You've got to face it Week 4, 2011

“Well since I’m an heir of God by faith already you can keep the suffering bit. I’m alright.” Those who wish to avoid suffering for Christ now are robbing themselves of great benefits while on this earth also. You can’t be a mature believer if you don’t pass through the school of suffering for the faith. “You can’t be serious.” It is suffering that produces patience. God uses the word to produce faith in people; if you don’t hear the word no faith right? “Uh hmm.” In like manner God uses difficulties, afflictions and such like to make His people mature.
“Haba! Tell me more.” Seriously; the seed on stony ground grew up quickly but failed. Why? But when the sun came up, it burned the young plants; and because the roots had not grown deep enough, the plants soon dried up Mat 13:6(GNB).
The same sun which caused them to dry up made those on good soil grow. “And what is the sun representing?” Troubles, persecutions and afflictions because of the word: but since he doesn't have any root in himself, he lasts for only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes along because of the word, he immediately falls away Mat 13:21(ISV).
“I hear you; so Jesus gave a new explanation for the parable of the sower, and you were there to hear what is not written in scripture.” Not written? Have you not read …when you are involved in various trials, … the testing of your faith produces endurance. But you must let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing Jas 1:2-4(ISV). You see those who can’t endure suffering now can’t mature unto fruit bearing.
“In that case I shall remain a baby; I don’t want to face difficulties sam, sam.” Do you know what happens when fruit is not borne? The plant withers up: the person fall away. “Hey that’s mixing parables. Withering up is in the parable of the vine and vine dresser, If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned Jn 15:6(KJV) not the sower.” You think so? It is the same thing really. And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away Mat 13:6(KJV). You’ve got to face it.