Luke 8:4-15 – Hearers of the Word

This parable is full of warnings to those who hear God’s Word. First, we are to beware the devil. The devil is working all the time to stop or slow us down from growing as Christians. He wants to prevent as many as he can from being saved. From the devil come our wandering thoughts, lazy minds, sleepy eyes, fidgety nerves, tired ears, and distracted attention during the preaching of God’s Word. We will always find the devil at Church, and we must be on our guard against his distractions.

The second warning is to be careful of resting on temporary impressions when we hear God’s Word. A sermon may make us feel sorry for our sins. It may make us rejoice; we may become angry at the sinful world or fired up with enthusiasm to tell others of Christ. But as soon as the benediction has been pronounced, all those emotions can often fly away leaving us with no lasting impression. Emotions are important, but unless they take root in our heart and soul producing Godly fruit, we are like the stony hearers – a temporary passion for the things of God that dies out the moment trouble comes.

The third warning is to beware the things of this world. Sitting in our pews, listening to God’s Word, we may resolve to better obey our Lord. But as soon as the service is over the worries and excitements of our lives drive all thoughts of spiritual things out. The things of God, family and private worship, become less a priority, and the things of the world grow in importance to us.

The final warning is to beware of being content with faith that does not bear fruit in our lives. If our lives do not show evidence that we have put our trust in Christ and live to love and obey Him, we have an empty, dead faith that is no faith at all. True faith will bear fruit in our lives.

Questions
1. What is the devil’s goal?
2. What must true faith do?

Prayer Points
1. Pray that our faith would produce fruit in our lives.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.