The Lifestyle of a DOER pt2 Becoming an Effective DOER Matthew 13:1-23
What is a DOER? Simply put a DOER is one that listens, responds and applies what the WORD OF GOD has instructed
Hearing God s Word Demands a Response It Requires Something from the Hearer
What is a TRAIT? A characteristic that distinguishes one individual from another. American Psychological Association (APA): traits. (n.d.). The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Retrieved July 07, 2012, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/traits
What are Behavioral Traits? 1. The Characteristics in which the way an individual acts, proceeds or takes action 2. *It is the Behavior an organism does automatically
A.What defines (identifies) our traits? i. The information encoded in our genes play a role in defining traits (hair, height color etc). But there are non-genetic factors, or environmental factors that assist in the influence of shaping our traits. Sometimes these environmental factors can even change a trait. i. Although most traits are inherited, Many traits are LEARNED BEHAVIORS determined by ones ENVIRONMENT
A DOER should be taught to respond to the Word of GOD by OBEYING IT! Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. (Mt 28:19-20 NRSV).
Ineffective Doers Hard Soil The Wayside Hearers are those who are completely unresponsive and unproductive. They make no attempt to understand the Kingdom so they will not understand the Word. Their hearts are hardened like the ground. It is on the condition of this unresponsive heart that Satan bases his attack and soon removes all spiritual impersonations.
Ineffective Doers Stony Soil The seed on the rocky ledge describes the case of the Shallow, Emotional Hearer. This hearer (stony ground) will appreciate the message and responds with joy! Although this response was set in motion, this hearer did not follow through with application. His roots (foundation) did not run deep; therefore, the hearer was incapable of withstanding the pressure of trials and persecution. They believed in the truth of the message, but yet did not place their faith in Jesus.
Ineffective Doers Among the Thorns Some hearers (thistles) will respond to the Word but not to the work due to preoccupation with worries of this life and the enticement of wealth. This is an indication that there will be believers who will not actively involve themselves in doing Kingdom business over their personal concerns lacking mature fruit..
The Effective Doer Good soil THis hearer (good ground) "hears the word and understands it". These will respond to the Word and apply it accepting the challenges of the work involved with varying degrees of success. This is the effective DOER!
How a Doer Automatically Responds to the Word 1. Desire to Learn from the Word of God It is good for me that I have been afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. (Ps 119:71) 1. BY Seeking to Understand it Give me understanding that I may learn your commandments. (Ps 119: 73) 1. Seek the Word of God. With my whole heart I seek you. Let me not wander from your commandments! (Ps 119: 10) 1. Rremember God s Word I will never forget your precepts for by them you have given me life. (v. 93)
1. Sing about God s Word Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my sojourning. (Ps 119: 54) 1. Meditate on God s Word. Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. (PS 119:97) 1. Declare it to Others. I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame. (Ps 119: 46) 1. With Joy You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps 16:11).
1. By Worshipping God I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything(ps 138:2). 1. With Tears For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. (Ne 8:9). 1. Obedience LORD, you are mine! I promise to obey your words(ps 119. 57 NLT)