[Lesson 15] Figurative Seed and Field Part One

by ichthus

The “seed” figuratively represents the Word of God according to Luke 8:11. There are two types of spiritual seeds – God’s seed of truth and Satan’s seed of lies. The “field” has two meanings – a person’s heart and the world/church on a larger scale (Matthew 13:38). Jesus compared the seed to the Word because just as a physical seed is the source and origin of life, so too is God’s Word the spiritual seed that gives eternal life when planted in a person’s heart. At his first coming, Jesus fulfilled the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:27 by sowing both the good seed (truth) and allowing Satan to sow the bad seed (lies) among believers. The lesson emphasizes the importance of nurturing the good seed of God’s Word in our hearts, while discerning and removing any evil seeds sown by Satan. Our spiritual growth depends on which seed we allow to take root. The lesson lays the foundational understanding of the parable of the sower/seeds before going into more detailed explanations in future lessons.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.

While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.

The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.

Figurative meanings:

Farmer = Pastor

Seed = The word, and the foundation

  • Luke 8:11–  Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.
  • Mark 4:13-14 – He told them, ‘Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word.’
  • 1 Peter 1:23 – For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
  • James 1:18 – Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.

Field = A person’s heart on a small scale, Jesus’s Church and the world  on a large scale Jesus’ Church

  • 1 Corinthians 3:9 – …you are God’s field, God’s building.
  • Luke 8:15 – But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering, produce a crop.
  • Matthew 13:38 – The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom.

Satan’s Seed = Untruth

  • In contrast to the good seed, Satan’s seed represents falsehood, deception, and teachings that lead people away from God.

The seed, being the Word of God, is fundamental to our understanding. It is vital because we require God’s seed to be born again.

The seed =  the core, fundamental concept that unlocks understanding of all the other parables.

Sowing seed  = preaching and spreading God’s word | Luke 8:11

Review with the Evangelist

Memorization

Matthew 13:10-11

10 The disciples came to him and asked, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?”

11 He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

Words of Encouragement

You must make an effort to study the world for the sake of your understanding. If you try to pour water into a closed vessel, not a drop of water will enter the vessel. Likewise, you need to open your heart and be willing to absorb the Word.

Understanding God’s word should be our ultimate goal, not allowing ourselves to be distracted by worldly things. Our aim should be to comprehend scripture in order to receive the forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life it promises. That is why we must make every effort to diligently study the Bible.

Just as we exert great effort to achieve worldly goals like becoming a doctor, accountant, or nurse – studying long hours and sacrificing sleep – we need to put forth equal or greater effort for our spiritual development. We have to approach God’s word with open and willing hearts so that we can fully absorb the truths and lessons as we hear them.

When we hear scripture, our hearts must be receptive so that God can nurture our spirits and reveal His purpose for our lives. This requires removing distractions and discipline in pursuing understanding. Comprehending God’s Word should be our top priority, more so than any earthly accomplishment. Just as attaining other goals demands sacrifice, we must also be willing to sacrifice to grasp the Bible’s true meaning. Then we can receive the full blessings it offers.

1.- What was the title of the lesson? Parables, the Secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven

2.- Why did Jesus speak in parables?

– To fulfill the Old Testament prophecies. (Psalms 78:1-2)

– Because oy os the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, the enemy would hinder the work of God if they knew. (Mathew 13:10-11)

3.- When and how can we know the true meaning of the parables? When the prophecies are fulfilled and the realities have appeared (when the sealed word is opened). (Daniel 12:8-10)

4.- Why is it important to know the parables? What happens if we do not know?

– You: Those who understand ——> receive forgiveness of sins, thus salvation.

Understanding the parable will lead to forgiveness. We will receive forgiveness of sins and salvation. But what about those who do not understand? There is a distinct “them” group who will not receive atonement of sins.

That is why there is differentiation between the “you” group and “them.” The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to the “you” group specifically.

So let those of us who belong to the privileged “you” group, who have been granted understanding, cherish and apply these biblical truths.

Our Hope: To be those born of God’s seed and be harvested at the second coming!

Our very first parable in detail, so hope and pray that you are excited for that. In fact, we’ll learn two parables today.

So over the course of the parables, over the next few months, we’ll learn over a hundred different parables. So we’re going to really dive in at this time.



Secret of Heaven: Figurative Seed and Field Part One

When you’re in church and you hear about ‘the seed,’ what does it mean?

When the concept of sowing the seed is mentioned in God’s church, how should we interpret it?

There are many possible answers, aren’t there? Can ‘the seed’ embody all of these interpretations? Is it possible that everyone is correct? These are the crucial questions we should be contemplating today. Does ‘the seed’ hold a specific meaning? Today, we will affirm that it indeed has a definitive interpretation, not based on individual perceptions or feelings.

But rather, it’s based on the teachings of the Scripture. First, we will explore the various meanings attributed to ‘the seed.’ Then, we will examine its significance as presented in the Scriptures.

Seed = The Word of God

Field = A person’s heart on a small scale and on a large scale, it represents The world. So, a person’s heart and the world. That’s what a field is. 

So, the seed is the word of god. And the field. Is a person’s heart where the word is placed. And on a large scale, the world and we’ll learn today about which world jesus meant when he referenced this.



Main Reference:

Matthew 13:24-30

24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

This parable is especially critical in the time we are currently living in. Let’s analyze it step-by-step. First, Jesus states “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.” If asked to describe heaven, one might simply say it is like a man planting good seeds in a field. However, without understanding what the “seed” and “field” symbolize, this analogy remains unclear. Jesus spoke this way so that when the true meaning is revealed, we comprehend the nature of heaven more fully. By the end of this lesson, God willing, we will have a better grasp of what the kingdom of heaven is like. 

So what does the “seed” represent in this parable? Let us examine this for greater understanding today.


Luke 8:11

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.

This passage explains the meaning of the parable. The seed represents the word of God. That is the clear meaning to keep in mind as we examine this. 

The farmer plants the word into the field. This farmer acts rightly, while the enemy spreads the opposite message in that same field.

As we study the parables, here is the framework we will use in each lesson to comprehend the meaning:

First, we will review the core meaning, starting with the title and then the interpretation. Next, what is the main reference verse? Finally, we will explore the physical characteristics to aid our understanding.



Figurative Seed

1.- Physical Characteristics: Seed

The physical characteristics of seeds were designed with the intent to teach us spiritual truths about God. By examining the physical traits of a seed, we can gain insight into God’s nature. Today’s lesson will explore the physical qualities of seeds, and what they reveal about God’s divine purposes and plans. The goal is to understand how seeds reflect God’s deliberate creative design to illustrate spiritual realities.

Romans 1:20

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

This verse carries great meaning. It will serve as our main verse for the parables. I will reference it repeatedly. God’s invisible qualities, his eternal power, and his divine nature have been clearly displayed through the very things he has created. It’s like a fingerprint embedded in creation. As we comprehend the physical traits of the parables, the deeper symbolic spiritual significance will also become clearer. 

With that established, let us closely examine the seed. What are some of the physical features of a seed?

1.- Grows: small, nutrients

2.- Origin (source) of life

Every living thing on this planet starts its life as a seed. Whether it be humans, animals, plants, or even germs, all life begins as a seed. Seeds are the origin and source of life. They represent the genesis point from which all organisms grow, develop, and reproduce to create new life.

3.- Reap what you sow

The concept of genetic inheritance plays a crucial role in understanding the figurative and spiritual seed. When we sow an apple seed, we naturally expect an apple fruit. It is not possible to sow an apple seed and anticipate an orange. This principle reflects the way God created the world, establishing specific genetic codes within each seed.

In the same vein, when a father procreates, he typically produces a son, sharing many of his physical characteristics. This is because the source code of life, genetics, or DNA, is contained within the seed. As a result, the father will produce offspring with similar features, whether a son or a daughter.

This concept of “a seed bears after its own kind” extends beyond physical characteristics. It also applies to the figurative and spiritual seed. Just as a physical seed carries the genetic information for a specific plant, so too does a figurative or spiritual seed carry the essence of its source.

Understanding this principle helps us grasp the deeper meanings and implications of figurative and spiritual seeds, allowing us to comprehend their significance and how they shape our lives.



2.- Seed: Spiritual Meaning

Mark 4:13-14

13 Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? 14 The farmer sows the word.

Jesus said something important here. He stated that if one does not understand this parable about the seed, then they cannot properly understand any of the other parables. 

The parable of the seed is foundational. That is why it is the first parable presented. As discussed in class, if you do not grasp the meaning of the seed, no other parable can be fully comprehended.

The seed represents the core, fundamental concept that unlocks understanding of all the other parables.

The farmer sows the word. Sowing seed represents preaching and spreading God’s word. As Luke 8:11 explains, the seed is symbolic of the word of God. When we see a concept repeated across multiple Bible verses, it helps confirm the intended meaning.

Reminder:

Sowing Seed = Preaching

There are many verses comparing seed to God’s word, but none comparing it to money. So focusing on the spiritual meaning, how many types of spiritual “seeds” are there? I’m referring to symbolic spiritual seeds, not literal physical seeds.



3.- Types of Spiritual Seed

How many types of seeds are there? there are two types. why?

two types of seed because there are two types Of spirits.

  1. God’s seed = Truth (John 17:17)
  1. Satan’s seed = Lies (John 8:44)

John 8:44

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Jesus refers to Satan as the “father of lies.” Looking at this literally, a father carries a genetic seed that is passed on. So if Satan is a father, he has his own spiritual seed that he can transmit to others, in a sense giving birth to followers. This is why Jesus calls certain people “children of the devil” – they have embraced Satan’s ideological seed. 

Yet these “children” are Israelites, descendants of those who accepted the law of Moses generations prior, though imperfectly followed. Jesus shockingly calls these Israelites Satan’s children. This suggests one’s spiritual paternity is not fixed, but can transition based on the ideological seed one accepts.

This concept of competing spiritual lineages is worth exploring further. Just as Satan has a deviant seed, God also has a righteous spiritual seed to pass on. Let’s examine the nature of God’s seed and how one comes to carry it.



4.- Importance of the Seed

John 1:1-4

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.



In the beginning was the Word,  and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. God’s seed gives life. The word gives life.

Satan’s seed does the opposite. It brings Death, which seems pretty simple, but it’s fundamental to understanding the difference between God and Satan.

1 Peter 1:23

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.

You have been born again, not of perishable seed that leads to death, but of imperishable seed that leads to eternal life. One must be born of this imperishable seed, which is the living and enduring word of God.  Several verses compare seed to the Word, emphasizing the significance of this concept.

We must be born again of this word. This is part of what Jesus meant in John 3:3-6 when he told Nicodemus that to see the kingdom of heaven, one must be born again of water and the Spirit. Water and Spirit relate closely to the word, and we will explore their figurative meanings in future lessons.

So by default, we all start perishable, born of Satan’s seed. Everyone must transition to being reborn of God’s seed. One can go to God and then revert back to Satan and dust – “you were dust and to dust you shall return.”

Therefore, when one is born of God’s seed, they must do everything in their power to remain born of God’s seed. The question remains: what must this person do?”

1John 3:9-10

9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

John poses an important question – if we are born of God, why do we continue to sin? This is an issue we must grapple with. As children of God, we should strive to eliminate sin from our lives. 

In 2024, let us set a goal to more closely follow God’s Word so that we no longer sin. We must let the Word take deeper root in us daily. When the Word is firmly planted within us, we become less prone to sin. 

We cannot become complacent or comfortable. We must diligently strengthen our spiritual lives through God’s Word. By ingesting scripture, we nourish the seed of faith planted in us at birth. Over time, the roots will grow deeper, making it harder for sin to take hold.

This is no easy task. We have much work ahead of us. But with God’s help, and by supporting each other, we can make progress toward our goal of eliminating sin. By staying alert and spiritually disciplined, we guard against forces trying to lead us astray.

The path is challenging but the destination – becoming sinless children of God – makes the journey worthwhile. Let us walk this road together in 2024.



Figurative Field

This one’s deep as well. Now, this is like level two, right? So we’ve understand we understood the foundation. Now, let’s understand how it actually applies. And where it applies? 

Luke 8:15

But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Good soil = Field  ———->  Person’s heart.  

field applies at two scales. There’s the small scale which is a person’s heart, but when you get a bunch of people’s hearts gathered in one place, it becomes a larger field. 

Matthew 13:38 

The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one,


ONE – Physical Characteristics: Field

 

1.- Where seed is sown
2.- Where seed grows ———> produces fruits

A seed is planted and grows into a plant that produces fruit. The fruit contains new seeds, allowing propagation to continue. Where a seed is sown influences where plants can grow and bear fruit. As seeds sprout and mature, they go through a natural cycle that enables new generations of plants to spread and propagate.

3.- Be cultivated.

A field must be cultivated, tilled, and prepared in order to properly receive seeds that are planted. If a field is not properly prepared, any seeds planted in it will be wasted, as they will not grow well in the untreated soil.

TWO – Field: Spiritual Meaning

Luke 8:15 says: Good Soil = Noble and Good Heart

We will review the four different types of fields on which seed is sown in the parable. Not all fields are ready to receive the seed – only one field type is prepared to grow the seed successfully. As you know, those are not favorable odds – only a 25% chance of success.

We are familiar with the Parable of the Four Fields, which we will analyze in more depth in the upcoming lesson. The goal is to become like the fertile soil, which alone bears fruit. We will examine the reasons why certain hearts are not ready to receive the word and how that affects us all. There are particular traits that can prevent the seed from taking root, which we will explore.

Let’s look at another scripture passage that explains what the different fields represent and who the fields symbolize in the parable.

1 Corinthians 3:9

For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

You ——–> God’s Field

We are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, His building. You are where the seed is to be sown. When a group of people come together in a place where the seed is being planted, they become part of something greater. 

Let’s discuss the larger scale that they become a part of. Because Jesus mentioned in Matthew 13:38, as we read earlier, that the field represents the world. So now let’s examine this reference to the world by Jesus – which world is He referring to in this context?”

Field = World

THREE – Seed and Harvest

Matthew 13:18-19

18 “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: 19 When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path.

Matthew 13:18-19 —–> Seed ——–> Explanation of the Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus provides insight into understanding the parable of the seed. The seed generally represents the word of God, but this particular seed has a deeper meaning. It represents the explanation – the secrets – of the kingdom of heaven that Jesus speaks about in parables. So when one hears the explanation regarding the kingdom of heaven, the four soils begin to represent how people respond. We’ll explore that further in the next lesson. 

Let’s look at an Old Testament prophecy that will help tie things together.

Jeremiah 31:27

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will plant the kingdoms of Israel and Judah with the offspring of people and of animals.

Offspring ——–> Seed ——->  2 types

This is a prophecy spoken through the prophet Jeremiah. God, who makes prophecies, is speaking through Jeremiah that he will sow two kinds of offspring, also known as seed. 

When there is a prophecy, there must be fulfillment. Jesus fulfilled this Old Testament prophecy from Jeremiah about the sowing of two seeds. Old Testament prophecies generally point to the time of Jesus’s first coming.

Let’s examine when Jesus fulfilled this prophecy about sowing two kinds of seed. We’ll look at Matthew 13:24-30, our main reference text for today, where two seeds were sown in the same field. Let’s read the parable Jesus tells in Matthew 13:24-30 again and pay close attention to the details:

Matthew 13:24-30

24 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25 But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26 When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

27 “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

28 “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

29 “‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

Let’s analyze this parable. We have a field that is pictured to help explain the details. On one side of the field, evil seed is sown and on the other side, good seed is sown. 

The farmer sows good seeds in the field. But then an enemy comes and sows bad seeds in the field as well, which grows into weeds. The goal is for the wheat grown from the good seed to be harvested and collected into the barn. 

That’s the ultimate purpose – for the good wheat to be harvested into the barn. We have the farmer sowing the good seed, and the enemy sowing the bad seed that turns into weeds. The fate of the weeds is that they will be tied into bundles and burned – clearly not a good outcome. 

Let’s understand this parable more deeply now. 

Let’s go to verses 37-39 to see Jesus’s explanation of this situation.

Matthew 13:37-39

37 He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, 39 and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

The enemy is the devil, who is a spirit that works through people (flesh) – their words, actions and thoughts. At the time of Jesus’ first coming, these were people like the Pharisees and Sadducees, but also many others who spread false teachings, like weeds among wheat. If the seed is the word, the good seed was sown by Jesus, the Son of Man. 

The field is Jesus’ field. In Jesus’ field we have the sons of God – the good seed, the wheat – and the sons of the evil one, the devil – the weeds. The sons of God and the sons of the devil grow together in the same field.

When is it possible to distinguish the weeds from the wheat? Jesus calls it the harvest. Until the time of the harvest, the weeds and wheat are indistinguishable. Jesus said to let them grow together, because if you try to uproot the weeds now, you may also uproot or kill the wheat.

Reminder:

Farmer = Son of Man, Jesus
Enemy = Devil
Son of Devil = Weeds
Son of God = Wheat
Distinguish the weeds from wheat = Harvest

We’ll explore the significance of physical characteristics. Take wheat, for instance. It grows in a humble manner, with seed heads that become heavy when full, causing the stalks to naturally bend. These humble plants serve as a reminder for us to be like wheat.

On the other hand, weeds have deep roots, making them beneficial for holding the soil together. However, their roots grow horizontally, trapping other plants around them. When you uproot weeds, you risk uprooting the wheat as well.

This is why, in the parable, Jesus’ field contains both sons of the devil and sons of God growing together. The field represents the church, where those belonging to the devil and those belonging to God coexist. Without discernment, they may appear alike.

To distinguish between them, we need to possess the Word of God within us. Those who lack the Word are at risk of becoming sons of the devil, operating on their own thoughts and understanding, which often conflict with the truth. Weeds, representing lies, tend to spread more quickly than the truth, taking over the field.

The truth, though uncomfortable, is essential. The distinguishing time when we can recognize the difference is during the harvest when those who are harvested are brought into the barn, which symbolizes heaven. The opposite of the barn, hell, is where we don’t want to end up.

Jesus often repeats the same parable in different ways, but each time it teaches us something new, emphasizing the importance of separation and sifting during his coming. Parables such as the wedding in Matthew 22, the virgins and the talents in Matthew 25, and the sheep and the goats convey the same message, teaching us how to ensure we are sons of God and not sons of the devil.

Let us study and reflect on these teachings to gain wisdom and discernment.

Reminder:

Field = Church
Barn = Kingdom of Heaven

Revelation 14:14-16

14 I looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one like a son of man[a] with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud, “Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16 So he who was seated on the cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.

We are examining the passage in Revelation 14 which describes the harvest of the earth at the time of the second coming. As Jesus explained in Matthew 13:37-39, the harvesters are actually the angels. 

The angels are the ones doing the sifting and collecting – meaning they are watching over us, discerning who is taking in the Word and who is not. They make decisions: ‘this one, not that one.’ So when this harvest comes, we will understand more deeply.

However, there is much biblical context needed before fully grasping the revelations. So for now, these are but Revelation teasers, glimpses of the depths we will eventually plunge.

Just as Satan is a spirit working through flesh, and God is a spirit working through flesh, so too do the angels manifest through people who invite us to study and seek spiritual growth.

With this framework in mind, let us embrace opportunities to be ‘harvested.’ Let us diligently study the Word.

Reminder:

Harvesters = Angels



Memorization


Luke 8:11

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.

Let’s delve into this topic with full attention and understanding. As you continue to listen, pay close attention to how people discuss the scene involving you. Do they consistently mention a specific word or do their descriptions vary? Think of it as having a discernment tool belt equipped with a handy gadget.

At this moment, let’s engage in discernment, guided by the Word of God.

Instructor Review

SUMMARY

The Parable of the Sower: Understanding the Kingdom of Heaven

The secret of the kingdom of heaven is revealed through a figurative seed and field. The seed represents the Word of God, which, when sown in a person’s heart, takes root, grows, and brings about change. Just as a small field can become a vast one when many hearts come together, so too can the Word of God spread and impact the world.

The seed is also the source of life, transforming those who receive it into the likeness of the one who sowed it. This spiritual seed is the Word of God, and sowing it means preaching. Two types of seeds exist: God’s seed and Satan’s seed. While they may appear similar, it’s crucial to discern between them.

The importance of the seed lies in its life-giving power. To be born again, we must receive this seed, which is closely related to the water and the Spirit mentioned in John 3. God’s seed is imperishable, meaning it grants eternal life. When we are born of God’s seed, we are set free from sin and become fully transformed.

Nurturing the seed within our hearts is essential for spiritual growth. The field, both small-scale (a person’s heart) and large-scale (the world), is where the seed is sown and cultivated. Just as a field needs preparation to receive the seed, so too must our hearts be receptive to the Word of God.

A prophecy fulfilled at the time of Jesus’ first coming involved the sowing of two kinds of seeds in the field. Jesus sowed the good seed, but the enemy sowed weeds in the same field. This explains the ongoing strife and disagreements within the church, that’s why we have so many denominations. However, at the time of the harvest, the true sons of God will be separated from the true sons of the devil.

Our final destination is the barn, where those born of God will be gathered. This is a place of safety and eternal life, in contrast to the undesirable alternative of hell. Let us strive to be those whom the angels recognize as true followers of God, ready to be harvested into the kingdom of heaven.

Review with the Evangelist

Review

 

1. What is the title of this lesson? Secrets of Heaven: The Figurative Seed and Field

2. What is the meaning of the spiritual seed? The spiritual seed represents the Word of God.

3. There are two kinds of seeds – what are they and why are they? There is the good seed of God and the evil seed of Satan. Both seeds can be planted in people’s hearts.

4. What’s the importance of the seed? The seed we allow to grow in our hearts shapes who we become.

There are two different seeds that can be planted in people’s hearts – the good seed of God’s truth or the evil seed of Satan’s lies. We must be aware of this because whichever seed takes root and grows will determine who we become. Do we want to be born of God’s truth or Satan’s deception?

The seeds are planted in a figurative field, which represents people’s hearts and the church. As prophesied in Jeremiah, both God’s good seed and Satan’s evil seed would be planted in these fields. This happened at Jesus’ first coming.

Since both seeds are planted in the field of people’s hearts and the church, we must be discerning. We should nurture only the good seed of God’s Word in our hearts and weed out any evil seeds that may have been planted.

I will give tips on how to be like the good soil that nourishes the good seed and produces a harvest for God’s kingdom. The first tip: When we come to receive God’s Word, we should give it our undivided attention with wholehearted devotion. We don’t want to multitask and only give God half of our focus. This would limit how much of the good seed we receive. Let’s give God 100% of ourselves so His truth can take deep root in good soil!

Let’s Us Discern

Discernment is still a work in progress ….  Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)

“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”

Analysis

Questions to Self-Reflect

Outline

Unlocking the Secrets of Heaven: A Deep Dive into the Parable of the Sower

 

I. Introduction: Unveiling the Parable’s Significance

This section introduces the concept of parables in the Bible and emphasizes the importance of the Parable of the Sower, stating that understanding it is fundamental to comprehending other parables. It sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the parable’s symbolism and its relevance to understanding the Kingdom of Heaven.

II. Decoding the Symbolism: Seed and Field

  • A. Seed = The Word of God: This section establishes the seed as a symbol of God’s Word, emphasizing its significance in spiritual growth and transformation. It highlights Luke 8:11 as a key verse confirming this interpretation.
  • B. Field = A Person’s Heart and the World: This section explains the dual meaning of the field. It represents both an individual’s heart, where the seed is planted and nurtured, and the world at large, signifying the broader impact of God’s Word.

III. Exploring the Physical Characteristics of the Seed

This section examines the physical properties of seeds, drawing parallels to spiritual truths. It uses Romans 1:20 to highlight how God’s invisible qualities are revealed through His creation. By understanding the physical characteristics of a seed (growth, origin of life, reaping what is sown), we can gain insights into God’s nature and His plan for our spiritual development.

IV. Unpacking the Spiritual Meaning of the Seed

  • A. The Foundational Parable: This section emphasizes the importance of the Parable of the Sower, asserting that grasping its meaning is crucial for understanding other parables.
  • B. Sowing Seed = Preaching: This section connects the act of sowing seeds to the preaching and spreading of God’s Word, further solidifying the seed’s symbolic meaning.
  • C. Types of Spiritual Seeds: This section introduces the concept of two types of spiritual seeds: God’s seed (truth) and Satan’s seed (lies). It explains that these seeds represent competing spiritual influences vying for space in a person’s heart. John 8:44 is used to depict Satan as the “father of lies,” highlighting the deceptive nature of his seed.
  • D. The Life-Giving Power of God’s Seed: This section emphasizes the importance of being “born again” through God’s imperishable seed, contrasting it with Satan’s perishable seed. 1 Peter 1:23 and John 3:3-6 are used to underscore the necessity of spiritual rebirth and the role of the Word, water, and Spirit in this process.
  • E. Striving for Sinlessness: This section highlights the challenge of overcoming sin even after being born of God’s seed. 1 John 3:9-10 is used to address this struggle and emphasize the need to diligently cultivate the Word of God within ourselves to minimize sin’s influence.

V. Understanding the Figurative Field

  • A. Physical Characteristics: This section explores the physical characteristics of a field, drawing parallels to the spiritual realm. It explains how a field needs cultivation and preparation to receive and nurture seeds, mirroring the need for an individual’s heart to be receptive to God’s Word.
  • B. Spiritual Meaning: A Noble and Good Heart: This section connects the parable’s “good soil” to a “noble and good heart” using Luke 8:15. It introduces the concept of different types of fields representing varying degrees of receptivity to God’s Word.
  • C. We Are God’s Field: This section expands the meaning of the field by referencing 1 Corinthians 3:9, stating that we, as individuals and as a collective body (the church), are God’s field where His Word is sown.
  • D. Field = World: This section further expands the field’s meaning by incorporating Matthew 13:38, where Jesus identifies the field as the “world.” It signifies the potential for God’s Word to impact not just individuals but the entire world.

VI. Seed, Harvest, and the Kingdom of Heaven

  • A. Explaining the Kingdom through the Seed: This section analyzes Matthew 13:18-19, explaining that the seed in this specific parable represents not just the Word of God, but specifically the explanation of the Kingdom of Heaven. It introduces the four types of soil as representing different responses to this message.
  • B. Two Types of Offspring: Fulfilling Prophecy: This section analyzes Jeremiah 31:27, a prophecy about God planting two types of offspring (seed). It connects this prophecy to Jesus’ fulfillment through the parable, highlighting the sowing of both good and bad seed.
  • C. Analyzing the Parable: This section provides a detailed breakdown of the parable in Matthew 13:24-30, explaining the roles of the farmer (Jesus), the enemy (the devil), the good seed (sons of God), the weeds (sons of the devil), and the harvest (separation at the end of the age).
  • D. Discernment and the Harvest: This section emphasizes the importance of discernment in distinguishing between true and false followers, particularly within the church. It stresses that the true nature of individuals will be revealed during the harvest, when the sons of God are gathered into the “barn” (heaven) and the sons of the devil face their fate.
  • E. Revelation’s Glimpse of the Harvest: This section examines Revelation 14:14-16, depicting the harvest at the second coming. It highlights the role of angels as harvesters, discerning and separating the righteous from the wicked.

VII. Conclusion: Embracing the Harvest

This section urges listeners to actively engage with the Word of God and prepare themselves to be “harvested” into the Kingdom of Heaven. It encourages discernment and a deep understanding of the parable’s message to ensure we are aligned with God’s truth.

A Study Guide

Secrets of Heaven: The Figurative Seed and Field Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.

  1. What are the two key symbols explored in this lesson and what do they represent?
  2. What is the difference between God’s seed and Satan’s seed?
  3. What is the significance of being “born again” in relation to the spiritual seed?
  4. According to 1 John 3:9-10, what distinguishes the children of God from the children of the devil?
  5. What are the two scales at which the concept of “field” is applied in this lesson?
  6. How does Jeremiah 31:27 connect to the parable of the wheat and the weeds in Matthew 13:24-30?
  7. Who are the “harvesters” in the parable of the wheat and the weeds, and what is their role?
  8. What is the ultimate fate of the wheat and the weeds in the parable?
  9. What does the “barn” symbolize in the context of the harvest?
  10. Why does the speaker suggest that we should pay close attention to how people talk about us?

Answer Key

  1. The two key symbols are the seed, representing the Word of God, and the field, representing a person’s heart on a small scale and the world on a larger scale.
  2. God’s seed is the truth (John 17:17) and brings life, while Satan’s seed is lies (John 8:44) and brings death.
  3. Being “born again” signifies a spiritual transformation where a person receives God’s imperishable seed, the Word of God, which leads to eternal life (1 Peter 1:23).
  4. Children of God are distinguished by their righteous actions and love for their brethren, while the children of the devil do not practice righteousness or love (1 John 3:9-10).
  5. The “field” is applied on a small scale, representing an individual’s heart, and on a larger scale, representing the world (Matthew 13:38).
  6. Jeremiah 31:27 prophesies that God will plant two types of offspring (seeds), which Jesus fulfills in the parable by sowing good seed and the enemy sowing weeds.
  7. The “harvesters” are the angels, and their role is to separate the wheat (sons of God) from the weeds (sons of the devil) at the end of the age.
  8. The wheat will be gathered into the barn (heaven), while the weeds will be bundled and burned.
  9. The “barn” symbolizes the kingdom of heaven, the destination of those who have been saved.
  10. Paying attention to how people talk about us can help us discern whether their words reflect God’s truth or Satan’s lies, aiding in our spiritual growth.

Additional Questions

1. What is the figurative meaning of “seed” in the Bible? The word! (Luke 8:11)
2. What are the two meanings of the “field”?

– A person’s heart ( 1 Corinthians 3:9)
– The world of believers (Matthew 13:38)

3. Why did Jesus compare the seed to the word? Life begins with a seed. Every living starts from a seed, and in that seed is life.

Glossary of Key Terms

  • Seed: Represents the Word of God.
  • Field: Represents a person’s heart (small scale) and the world (large scale).
  • Sowing Seed: Represents preaching and spreading God’s word.
  • Good Seed: Represents God’s truth and brings life.
  • Evil Seed: Represents Satan’s lies and brings death.
  • Born Again: Receiving God’s imperishable seed (the Word) and experiencing spiritual transformation.
  • Children of God: Those who practice righteousness and love, demonstrating the fruit of God’s seed.
  • Children of the Devil: Those who do not practice righteousness or love, bearing the fruit of Satan’s seed.
  • Harvest: The time of judgment when the righteous (wheat) will be separated from the wicked (weeds).
  • Harvesters: Angels who carry out the separation at the end of the age.
  • Barn: Symbol of the kingdom of heaven, the destination of the saved.
  • Discernment: The ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood, good and evil, using the Word of God as a guide.

Breakdown

Timeline of Events

This lesson doesn’t provide a timeline of events in a historical sense. Instead, it uses biblical parables and prophecy to illustrate a spiritual journey and a future event: the harvest at the end of the age. Therefore, the timeline is more conceptual:

1. Prophecy: Jeremiah (Old Testament) prophesies that God will plant two kinds of seed, foreshadowing a future spiritual struggle.

2. Jesus’ First Coming: * Jesus fulfills the prophecy by sowing the good seed (the Word of God) during his ministry. * The devil, the enemy, sows bad seed (lies and deception) in the same field (the world and the church). * Both good seed (sons of God) and bad seed (sons of the devil) grow together, indistinguishable until the harvest.

3. Present Time: * Individuals choose which seed (truth or lies) to nurture in their hearts (the field). * Angels observe and discern, preparing for the future harvest.

4. The Harvest (End of the Age): * Angels, acting as harvesters, separate the wheat (sons of God) from the weeds (sons of the devil). * The wheat is gathered into the barn (heaven). * The weeds are bound and burned (hell).

Cast of Characters

1. God: The source of all truth, the sower of the good seed.

2. Jesus: The Son of Man, who fulfills the prophecy by sowing the good seed during his ministry.

3. The Devil/Satan: The enemy, the father of lies, who sows the bad seed.

4. Angels: The harvesters at the end of the age, tasked with separating the wheat from the weeds.

5. People/Humanity: The field where both good and bad seed are sown. Each individual chooses which seed to nurture.

6. Jeremiah: The Old Testament prophet who foretells the planting of two types of seed.

7. The Pharisees and Sadducees: Examples of people who, during Jesus’ time, spread false teachings (weeds) among the truth (wheat).

Note: This lesson emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth and discerning between truth and lies to prepare for the future harvest.

Overview

Overview: Secrets of Heaven: The Figurative Seed and Field

 

Main Theme: This lesson utilizes the biblical parable of the sower to explore the concepts of spiritual growth, the nature of good and evil, and the eventual separation of the righteous from the wicked at the time of judgment.

Key Ideas and Facts:

  • The Seed: Represents the Word of God. Sowing the seed signifies preaching and spreading the Word. This parable serves as the foundation for understanding other biblical parables.
  • “The seed is the word of God.” – Luke 8:11
  • “He stated that if one does not understand this parable about the seed, then they cannot properly understand any of the other parables.”
  • Two Types of Seed:
  • God’s Seed: Represents truth (John 17:17). It is imperishable and leads to eternal life (1 Peter 1:23).
  • Satan’s Seed: Represents lies (John 8:44). It is perishable and leads to death.
  • “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” – John 8:44
  • The Field: Represents both a person’s heart and the world (Matthew 13:38), symbolizing the places where the seed is sown and grows. It can also represent the Church, where both those belonging to God and the devil coexist.
  • “Good soil = Field ———-> Person’s heart.”
  • “The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one,” – Matthew 13:38
  • Cultivation: Just as a physical field requires cultivation for seeds to grow, so too must our hearts be prepared and receptive to receive the Word of God.
  • The Harvest: Represents the end of the age and the separation of the righteous (wheat) from the wicked (weeds). The angels are the harvesters who will gather the wheat into God’s barn (heaven) and burn the weeds.
  • “The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.” – Matthew 13:39
  • Prophecy Fulfilled: The parable fulfills the prophecy in Jeremiah 31:27, where God declares He will plant two kinds of offspring (seed). This was fulfilled through Jesus sowing the good seed and the devil sowing the bad seed.

Important Quotes:

  • Romans 1:20: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (This highlights that God’s nature can be understood through His creation, including the physical characteristics of seeds and fields.)
  • John 1:1-4: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” (Emphasizes the life-giving power of the Word of God.)
  • 1 John 3:9-10: “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God….This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.” (Highlights the transformation that occurs when one is born of God’s seed and the importance of righteous living.)

Call to Action:

The lesson encourages students to:

  • Be receptive to the Word of God like fertile soil.
  • Cultivate their hearts to allow the good seed to grow.
  • Live righteously and strive to be among those “harvested” into God’s kingdom.
  • Discern between God’s truth and Satan’s lies to avoid becoming a “weed.”

Overall Impression:

The lesson uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey its message. It emphasizes the importance of spiritual growth, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the urgency of preparing for the final judgment. By understanding the parable of the sower, believers can gain deeper insight into their own spiritual journey and their place in God’s plan.

Q&A

Q&A: Secrets of Heaven: The Figurative Seed and Field

1. What do the seed and the field represent in the parable?

The seed symbolizes the Word of God, while the field represents both an individual’s heart and the world at large, including the Church.

2. What are the two types of spiritual seeds?

There are two types of spiritual seeds: God’s seed, which represents truth, and Satan’s seed, which represents lies.

3. Why is the parable of the seed considered foundational?

Jesus said that understanding the parable of the seed is crucial to understanding any other parable. This is because it introduces the core concept of God’s Word taking root in the hearts of people.

4. What does it mean to be born again?

Being born again refers to the spiritual transformation that occurs when someone accepts God’s seed (His Word) into their heart. It’s a shift from being spiritually dead to being spiritually alive.

5. How do the physical characteristics of wheat and weeds relate to the parable?

Wheat, which represents the children of God, grows humbly and bends low when its head is full of grain. Weeds, symbolizing the children of the devil, have deep, horizontally spreading roots that can entangle and choke nearby plants.

6. What does the harvest represent in the parable?

The harvest represents the end of the age, the time of judgment when the angels will separate the true followers of God (the wheat) from those who have followed Satan (the weeds).

7. Who are the harvesters in the parable?

The harvesters are the angels, who are tasked with separating the wheat from the weeds at the time of judgment.

8. How can we ensure we are among the “wheat” at the time of harvest?

We can ensure we are among the “wheat” by diligently studying and applying God’s Word to our lives, allowing it to take root and bear fruit. We must also be discerning, recognizing and rejecting the lies and temptations of the enemy.

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