Pastor J.C. Heiden kicks off the final part of our 10-month exploration on the Gospel of Luke with a new series called “Stories Worth Living: Parables of the Kingdom.” This first message is the parable of the sower from Luke 8:1-15.
SERMON OUTLINE
“Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1)
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Luke 8:15)
What is the Kingdom of God?
- Understanding the Story of God: Creation Fall Redemption Restoration
- The Kingdom of God = The Rule & Reign of Jesus over all things.
- The Kingdom of God is Already here but Not Yet fully realized.
What is the Good News?
- “God himself has come to rescue and renew all creation (including you and me) through the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
- The Implications of the Gospel for My Past, My Present & My Future
The Purpose of the Parables (Luke 8:4-10)
4 Types of Soil = 4 Conditions of the Human Heart (Luke 8:11-15)
- On the Path
- On the Rocky Ground
- Among the Thorns
- On the Good Soil
Gospel Growth in My Life
- Tools for Gospel Growth
Gospel Growth that Spreads into the Lives of Others
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Why do people love to go see a good movie or watch a good drama on TV? Think about your favorite movie. What is it about that movie or story that you find so compelling? Why does it draw you in?
- Which of the parables or teachings of Jesus have you found to be challenging or confusing?
- This week we begin a new series titled, “Stories Worth Living: Parables of the Kingdom” by looking at Luke 8:1-15. Take some time to begin your study in prayer, ask the Lord to speak to you through your study, and then read through Luke 8:1-15 out loud.
- Look at Luke 8:1-3. Imagine what it must have been like to be traveling around with Jesus from town to town, listening to his teaching. What do you think it was like to be part of this group of his followers?
- Jesus talked a lot about “the good news of the kingdom of God” throughout the gospels. What is “the good news of the kingdom of God?” If someone asked you to explain what He was talking about here, what you tell them? How you would answer that question in just a few sentences.
- Look at Luke 8:9-15. According to this parable, why do people find some of the teachings of Jesus confusing? What was different about those who took the time to follow up with Jesus and ask him about what this parable really meant?
- In Luke 8:12-15, which of these 4 types of soil can you most identify with in your life right now?
- Thoughtfully answer these 4 questions to apply the truths of this parable to our hearts and lives:
- Who is God? (What do we learn in this passage about the character and nature of God?)
- What has He done? (What does this passage teach us about the work of God?)
- Who are we in light of that? (What does this passage say about our identity?)
- How do we live? (In light of all of this, how does this passage impact what we do and how we live?)
- What will you do to foster “Gospel Growth” in your life and in the lives of others this summer?