“Fourth Soil Thinking”… and the Judgement to Come

My reading this morning landed me on 2 verses that I just had to share. As they say “Perspective Is Everything”…
“But some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. But as he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come, Felix became frightened and said ‘Go away for the present and when I find time I will summon you’”. (Acts 24:24,25)

The leaders of the Jews brought Paul to the Governor Felix to have him condemned because Paul was “upsetting the Jews” with his teachings about Jesus. Felix put him under house arrest for a while but called Paul to him for a personal conversation (not official business) to ask him about Jesus. 

The greatest witness Jesus ever had spoke of Righteousness, Self Control, and Judgement in the brief time he had with a Governor who could condemn him. It scared the heck out of Felix who sent him away.

If we followed modern evangelical teaching about Christianity is that what they would tell us we should say about Jesus? Would Paul’s message “sell” very well? Has the entire message about Christianity been reduced to some sound bites that do “sell well” and just teach that “Jesus loves you just the way you are… pray, come to church, and read your Bible…”?

Partial truth does not necessarily represent the Whole Truth. Obviously Paul thought it was important enough – and he had the guts – to share the whole truth with a man who had the authority to condemn him to death. 

While Paul probably scared Felix with the judgement for non believers (cast into the lake of fire as depicted in Revelation 20:15), believers will face a judgement as well. Perhaps one of the most sobering and penetrating passages of scripture was given to us by Peter in 1 Peter 1:17:

“If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth.”

That passage merits bolding every word in it, not just “if”. Don’t read it the same way you read texts and emails. Meditate on it. How often do we hear that we will be judged according to everything we do while on the planet earth? Have we bought into the deception that some were “called” to be professionals in the business (of Christianity) but I wasn’t, so I’m just a believer who goes to church, attends small group, reads my Bible, prays, and try’s to treat people well?

What “work” that I have done will be filtered through the fire Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15? “each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved…”

Will praying, being good, reading my Bible, attending small group, qualify as “work” that “each man” will be judged for that was referred to in the passage?

If this hasn’t been sobering enough, that passage does not say “if your pastor’s or Bible teacher’s work (who you supported financially) remains, you will receive a reward commensurate to their works”. While Luke quoted Jesus as saying “give and it will be given to you” (Luke 6:38), you need to ask yourself whether your financial support of others will gain you all the reward God promises in these passages. Remember, Jesus condemned the wealthy for giving of their excess and glorified the widow who gave all she had (Mark 12:41-44). The struggle we have is at what point are we sacrificially giving? At what point will the Judge qualify it as a work that merits reward?

The purpose of the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:18-23) is to guide us to strive for “The Fourth Soil”. Sure, the third soil will occupy much of our time, but if we aren’t focused on the Fourth Soil, we will not bear much fruit for the kingdom.

If this has gotten your attention, pray and ask the true King how you can better serve Him with your Time, Talents, and Treasure.  Meditate on 1 Corinthians 12. Ask God what gifts He gave you so you could further His kingdom. Meditate on Matthew 6:20 and ask yourself – and God – how well you are storing treasure in heaven. Meditate on Psalm 90 and pray as Moses did that God would “teach us to number our days that we may present to You a heart of wisdom.”

Perhaps the most common plaque in Christian homes states “but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 25:15). Now that you’ve read your Bible, prayed, and gone to church (zoom or in person), what are you doing to serve the Lord? You will be judged for it. Are you ready for your final exam? It could come tomorrow. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago… the second best is today.

God Bless!

Stay in the Spiritual Gym!