2. Seeds

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In this study, we look at seeds as they relate to us.

As a reminder, each time we approach The Word of God, we should ask the Father to guide us, by His Spirit.  He created each of us in a unique way and He may guide each of us differently. 

Instructions for the Bible and Strong's searches assume that you are using the e-Sword app on your Android or Apple device.  If you need help, please view the “Study Preparation” page.

A.  What does the Word have to say about “seed”?

• Bible Search “seed” (partial match).  Note the difference of returns between KJV and modern translations.

• For translations that yield less than 250 “seed” returns please run an additional Bible Search using the word “offspring”.

• As the spirit leads, scroll briefly through the returns to get a general idea of the context of the word “seed” or “offspring” in both the Old and New Testaments.

B.  Matthew 13 exercise, “The Parable of the Weeds”.

• Read Mat 13:24-30.  Jesus is telling of the “Parable of the Weeds”.  Also read His explanation of this parable in Mat 13:36-43.

• Use the details from the explanation and rewrite in your own words the “Parable of the Weeds” from Mat 13:24-30.

C.  Who are “we”?

• From the Mat 13 parable we see that there are two types of “seed”, wheat and weeds.  We may refer to these two very different seeds as “His”, and “Not His”.  Scripture shows that in addition to spirit and body, “we” are created with heart, mind, soul, and strength, uniquely designed by our Creator.

• Bible Search “soul” from the book of Psalms.  You may scroll briefly through the OT returns, but spend a bit more time with the results in Psalms, and the NT.

• Search “heart mind” partial match, and toggle between Old and New Testament results.

• During the search you may have noticed that the word “soul” seems to encompass “heart”, “mind”, and “strength” at times.  One example occurs in 1Th 5:23 that reads, “your whole spirit and soul and body”.  We could consider our “soul” as the battleground between God’s perfect spirit in us and our temporary and sinful flesh.

• Note the battle the Apostle Paul faces with “himself” in Romans 7:14-25.

D.  Consider three more “seed” related” parables.

• Read the three “seed related” parables, “The Parable of the Sower” and the three “Purpose of the Parables” that are found in Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8.

• Note that some seeds produce more than others.

• Which seeds do you believe represent the “sons of the kingdom”?

• Which seeds do you believe represent the “sons of the evil one”?

In the sovereignty study we read that God hardens the hearts of some, but has mercy on others.  And now it seems that some “sons of the kingdom” may have an advantage over others depending on whether they fall on rock, among thorns, or on good soil.  This may seem “unfair” to some.

The Apostle Paul has a good reminder for us that you may have discovered in the sovereignty study: 

Romans 9:17-24:

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?”

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?”

Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?”  (Romans 9:17-24 ESV)

When God allows pain and suffering in our lives we may consider the book of Job.

As background, remember what God said to Satan in Job 1:6, ““Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”   

God then allows Satan to “test” Job, without taking his life.  And as you know, Satan destroys Job in every way imaginable, even taking the lives of many of his family members.  

Remember, God is sovereign and He allowed this to serve His own purpose.  

Now please read the last chapter of Job.  God restores Job to twice as much as he had before, and Job lives another 140 years with an amazing family!  But this book is not about our brief time in the sinful flesh.

Let's encourage each other to stay in the Word and stay in prayer.