HEART HEALTHY SUMMER SERIES: THE GOOD HEART

LUKE 8:4-18 (LESSON 8) July 22^nd, 2018

“He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Luke 8:8c

OPENING (PICK ONE OR MORE): Are you a good listener? What are the qualities or characteristics of being a good listener? Do you know what God is saying to you on a consistent basis? Why?

TEXT: Read Luke 8:1-21 in your favorite translations. IF TIME PERMITS: Read Matthew 13 and Mark 4.

1.        Luke 8:4-21: Circle or highlight the key words, phrases or concepts that are repeated. How many times did you find the word/phrase that emphasizes “hear” or “listen”? Is Jesus more concerned about what we hear or how we hear? How do you hear, when the WORD is spoken?

2.        SOIL #1: The first soil represents a hard heart that has been trampled on! What type of person do you believe Jesus is referring too?  What do hard hearts look like today? In what ways do you have a hard heart? What steps can we take to soften our hearts towards God’s WORD?

3.        SOIL #2: The second soil represents a shallow heart with no depth for moisture.  What type of person might Jesus have in mind here? What do shallow hearts look like today? In what ways does a shallow heart let feelings and emotions determine their actions? Do you believe your heart has depth to hear the WORD of God? What can you do to add depth to your heart?

4.        SOIL #3: The third soil represents a thorny heart that chokes out opportunity to grow. Is this warning for a believer or unbeliever?  In what ways do thorny hearts still exist today? In what ways do the distractions of life and divided loyalties keep you from hearing the WORD of God? What steps can you take to eliminate the thorns in your life? Are you aware of your thorns?

5.        SOIL #4: The fourth soil represents a good and emotionally healthy heart that bears much fruit. What does an honest and good heart (ESV) mean to you? What do you think it meant to Jesus? Why is a good heart so important to listening to God’s Word? Are good hearts automatically given to Christians or do they need to be developed? What steps must we take to develop and then protect our hearts to remain good? What role does emotional health play in being good?

FINAL STEP: Read Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-25, Luke 8:4-21. Prayerfully ask the Lord to show you which soil best represents your heart and what steps you need to take to ensure that your heart is good and responsive to the WORD. Make a list of some steps you can take to be a better hearer.

NEXT STEP: Go to https://www.emotionallyhealthy.org/personal-assessment/ and take an emotional health assessment to know and to develop your heart. Start the 40 Day Joy Challenge today.