Being Human Part 3
Speaker: Pastor Pierre duPlessis
Scripture References: Mark 4:3-9, 10,13-20; John 1:1, Hebrews 4:12,2 Timothy 3:17-19
Discussion Questions
1. What is your overall response to the sermon and review?
2. How does listening differ from hearing?
3. What steps can you take to understand Scripture better?
4. Not listening is costly. Give Scripture references or ones that are current.
5. Tell about a time you experienced pain in your life because you did not listen.
6. What makes God’s Word so powerful? See Hebrews 4:12, John 1:1, and second, second Timothy 3:17-19
7. Review Mark 4:3-9. Identify the various kinds of soil where the seed landed. Give examples for each kind that will not produce the expected harvest. Explain why not.
Sermon Summary
There are reasons why Jesus spoke to the masses in parables. Parables are stories that are intended to elicit a spiritual response from its listeners. They do not confront a person’s flaws, but instead seek to invite them to reflect on what part of the story impacts them personally. The crowds were intrigued and followed Jesus because no one ever spoke to them the way He did. Yet many walked away confused including his disciples. They asked Jesus privately what the parable of The Sower meant. The Parable of the Sower has two major parts. The first part pertains to identifying the seed, and the sower, and the second major part pertains to types of soil where the seed lands. Jesus explained to His disciples that the seed is the Word of God. God created all things by the power of His Word. Complete the following Scripture references: What do they each claim about God’s Word?
Heb. 4:12...Word of God is living and active...full of power...
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word,and... .
Timothy 3:17-19 Every part of Scripture is God breathed...
The breath that gave life to “mud,” (Adam), is still the same breath that comes when you read Scripture. In other words, it's not simply letters, it’s the breath of God that brings the life of God on the inside of you. The sower is simply the person spreading the Word of God. Then He talks about the four soils. Read Mark 4:13-20. In order for a seed to produce a harvest, the seed must be cultivated and nourished, much the same way we have to cultivate the seed of the Word of God inside of us, otherwise the seed becomes impotent. Reading God's Word, prayer and community are essential to our spiritual growth. Mark helps us identify the only type of soil guaranteed to bring the expected harvest. The good soil that has been carefully cultivated, nourished and protected. God wants us to live good lives, but not at the expense of an anemic heart. Read the Word of God, meditate upon it, memorize it. In time, like the seed that was planted in your heart that you nourished, it will produce the life in Christ that He promised.
