Sowing The Word (ATP)
In Mark 4:14 (The sower sows the word), we recently learned that this particular scripture in context was sowing the word as a pastor. Can you reveal scriptures to better help us sow the word as the sheep?
The scripture mentioned in this week’s question, Mark 4:14, says, “The sower sows the word.” In context, in the parable, Jesus is talking about those who preach and teach the Word of God, as five-fold ministers (Eph. 4:11), which is a concept we see again when the Apsotle Paul deals with Timothy as a pastor. 2 Timothy 4:1-2, “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.”
The fivefold ministry offices are not for everyone in the sense that every Christian is called to be a pulpit preacher, but the job of those ministers is seen in Ephesians 4:12, “for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry…” What is the work of the ministry? Matthew 28:19-20, “…make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…” Mark 16:15 brings even more light to it, “…Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” What is preaching the gospel? It’s sowing the Word. But if you keep reading this passage of scripture, you’ll see that there are signs that follow the life of a believer (a sheep, any born again believer whether five-fold, pulpit minister or not), which include casting out demons, speaking in tongues, and laying hands on the sick that they would recover.
The work of the ministry is for all believers. The pastor and other pulpit ministers sow the Word to the congregation and in turn the congregation is to take that Word and sow it to others, both in speaking and in demonstration. Look at Romans 10:8, “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach).” The Apsotle Paul was preaching scripture from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 30:14) in order to encourage the Romans to use scripture, in other words to sow the Word.
I love what the Word says in 1 Peter 3:15, “…always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (humility and reverence).” What does this mean? Always be ready to preach the Word of hope! Always be ready to speak the Word of salvation, to testify!
An important principle in scripture is seen in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Now, of course in context this is regarding giving and sowing financial seed, but the principle remains. Whatever you sow, that you will reap or really, produce. If you want to win this lost and dying world, the only way you’ll reap saved individuals is by sowing the Word of salvation.
All Christians everywhere need to rise up and refuse to be scared to be bold! Romans 2:4 tell us, “…the goodness of God leads you to repentance.” Let’s share His goodness with this lost and dying world! Amen?!
Be Blessed,
Pastor Renée
