And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.
Luke 8:14 KJV
Today, I wanted to bring up this verse as I thought it was interesting there are three distinct facets of life that choke the word brought up here. I’ll go over each one, and give an example from scripture so you can be on guard for those weeds of the world that attempt to choke you.
1. Cares
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 9:57-62 KJV
The Greek word for “cares” in Luke 8:14 is merimnah, meaning to divide one’s attention, creating anxiety. We can see the Lord correcting the men that wanted to follow him, but had many cares of life to focus on. The concept of losing your life and focusing wholly on the kingdom of God, echoed all throughout scripture, can be seen in the responses from the Lord.
2. Riches
And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 19:16-24 KJV
The Greek word for “riches” in Luke 8:14 is ploutos, meaning wealth, abundance, and riches. The rich man loved his riches, and the Lord loved him, telling him what he lacked. Notice just like the people who’s cares were threatening to choke them from following the Lord, this young man’s riches choked his opportunity. Another admonition to forsake all and follow Christ, and again, it’s echoed throughout scripture.
3. Pleasures
Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
2 Timothy 4:9-10 KJV
The Greek word for “pleasures” in Luke 8:14 is hēdonē, meaning that which pleases, a delight, a desire, a lust. Demas is an example of a man who desired the present world, whatever that might’ve been, and loving the world so much, he forsook his fellowlaborer Paul. He failed to crucify his flesh, and it shipwrecked his associations with the Body of Christ. No man having put his hand to the plough and looking back is fit!
These were all examples of being choked out by various cares, riches, and pleasures, and there are many more in the word of God. Always be circumspect lest one of these snares comes upon you unawares.
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psalm 119:105 KJV
10 Point Biblical test: here
Characteristics of a true, New Testament body: here
God be praised,
Akouo
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