Sermon Notes:
1. Jesus wants our hearts and devotion over everything else on earth.
How does God change the soil of our hearts?
2. By listening to the Word of God.
3. By choosing to open your mind and heart to God.
4. When you stop being a fan and start being a follower.
5. By being aware of distractions.
6. Keep abiding in Christ.
Follow-up Questions from Sunday:
Quick Review:
Looking back at your notes from this week’s teaching, was there anything you heard for the first time or that caught your attention, challenged, or confused you?
Digging Deeper:
1. For the first two Sundays of this year, Pastor Frank shared about the certainty of the Word of God in our uncertain world. Last Sunday, he shared how the Word of God affects people differently from Matthew 13:1-23. Read Matthew 13:1-23 aloud in your group.
2. What four types of soil does Jesus mention? What characterizes each?
3. What does Jesus’ explanation of the parable (vs 18-23) reveal about the seed? About the various soils? Which soil best describes you?
4. What does Jesus say is required to get the condition of your heart like the fourth soil? Why do you think people find this so hard to do?
5. What are the “thorns” and “rocks” in your life which tend to choke out your spiritual growth (if left un- checked)? Please share.
6. Of the four soils, are you surprised that only one bears fruit? What do you think Jesus means by fruit?
7. Read Galatians 5:22-26; John 4:34-38; Philippians 1:11; Colossians 1:10. How would you describe what fruit is by these verses? When you look back on your walk with Jesus, which of these have you seen him produce in your life?
Prayer:
Close your group with prayer. What specific “thorns of worry” would you like the group to pray with you about?
Taking it Home:
Read through Matthew chapters 11-13 in order to understand the build up to this teaching.