Sower, Seed, and Soils: STUDY GUIDE

Icebreaker: Are you a good listener, or are you easily distracted? Please share a couple of examples.

Sermon Title: The Path of Totality – “Sower, Seed, and Soils” – Matthew 13:1-23

Group Discussion:

Read Matthew 13:18-23 – Cultivate an open mind. What insights can we gain and apply from this passage about the conditions of our hearts in receiving and nurturing Jesus’ gospel truth? Justin mentioned fear, pride, and bitterness as potential barriers; so, what are some other barriers we may experience? How can we overcome such limitations?

Read James 1:21-25 – Allocate time to listen. What is the distinction between merely listening to the word of the Lord and actively doing the word of the Lord in our daily lives? What are practical strategies we can develop to ensure that we are not just hearers, but rather that we are obediently applying His words?

Read Ephesians 5:15-17 – Eliminate the distractions. To hear the Lord speak, we must be quiet. Justin mentioned distractions, such as life’s worries, riches, and pleasures. What are some practical strategies or habits we can practice to (1) declutter our lives, (2) discern the Lord’s will, and (3) intentionally align our paths with His purposes? Note: You might take time to discuss the “clutter” that dominates so many lives (e.g., diversions, disorder, and misguided priorities, among others).

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 – Cooperate with what the Lord says. Reflecting on your own experiences, what does it mean to cooperate with the Lord? How can we overcome challenges that we will undoubtably experience in cooperating with and following His counsel and purposes?

Read Romans 12:1-2 – What does the Lord want to transform? In practical terms, and in the context of our daily lives, what does it look like to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord? How can we actively engage in renewing our minds and allowing the Lord’s transformative processes to mold us as His disciples?

Spiritual Discipline:

Take time this week to study these scriptures about the totality of Jesus and His Transformative Power

Action Steps:

Through bible study, prayer, and Jesus-centered reflection this week, identify a specific aspect of your heart or character that you believe the Lord is currently working to transform. What steps are you taking to align with His will in this area, and how can others help support you in this journey of transformation?

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