Have you ever felt like smartphone notifications, bills, and endless to-do lists are choking the joy out of life?
You’re not alone. In 2020, the American Psychological Association report revealed that 77% of adults feel “paralyzed” by daily stress and worries—a modern echo of the 2,000-year-old wisdom found in Matthew 13 vs 22.
In this timeless parable, Jesus speaks about seeds falling among thorns, where “the care of this world” and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word.”
Sound familiar? It’s like trying to grow a garden while weeds of anxiety, materialism, and endless distractions fight for space in your mind.
But here’s the good news: this sermon holds the key to breaking free from the suffocating grip of worldly concerns.
Together, we’ll explore how this verse isn’t just an old story – it’s a practical guide to untangling ourselves from life’s thorny issues and finding genuine peace in a world that never seems to slow down.
THE CARE OF THIS WORLD
We will take our text from the Book of Matthew 13 vs 22(KJV):
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
The care of this world above represents various earthly or material things such as money, cars, and houses.
It could also be relationships such as marriages, business, friends and associates, etc.
Am I saying all these material things are bad? No way, God is not against us having a good Life on earth and enjoying material comfort or pleasure but we shouldn’t allow these things to alter the course of our Lives in an opposing direction to God’s plan for our Lives.
I have always told my wife that “I can never allow money to direct my life or determine how I will live. Why? Because if we give ourselves to its control, we might find ourselves in a place we never planned.
This I know without a shadow of a doubt that it isn’t God’s will. If so, how do I live? I simply trust God to richly provide for my family.
I know he is a good God; goodness is consistent with his Character. He has said he will never leave me nor forsake me. My faith is in what he has done and spoken.
Secondly, the care of this world suppresses or prevents us from enjoying true peace that comes with contentment.
Have you not seen the rich of this world taking their life even with so much money? Why is that? Am sure you know the answer.
From Matthew 13 vs 22, “the seed” represents the “WORD OF GOD”, and “the thorns” represent the care of this world and the “deceitfulness of riches”.
Let’s see other bible verses that talk about “the deceitfulness of riches”. We have Mark 4 vs 19:
And the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lust of other things entering in, choke the Word, and it becometh unfruitful.
1 Timothy 6 vs 17: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the Living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.
1 Timothy 6 vs 10: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
What are the lessons from these bible verses above?
- The Deceitfulness or riches and the lust of other things can choke the Word.
- We shouldn’t trust in uncertain riches, emphasis on “uncertain riches” instead we are commanded to trust “the giving God”
- Money is not the root of ALL EVIL but the “LOVE OF MONEY”
- The Bible frowns against being covetous instead we should be contended with what God has said concerning his Character.
In addition, you can see in Matthew 13 vs 22 that the care of this world can make God’s word unfruitful in our lives…. Shocked right?
I didn’t say so but from the lips of Jesus. When we allow these human ventures to hold us down, we become unfruitful and unproductive,
Although as a believer, the suppressions that come as a result of the anxieties of this world do not take away your salvation, however, they can make you very miserable in the sense that physical or material acquisition does not and cannot satisfy our spiritual needs, they only satisfy the flesh.
The human wants are insatiable, all cravings of the flesh CANNOT satisfy you, ONLY ETERNAL LIFE CAN TRULY SATISFY.
1 Timothy 6 vs 6: But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Apostle Paul admonished the believers in Colossians 3 vs 1 – 3 to put the things of the Spirit first and not allow our quest for earthly success to suppress our growth and fruitfulness in Christ.
Verse 1: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Verse 2: Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Verse 3: For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
As we stay committed to growing daily in the word of God, we will surely put the things of the Spirit ahead of our quest for earthly success.
LIFE IS MORE THAN MEAT
In Matthew 6 vs 24 – 34, Jesus admonished the crowd on how to live without sorrow in this World, he said in verse 24 that we cannot save God and mammon (money).
One must have total control over us. In verses 25 and 31, Jesus went on to say we shouldn’t take any thought for our life. How?
By saying what shall we eat, what shall we drink and put on? The reason is that Life is more than meat, more than money and the body more than clothing.
In Matthew 6 vs 26, Jesus made a startling statement: Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are you not much better than they?
Matthew 6 vs 32 and 33 tell us that the Father knows that we have need of all these things. Yes! God knows he didn’t forget, he doesn’t forget!
We are now in God’s kingdom, we have his righteousness, therefore all these things shall be added unto us. Amen!
In Luke 18 vs 22 – 23, we encounter a profound narrative of spiritual choice.
Jesus confronts a wealthy young man, challenging him to sell everything and give to the poor – a radical test of true discipleship.
The man’s response reveals a heart more attached to material wealth than spiritual transformation.
His deep sorrow and ultimate decision to walk away symbolize a critical spiritual crossroads: choosing temporal possessions over eternal treasures or realities.
This moment powerfully illustrates how financial attachments can become spiritual barriers, preventing individuals from experiencing genuine spiritual freedom and connection with divine purpose.
The young rich man’s reaction demonstrates the seductive power of wealth and its potential to obstruct one’s spiritual journey, serving as a timeless warning about prioritizing earthly riches over spiritual growth.
CONCLUSION
Salvation comes through believing in the gospel. A person is saved by faith alone, which comes from hearing the message of Christ.
The responsibility of salvation rests with the Savior and is received through faith.
After being saved, a believer’s journey continues. They must nurture their faith by studying God’s word, growing spiritually, and becoming fruitful in Christ.
Believers are called to serve Christ and engage in ministry.
However, many Christians struggle to grow strong in their faith after salvation.
Various challenges can hinder spiritual development, with the “care of this world” being a significant obstacle.
Jesus shared a powerful parable in Matthew 13 vs 22 to teach believers how to remain steadfast in their faith.
He revealed how worldly concerns can suppress spiritual growth, preventing believers from reaching their full potential in Christ.
Salvation is just the beginning. Spiritual growth is a continuous journey that requires dedication, focus, and resistance to worldly distractions.
Stay Blessed!
My passion lies in reaching out to young adults in communities and schools, witnessing the transformative power of faith in their lives.
This blog extends my ministry, sharing insights, encouraging believers, and exploring Christ's teachings in daily life.
Welcome, Brother James.
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