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Matthew 13:22
As we study Jesus’ explanation of the parable of the sower, He has attached to the one who does not understand the word to the seed sown by the wayside (Matthew 13:19). To the seed sown on stony places is the person who receives the word joyfully but has no root in himself to sustain his joy in the face of persecution (Matthew 13:20-21). In Matthew 13:22 (NKJV), Jesus explains that the seed sown among 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.” One did not understand the word of God, another was not strong enough in the face of tribulation to maintain his faith, and the third is taken by the ways of this world and the deceit that Satan fills it with. Jesus mentions this deceit as the “deceit of riches,” and when one falls to this deceit, the result is a life that is not bearing fruit for God in Christ Jesus. Jesus teaches us in John 15:4 (ESV), “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” And in John 15:8, Jesus continues, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.”
This is an example of how the deceitfulness of riches and the ways of this world can choke out the word of God from our lives.
I want to make a note here about riches in this world. Jesus did not teach that being wealthy is a sin, but that the deceitfulness of riches can pull us away from having a relationship with God as He desires us to have. It is when riches, or the desire for riches, overpowers our desire to fellowship with God and seek His will for our lives that is the problem. We must put God first in our lives and trust fully in His ability to guide our lives above all, whether it be riches, fame, power, or anything else in this world – God must receive the top spot in our lives – no exceptions, and He will bless un in all things. Don’t let the deceitfulness of riches or the cares of this world pull you away from Jesus – He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to God except through Him (John 14:6).
Dear LORD,
We pray today for understanding in Your word; we pray for a solid foundation in Christ Jesus that through Your Holy Spirit will give us a solid foundation in ourselves; we pray that in gaining understanding in Your word and having a solid foundation in Christ Jesus, that You would help us to not be taken by the cares of this world or the deceitfulness of riches, but that we would bring glory to You through the salvation that You have called us to – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.