The Question Of Salvation: Growing The Word

Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the Word of the Kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the Word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the Word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the Word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the Word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Matthew 13:18-23 (NKJV)

Jesus is 'The Word' (John 1:1). He’s also the 'Spirit Who dwells in you' (Romans 8:11). Therefore…

Growing 'The Seed' means receiving the Word, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Himself. Amen! Let’s grow up!

However, please note this dire warning:

God says His Seed (His Word and His Spirit) CAN be lost, stolen, uprooted, or choked… by misunderstanding, by worldly cares and by the deceitfulness of riches.

By whom? The devil, the enemy of mankind.

Causing? A dying, barren and unfruitful life.

Does this mean we can lose our salvation?

'I am the true Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away... If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned' (John 15:1-6).

Does this pure fire purge our sinful natures, or does it purge us from our Lord’s presence? 

Truly, I don't know. I hope the former, but fear the latter. Therefore, with God’s help, I want to nurture His Seed, His Word, and His Spirit in me. How?

By heeding His Instruction Manual. Everything we need to know is in Him.

'Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12).

That's my plan.

This is a workout no saint should ignore.

The Question Of Salvation: Sowing It? (Part 5)

NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.