4 Soils End Notes

Parable of the Sower - End Notes

(Chart from “The Bible Knowledge Commentary”)

The following distinction between the Kingdom and God and the Kingdom of Heaven may be accurate as the Bible speaks of the saved entering into the Kingdom of God but two of the parables in this context mention both the saved and the lost in the Kingdom of Heaven (13:24-30; 36-43).

From Scofield’s Notes

[1] {kingdom of God} Matt. 6:33

The kingdom of God is to be distinguished from the kingdom of heaven » See Note “Mt 3:2” in five respects: (1) The kingdom of God is universal, including all moral intelligences willingly subject to the will of God, whether angels, the Church, or saints of past or future dispensations # Lu 13:28,29 Heb 12:22,23 while the kingdom of heaven is Messianic, mediatorial, and Davidic, and has for its object the establishment of the kingdom of God in the earth » See Note “Mt 3:2” # 1Co 15:24,25 (2) The kingdom of God is entered only by the new birth # John 3:3,5-7 the kingdom of heaven, during this age, is the sphere of a profession which may be real or false » See Note “Mt 13:3” # Mt 25:1,11,12 (3) Since the kingdom of heaven is the earthly sphere of the universal kingdom of God, the two have almost all things in common. For this reason many parables and other teachings are spoken of the kingdom of heaven in Matthew, and of the kingdom of God in Mark and Luke. It is the omissions which are significant. The parables of the wheat and tares, and of the net # Mt 13:24-30,36-43,47-50 are not spoken of the kingdom of God. In that kingdom there are neither tares nor bad fish. But the parable of the leaven # Mt 13:33 is spoken of the kingdom of God also, for, alas, even the true doctrines of the kingdom are leavened with the errors of which the Pharisees, Sadducees, and the Herodians were the representatives. » See Note “Mt 13:33” (4) The kingdom of God “comes not with outward show” # Lu 17:20 but is chiefly that which is inward and spiritual # Ro 14:17 while the kingdom of heaven is organic, and is to be manifested in glory on the earth. (See “Kingdom (O.T.),” Zech 12.8, note; (N.T.), Lu 1.31-33 1co 15.24, note; Mt 17.2, note.) » See Note “Zec 12:8” # Lu 1:31-33 » See Note “1Co 15:24” » See Note “Mt 17:2” (5) The kingdom of heaven merges into the kingdom of God when Christ, having put all enemies under his feet, “shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father” # 1Co 15:24-28 » See Note “Mt 3:2”

[1] {kingdom of heaven} Matt. 3:2

(1) The phrase, kingdom of heaven (lit. of the heavens), is peculiar to Matthew and signifies the Messianic earth rule of Jesus Christ, the Son of David. It is called the kingdom of the heavens because it is the rule of the heavens over the earth # Mt 6:10 The phrase is derived from Daniel, where it is defined # Da 2:34-36,44 7:23-27 as the kingdom which the God of heaven will set up after the destruction by “the stone cut out without hands,” of the Gentile world-system. It is the kingdom covenanted to David’s seed # 2Sa 7:7-10 described in the prophets; » See note “Zec 12:8” and confirmed to Jesus the Christ, the Son of Mary, through the angel Gabriel # Lu 1:32,33

(2) The kingdom of heaven has three aspects in Matthew: (a) “at hand” from the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist # Mt 3:2 to the virtual rejection of the King, and the announcement of the new brotherhood # Mt 12:46-50 (b) in seven “mysteries of the kingdom of heaven,” to be fulfilled during the present age # Mt 13:1-52 to which are to be added the parables of the kingdom of heaven which were spoken after those of Mt. 13., and which have to do with the sphere of Christian profession during this age; (c) the prophetic aspect—the kingdom to be set up after the return of the King in glory. # Mt 24:29-25:46 Lu 19:12-19 Ac 15:14-17 See “Kingdom (N.T.)” # Lu 1:33 1Co 15:28 Cf. “Kingdom of God,” » See Note “Mt 6:33”

[Marg] {saying} See note, # Ac 17:30 See Scofield “Ac 17:30”

Matt 5:2 Principles of the Kingdom

[2] {And he opened his mouth}

Having announced the kingdom of heaven as “at hand,” the King, in Mat 5.-7., declares the principles of the kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount has a twofold application: (1) literally to the kingdom. In this sense it gives the divine constitution for the righteous government of the earth. Whenever the kingdom of heaven is established on earth it will be according to that constitution, which may be regarded as an explanation of the word “righteousness” as used by the prophets in describing the kingdom (e.g.) # Isa 11:4,5 32:1 Da 9:24 In this sense the Sermon on the Mount is pure law, and transfers the offence from the overt act to the motive. # Mt 5:21,22,27,28 Here lies the deeper reason why the Jews rejected the kingdom. They had reduced “righteousness” to mere ceremonialism, and the Old Testament idea of the kingdom to a mere affair of outward splendour and power. They were never rebuked for expecting a visible and powerful kingdom, but the words of the prophets should have prepared them to expect also that only the poor in spirit and the meek could share in it (e.g.) # Isa 11:4 The seventy-second Psalm, which was universally received by them as a description of the kingdom, was full of this. For these reasons, the Sermon on the Mount in its primary application gives neither the privilege nor the duty of the Church. These are found in the Epistles. Under the law of the kingdom, for example, no one may hope for forgiveness who has not first forgiven. # Mt 6:12,14,15 Under grace the Christian is exhorted to forgive because he is already forgiven. # Eph 4:30-32

(2) But there is a beautiful moral application to the Christian. It always remains true that the poor in spirit, rather than the proud, are blessed, and those who mourn because of their sins, and who are meek in the consciousness of them, will hunger and thirst after righteousness, and hungering, will be filled. The merciful are “blessed,” the pure in heart do “see God.” These principles fundamentally reappear in the teaching of the Epistles.

Our Adversary, Satan, And His Demons

Matthew 13:19

Satan is:

Powerful, Acts 26:18; 2 Thess. 2:9; Luke 4:6; Heb. 2:14; Jude 1:9; 1 John 5:19; John 14:30; Eph. 2:2;

Tricky, 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:11;

Able to perform miracles, 2 Thess. 2:9;

A deceiver, Rev. 12:9;

A liar, the father of lies, John 8:44;

Lustful, John 8:44;

Our enemy, Mt. 13:19, 39;

The wicked one, Mt. 13:38; 1 John 2:13;

A murderer from the beginning, John 8:44;

The father of the Jews who sought to kill Jesus, John 8:44;

A master counterfeiter, 2 Cor. 11:13-15, For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

In regard to people in general, he:

Binds them, Luke 13:16;

Enters them, Luke 22:3; John 13:27;

Beguiles them, 2 Cor. 11:3;

Oppresses them; Acts 10:38;

Takes them captive, 2 Tim. 2:26;

Seeks to devour them; 1 Pet. 5:8;

Possesses them, Mt. 9:32; Mr. 5:15; Mr. 7:30; And can cause blindness and deafness by his possession, Mt. 12:22.

In regard to unbelievers, he:

Wishes to condemn them, Job 1:6-12; 1 Tim. 3:6;

Spiritually blinds them, 2 Cor. 4:4;

Maintains a snare for them, 2 Tim. 2:26;

Steals the Word from potential believers, Mt. 13:19; Mr. 4:15, Luke 8:12;

Is active in efforts to keep them from being saved, Mr. 4:15; Acts 26:18; Luke 8:12; 2 Cor. 4:4;

In regard to believers, he:

Resists them, Zec. 3:1;

Accuses them, Rev. 12:10;

Strongly influences them, Mt. 16:23;

Corrupts their mind, 2 Cor. 11:3;

Tempts them, 1 Thess. 3:5; 1 Cor. 7:5; And even tried to tempt Jesus, Mt. 4:1 Mark 1:13;

Desires to sift them, Luke 22:31; John 13:27;

Can fill their heart, Acts 5:3;

Takes advantage of them. 2 Cor. 2:11;

Buffets them, 2 Cor. 12:7;

Hinders them, 1 Thess. 2:18;

Is their adversary, 1 Pet. 5:8;

Conducts ongoing spiritual warfare with them, Eph. 6:10-17;

Maintains a snare for them, 1 Tim. 3:7;

Will cast some believers into prison, Rev. 2:10

He is judged:

John 16:11; John 12:31; 1 John 3:8; Rev. 12:9,10; Rev. 20:10;

We can have victory over him:

James 4:7; Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Eph. 6:10-17; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 2:13).

Verses Referring to Trials, Suffering, and Persecution

Matthew 13:21

JESUS SUFFERED BEFORE WE DID. HE UNDERSTANDS OUR TRIALS

Heb. 2:18, For in that he himself [Jesus] hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour [help] them that are tempted. Heb. 4:15, For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 2 Pet 2:9, The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: John 15:20, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 2 Cor. 1:4, [God] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. Heb. 12:2,3, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Acts 17:3, ...Christ must needs have suffered... Acts 26:23, That Christ should suffer, ...and should shew light unto the people. 1 Cor. 12:26, And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it [Jesus is the Head]. Heb. 5:8 Though he [Jesus] were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

FAITHFUL CHRISTIANS BEFORE US VICTORIOUSLY ENDURED TRIALS

Heb. 11:32-39 speaks of the heroes of the faith who through faith endured trials and “of whom the world was not worthy” (v38). They “obtained a good report through faith” (v39). Jas. 5:10, Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 1 Pet. 5:9, [Satan] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

WE WILL HAVE TRIALS, DO NOT BE SURPRISED

2 Tim. 3:12, Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 1 Cor. 10:13, Temptation... as is common to man. I Thess. 3:3, That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 1 Pet. 4:12, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: Mt. 24:9; Luke 11:49; 21:12 “...they shall... persecute you... for my name’s sake. John 15:20, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. 1 Thess. 3:4. “... we told you before that we should suffer tribulation...” 2 Cor. 6:4, But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 2 Tim. 1:8, Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 2 Tim. 4:5, But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. Heb. 11:25 [By faith, Moses,] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. 2 Cor. 1:5, For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. Phil. 1:29, For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;

GOD ALLOWS TRIALS IN THE BELIEVER’S LIFE FOR HIS GLORY

1 Pet. 1:7, That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 1:6, And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation... 1 Thess. 3:7, Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: 2 Tim. 2:10, Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. Acts 9:16, For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake [Paul]. 1 Pet. 2:19, For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. Rom. 8:17, ...if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 1 Cor. 9:12, ...but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 1 Thess. 2:2, But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. 1 Tim. 4:10, For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 1 Pet. 4:16, Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 1 Pet. 5:1, The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL

2 Thess. 1:6, Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; Rom. 8:35, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 2 Tim. 3:11, Persecutions, afflictions... I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Rev. 2:9, I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich)... 2 Tim. 1:12, For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim. 2:9, Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 1 Pet. 5:10. But the God of all grace... after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

BELIEVERS ARE EXHORTED TO, AND COMMENDED FOR ENDURING TRIALS

2 Tim. 2:3, Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Tim. 4:5, But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. 2 Thess. 1:4, So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: 1 Thess. 1:6, And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost:

TRIALS ARE TEMPORARY

1 Pet. 1:6, Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: 2 Cor. 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment... Rom. 8:18, For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 1 Pet. 5:10. But the God of all grace... after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

OUR ATTITUDE SHOULD NOT BE:

As the ones in the parable of the sower (Mt. 13:21; Mr. 4:17; Lk. 8:13) who have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.

TRIALS CAUSED BY OUR WRONGDOING ARE NOT HONORING TO GOD

1 Pet. 3:17, For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 1 Pet. 4:15, But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 1 Pet. 2:20, For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.

GOD ALLOWS TRIALS FOR OUR BENEFIT, THEREFORE OUR ATTITUDE SHOULD BE OF REJOICING

Mt. 5:10-12, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: ...for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: Rom. 5:3, ...Tribulation worketh patience. 2 Cor. 4:17, For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 2 Cor. 1:5, For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. 2 Cor. 8:2, Great trial of affliction... their joy... abounded. Jas. 1:2,3,12, My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. 2 Cor. 12:10, Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. Rom. 12:12, “...patient in tribulation...” 2 Cor. 7:4, ...I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation. Col. 1:24, [I Paul] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Jas. 5:11, Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 2 Cor. 1:7, And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 1 Pet. 4:13, But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Rev. 2:10, Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. 2 Thess. 1:5, [Persecutions and tribulations], a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:

OUR ATTITUDE SHOULD ALSO BE:

Php. 3:8,10, Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ... That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Php. 4:12, I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 1 Pet. 2:21,23, For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps... Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. 1 Pet. 4:19, Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. Mt. 5:44, But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Rom. 12:14, Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Jas. 5:13, Is any among you afflicted? let him pray... Jas. 1:27, Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Acts 14:22, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

We should continue on in God’s strength for His Glory, the One who loved us and gave us the gift of eternal life.

1 Cor. 6:19,20, ...For you are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. Gal. 6:9, And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 1 Cor. 15:58, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

The Care Of This World — Matt. 13:22

Verses Which Use A Form Of “Merimna — Merimna”

Mt. 6:25, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

Mt. 6:27, Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?

Mt. 6:28, And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:

Mt. 6:31, Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?

Mt. 6:34, Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

Mt. 10:19, But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

Mt. 13:22, He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

Mt. 28:14, And if this come to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him, and secure you. [negative form of word; free you from worry or anxiety].

Mr. 4:19, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.

Mr. 13:11, But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. [with “pro” prefix, meaning “before”].

Lu. 8:14, And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Lu. 10:41, And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

Lu. 12:11, And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Lu. 12:22, And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on.

Lu. 12:26, If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Lu. 21:34, And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

1 Co. 7:32, But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: (negative form of word, Lit.: “But I wish you to be un-anxious”).

1 Co. 7:33, But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

1 Co. 7:34, There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

1 Co. 12:25, That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

2 Co. 11:28, Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

Php. 2:20, For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

Php. 4:6, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Pe. 5:7, “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” The first “care” is “merimna” or “anxiety.” The second, “careth” is “melo” which means “To care about” or “to take care of.” This word is also used in Luke 10:34,35, which tells of the Good Samaritan caring for the wounded man. See John 12:13: caring for sheep; I Cor. 8:9, God taking care of, or supplying the needs of oxen; See also Mk. 4:38; Luke 10:40.