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Secret of the Soils Sermon

Joe Gordon [Executive Pastor of Ministries]

Scripture References & Sermon Points

• Scripture Reference: Luke 8: 4-15, Galatians 5:22-23,  1 John 2:19

• Sermon Point 1 = Hard Soil

• Sermon Point 2 = Rocky Soil

• Sermon Point 3 = Thorny Soil

• Sermon Point 4 = Good Soil

Sermon Discussion Questions

Get to know me: The purpose of these questions is to generate responses that are self-revealing and informative. Feel free to ask all of these questions to your group or simply choose the one that best fits your group.

1. Think of a time when you were told a story (not from Scripture) that was meant to teach a lesson. What was the story? What was the lesson being taught? Did the lesson being taught as a story make it easier or harder to understand?

Into the Bible: The purpose of these questions is to draw group members into the Bible to discover the truth from passages that were not the primary text for the weekend message.

1. Read Ephesians 3:1-13. Paul mentions the word ‘mystery’ several times in these verses. Mystery in Scripture isn't the same as the mystery being solved by some meddling kids and a dog in a van. Mystery, plainly, is something revealed that once wasn't fully known, or hidden. How would you summarize this mystery from these verses in Ephesians?

2. Read John 20:21-26. This passage is from the end of what we call Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer from the night He is betrayed. In v.20 Jesus says, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word”, speaking about His followers to come until He returns. Does this passage suggest everyone goes to heaven or only some? If only some, what qualifies them? (See also Romans 10:9-13)

Application: The purpose of these questions is to apply the main points from the weekend message.

1. Read Luke 8:5,12. Jesus says the seed will be trampled, and Satan will take away the Word so it won't be believed. How in our current day does Satan interfere with people to reject the Word? What ways do we have to battle against him?

2. Read Luke 8:6,13. Jesus tells us people will receive His Word but reject it in times of trial. Where in scripture, specifically the Gospel letters, does Jesus talk about suffering and what does He say? 

3. Read Luke 8:7,14. Salvation is a free gift from God (Romans 1:16; Ephesians 1:13, 2:8-9). That gift comes from Jesus, who told us to follow Him, denying our self desires and passions (Luke 9:23-24). What are ways in which people reject Jesus even though they claim to follow Him? (Find Scripture to go along with your answers)

4. Read Luke 8:8,15. The Gospel isn't a one time event but an active work of Jesus. Jesus describes living out the Gospel by followers who, “hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” How is this done? How do true disciples persevere and endure?