J. C. Ryle reminds us of a key truth in Matthew 13:1-223, our passage for today. Jesus tells the parable of the sower.
Like the sower, the preacher CANNOT GIVE LIFE. He can scatter the seed committed to his charge, but cannot command it to grow. He may offer the word of truth to a people, but he cannot make them receive it and bear fruit. To give life is God’s sovereign prerogative. “It is the Spirit who gives life.” God alone can “give the increase.” (John 6:63. 1 Cor. 3:7.)
Knowing God through His Word ... Day by Day 