BIG POINT: An important part of being a is cultivating a .
4 types of hearts represented by the 4 types of soil:
1. heart
2. heart
3. heart
4. heart
NOTES:
QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY
• Jesus often used stories to teach deep truth. What’s one story (from
a movie, book, or real life) that stuck with you and changed how you
think?
Read Matthew 13:1-23
• What are some things that have been an important part of your
growth as a follower of Christ? Explain what the seed is in the parable
and why it matters.
• What is God’s responsibility in our growth? Who is the sower and
what is their responsibility? What is your responsibility?
• Why do emotions alone not sustain spiritual growth? Can you think of
a time when difficulty revealed how deep (or shallow) your roots were?
• What are some “weeds” that tend to choke out God’s Word in your
life (worry, pleasure, money, approval, etc.)? What practical step can
you take this week to begin clearing that soil?
• How can we cultivate a receptive heart? What daily practices have
helped you stay rooted in God’s Word?
• Which “soil” do you most identify with right now, and why?
• Challenge: Will you commit to spending five minutes a day in the
Word and prayer this week? If so, what time of day will you do it—and
how can we as a group help keep each other accountable?
QUESTIONS FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION & APPLICATION
• Jesus said the seed produces fruit in good soil. What does spiritual
“fruit” look like in your life right now? Where would you like to see more
fruit?
• What’s one step you can take this week to prepare the soil of your
heart (e.g., start a reading plan, journal, join a group, serve someone?)