Luke 8
Luke 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.
Many believers are affected by the thorns of life. The cares, riches, and pleasures of this life chokes out a life wholly dedicated to God.
When people are more concerned about the riches and pleasures of this life, they are not concerned about their afterlife and how they prepare for it. They are only concerned about the here and now, pleasures which satisfy the soul, but not spirit. Though the believer produces fruit, it cannot grow to perfection. It does not have the proper setting (within the heart, mind, or soul) to mature. It will be lacking, unable to meet its potential, and short of the standard it was always meant to meet.
In order for us to enjoy fruit borne to perfection, we must be able to cast off the cares, riches, and pleasures of this life that were once the object and affection of our hearts. We must be able to delight in the Lord and allow Him to be our joy and reward.
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Jesus spoke to the multitude on a parable of a sower (Luke 8:5-8). His disciples would ask the meaning of the parable. In His response, He said:
Luke 8:11-15 – Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
When the Word of God is heard four things can happen (as described in the parable). It is important that we ensure we are able to receive the Word of God in the manner and method that brings forth fruit.
A disciple is a person that is conformed into the image of Jesus through careful study and obedience to His life example, commands, and guidance through the Spirit.
Jesus outlines what one must do to be a disciple, how a disciple is identified, and how they are to live. Below is a listing of scriptural references that further outline the preceding sentence. Disciples:
1. Are not forced to follow Jesus (John 6:43-71).
2. Are drawn by the Father (John 6:44).
3. Must hate their father, mother, wife, children, and their own life (Matthew 10:32-39; Luke 14:26-33).
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