Erlo Stegen emphasizes the dual nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, highlighting the ongoing spiritual warfare on earth where good and evil coexist. He explains that while Jesus is the sower of good seed, the enemy, represented by the devil, sows tares among the wheat, leading to confusion and conflict. Stegen warns against allowing anything to take precedence over Jesus in our lives, stressing that He must remain the cornerstone and the ultimate priority. The sermon calls for vigilance against the devil's schemes, urging believers to choose life and remain steadfast in their faith. Ultimately, the message is a reminder of the final judgment where the righteous will be gathered into God's kingdom while the wicked will face destruction.

R.A. Torrey explores the contrasting attitudes of Martha and Mary in their service to Jesus, emphasizing that while Martha was busy with tasks, Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His teachings. Torrey highlights that Martha's distraction with serving led to anxiety and a lack of spiritual focus, while Mary exemplified the importance of prioritizing communion with Christ over mere service. Jesus gently rebukes Martha, reminding her that the one thing needful is to be occupied with Him rather than being overwhelmed by many concerns. The sermon illustrates that true discipleship involves both active service and meditative listening, with Jesus affirming that receiving from Him is more valuable than working for Him. Ultimately, Torrey encourages believers to seek a balance between service and spiritual nourishment.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the radical commitment required to follow Christ, illustrating that true discipleship demands prioritizing love for Christ above all earthly relationships, including family. He references Jerome's powerful declaration that one must be willing to 'trample upon' familial ties to reach Christ, underscoring the necessity of placing Christ first in our lives. Brooks argues that any love for others that surpasses our love for Christ indicates a lack of true devotion to Him.

A.W. Tozer emphasizes the radical call of Christ to prioritize Him above all earthly relationships and loyalties, asserting that true discipleship requires a willingness to sacrifice personal attachments and even one's own life for the sake of following Christ. He highlights that faith introduces a higher loyalty, demanding that Christ takes precedence over family, country, and self. Tozer warns that in a culture of comfortable Christianity, it takes spiritual insight and genuine faith to embrace this challenging truth, urging believers to seek divine illumination and strength before it's too late.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the tragic choice of the Gergesites, who preferred their swine over the presence of Jesus Christ. He illustrates how worldly attachments can blind individuals to the greater value of salvation, as they chose to plead for Christ to leave rather than lose their pigs. This reflects a deep spiritual blindness where material possessions are prioritized over eternal life. Brooks warns that such preferences lead to spiritual damnation, as the Gergesites demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice their souls for earthly gain. Ultimately, he calls for a reevaluation of what truly matters in life, urging believers to prioritize Christ above all else.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the danger of overvaluing earthly comforts and mercies, warning that when we prioritize them over Christ, we risk losing them. He illustrates that our hearts should be reserved for Christ alone, as He will not tolerate any rivals in our affections. Brooks cautions that indulging in these mercies can lead to spiritual idolatry, resulting in God removing those very blessings we cherish. He reminds Christians that true joy and comfort come from placing Christ at the center of our hearts, rather than allowing creature comforts to take His place. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a re-evaluation of our priorities, urging believers to ensure that Christ remains on the throne of their hearts.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the tragic choice of the Gergesenes, who preferred their worldly possessions over the presence of Christ, illustrating how an inordinate love for the world can lead to spiritual barrenness. He warns that when hearts are filled with worldly desires—be it wealth, pleasure, or honor—there is no room for divine growth or comfort. Brooks highlights the folly of choosing temporary gains over eternal salvation, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with Christ above all else.