect to meditate on the Word and prioritize worldly pursuits over spiritual growth.

3. Anxious ones: Matthew 13: 22 “The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life and the lure of wealth, so no fruit is produced.” These hearers allow worries and the pursuit of worldly wealth to overshadow the Word of God, preventing spiritual fruitfulness.

4. Hearers and doers: Matthew 13: 23 “The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty or even a hundred times as much as had been planted.” These individuals truly hear and understand God’s Word. They embrace its purpose and bear fruit in their lives, remaining focused and fruitful.

By being the hearers and doers of the Word, we can live out the abundant life in Christ Jesus and experience a fruitful harvest in all areas of our lives.

Pastor Chinedu Emmanuel is the Senior Pastor at Fountain of The Living Word Church, New Jersey.