When He Speaks // Preparing to Hear

John 10:3-5 NIV 

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Proverbs 3:6 MSG Listen for GOD's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Luke 8:8b NIV “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” 

Luke 8:5-8 NIV 

“A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” When he said this, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” 

Luke 8:11 NIV 

“This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the WORD OF GOD.” 

Luke 8:12 NIV 

Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 

1. The polluted heart. 

James 1:21 NLT 

Get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts, for it is strong enough to save your soul. 

Luke 8:13 NLT 

“The rocky soil represents those who hear the message with joy. But like young plants in such soil, their roots don't go very deep. They believe for a while, but they wilt when the hot winds of testing blow.” 

2. The distracted heart. 

Luke 8:14 

“The seed that fell among weeds stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way, they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they don’t mature.” 

3. The immature heart. 

Hebrews 12:1-2a GW 

Since we are surrounded by so many examples {of faith}, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus… 

Luke 8:15 NIV 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. 

4. The prepared heart. 

2 Corinthians 7:1b MSG Let’s make a clean break with everything that defiles or distracts us, both within and without. Let's make our entire lives fit and holy temples for the worship of God. 

QUESTIONS: 

1) God is always speaking, the condition of our heart makes all the difference in how we hear Him. What type of “soil” do you currently relate to the most in this season? 

2) In our culture today, distractions are everywhere. As a Believer, what are strategies you use to help filter out those distractions so that you can connect with God better? 

3) As Jesus followers, we all want to know God's will for our lives. In this new year, what specific things are you asking God for clarity on? How can we, as the Church, be praying for you?