Faithful on Fridays Blog

Understanding the Mysteries- Part Three

Jesus loved to communicate with people, however, only those with faith could understand His teachings. As followers of Christ comprehending His teachings is imperative since living in the Kingdom of God is His best life now.

… when anyone hears the word of the kingdom … Matt. 13:19a

The logos (word) of the kingdom is Jesus helping us live this higher, Spirit-filled life in Christ. Let’s look at Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:18-23); Mark records (4:13) that if you don’t understand these words you won’t understand any of His teachings.

He clearly explained that His Words were like seeds planted in various ways, perhaps preaching and teaching, but also, whenever you communicate with people using Scripture. You’re not quoting Scripture all day, but as His Word is planted in your heart first you have words of wisdom for others.

What about the hearer? Ahhhh … that’s the crux of this parable. Jesus compared the condition of your heart to various types of soil. 

If you’re hearing God’s Word without understanding Jesus teaches that it’s as if seeds fall on hard ground with Satan easily snatching them away. Question: Are you growing in understanding of kingdom principles in your church or do you spend an hour there and leave unchanged? Never forget that your enemy, the devil, is a seeker too. He isn’t seeking God, he’s seeking believers who don’t understand kingdom principles (1 Peter 5:8).

Maybe you’re in a Bible-based church where His Word is powerfully taught. Awesome, however, Jesus went on to say that you can receive His Word with joy but if you don’t have an established root system, when hard times arrive, you collapse and your joy is replaced with depression, anger, or addictions. Establishing a healthy root system is spending time with Jesus through prayer and Bible study. There’s no quick way; it takes time, diligence, and discipline. 

You may be a seasoned believer, but Jesus said the third type of heart is one who allows the pressures of life or the delusion of wealth to choke out the truth of His Word. Focusing on making more money is a never ending deception that chokes the fruit out of your life: no selfless love for others, no joy in all circumstances, no inner peace; I think you get the picture. The ‘cares of the world’ divide your heart, it’s as if you have one foot in the world and one in the kingdom and it’s not working out well.

Jesus encourages us to hear, understand, and bear fruit, consequently, with His power, our response to hard circumstances can be:

… the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Gal. 5:22

When you consistently plant the seeds of His Word in your heart and depend on the Holy Spirit to guide you through life, you’re experiencing the mysterious Kingdom of God, His best and highest life now.