"He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear"

Discussion Questions

Sermon Overview 

True "hearing" produces real fruit.

Digging Deeper    

Read Luke 8:4-21 

1. Verse 10 seems odd at first, but it was meant to shock the crowds into truly hearing. How does verse 9 help us understand how to truly hear?

2. What are four different soils? How are they similar? How are they different? 

3. What might it look like when “the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved” (verse 12)?   

4. What is the problem with the rocky soil (v. 6 & 13)? What is the result?  What is a takeaway for us here? 

5. The thorny soil represents “those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life.” (v. 14). Are there “cares and riches and pleasures of life” that are (to one degree or another) choking out the rightful place of the word of God in your life? Please share.   

6. What would it look like to be a member of CrossWay, while also being: 

(a) path-like ground

(b) rocky ground

(c) thorny ground

7. Which type would you be most likely to become without even noticing?

8. Of the application points in the sermon, which did you find the most helpful?

9. How do you see others in our group holding fast to the word in honest and good hearts and bearing fruit with patience? (v. 15) 

10. What determines nearness to God in the last parable? (see verse 21).

11. What do you think it means to “bear fruit with patience?” Read John 15:5-6 and James 5:7-8 for more insight. 

12. Who is one person who faithfully shared the word of God with you so you could hear it? What would you say to them if they were sitting here today?  

13. There are still many people who need to hear the word of God. As you think about sharing the gospel with others, how does this passage challenge or encourage you?   

Prayer