Tag Archives: Confession

#WordForTodayDevotional

Wednesday October 12, 2022

OBSTACLES TO ACCESSING THE WORD (2): THE STONY HEART

Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth:
Matthew 13:5 (KJV)

Some seeds fell upon stony places, which represents the case of hearers that go further than the wayside hearers, who receive some good impressions of the word, but they are not lasting. It is possible we may be a great deal better than some others, and yet not be so good as we should be; we may go beyond our neighbours, and yet come short of heaven. How far did the stony heart go? Firstly, they hear the word; they turn neither their backs upon it, nor a deaf ear to it. Note, hearing the word, though ever so frequently, ever so gravely, if we rest in that, will never bring us to heaven. Secondly, they are quick in hearing, swift to hear, he anon receiveth it, he is ready to receive it, forthwith it sprung up (vs. 5), it sooner appeared above ground than that which was sown in the good soil. Note, Hypocrites often get the start of true Believers in the shows of profession, and are often too hot to hold. He receiveth it straightway, without trying it; swallows it without chewing, and then there can never be a good digestion. Those are most likely to hold fast that which is good, that prove all things, (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Thirdly, they receive it with joy. Note, There are many that are very glad to hear a good sermon, that yet do not profit by it; they may be pleased with the word, and yet not changed and ruled by it. Fourthly, they endure for awhile, like a violent motion, which continues as long as the impression of the force remains, but ceases when that has spent itself. Note, Many endure for awhile, that do not endure to the end, (see Matthew 10:22); they did run well, but something hindered them, (see Galatians 5:7).