Sermon Outline:
- The Gospel is a mystery to those who are outside of the Kingdom of God
- Some never show interest in the Gospel because of their hard hearts
- Some show interest but when trouble arises because of the Gospel they fall away
- Some show interest but when good things come they fall away
- Only God-softened hearts truly embrace the Gospel and bear fruit
Family Discussion Questions:
- What was the parable that Jesus told?
- Did the 12 disciples understand it at first?
- Why is it that many people do not trust in the Gospel of Jesus?
- What do each of the “soils” represent?
- The good soil represents true believers in Jesus. How do we explain how that soil (heart) is different than the others?
- How does this teaching give us reason for thankfulness, for confidence, and for hope?
- What does it mean to bear fruit and why is it necessary fruit?
- Does bearing fruit save you?
- Are there less weeds and rocks in the lives of true Christians? What weeds and rocks can you ask for help with from God and other church members?
- Which of the soils represented your own heart before you truly became a Christian?
- How does this parable show us to an even greater degree, why we needed Jesus to die for our sins and rise from the dead?
