Parable of the Sower

This parable teaches that there are four classes of hearers of the preached Word of God: 1) Those who hear "by the wayside"; 2) Those who receive the word on "stony ground"; 3) Those who are choked by thorns; and 4) Those whose hearts are fertile ground. The parable teaches that there are three ways of receiving the Word of God without profit and only one class that receives the Word to their everlasting good. Many Christians hear the Word, but few hear it with profit. The parable demands that one examine himself to determine which class represents him.