H - urry
U - ndermines
H - earing
“Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway? But you say, ‘I can’t help it. I’m addicted to alien gods. I can’t quit.’” —Jeremiah 2v25 Message
we often struggle to
“Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they re like.” —Luke 6v46-47 NIV
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” —James 1:22 NIV
“They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
But the one who hears My words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck the house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” —Luke 6v48-49 NIV
“If you can’t understand the meaning of this parable, how will you understand all the other parables?” —Mark 4v13 NLT
“The farmer plants the seed by taking God’s word to others. The seed that fell on the footpath represents those who hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away.
The seed on the rocky soil represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots, they don’t last long. They fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s Word.
The seed that fell among the thorns represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for good things, so no fruit is produced.
And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” —Mark 4v14-20 NLT
- The Hard-Hearted Hearer
- The Shallow-Hearted Hearer
- The Crowded-Hearted Hearer
- The Fruitful-Hearted Hearer
hearing Jesus
Group Discussion Guide
Summary
In this message, Pastor Thomas-Steele Carr challenges us to examine how we listen to Jesus. Many of us live at such a fast pace that hurry undermines our hearing—not just in daily life but in our spiritual walk. Through relatable parenting stories, we see how distraction and busyness keep us from fully engaging with God’s Word.
Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (Mark 4:14-20) illustrates four types of hearers, revealing that not everyone who hears truly listens. Some are distracted, others are shallow, and some are overwhelmed by the worries of life. But those who listen with intention and consistency experience transformation and bear lasting fruit.
Key Takeaways
Hurry Undermines Hearing
When we rush through life, we struggle to truly hear and retain God’s Word. Slowing down is essential to being a devoted disciple of Jesus.
Devotion Requires Attention
We can’t say we’re devoted to Jesus if we don’t give Him our consistent focus. The more hurried and distracted we are, the harder it is to listen and obey.
Hearing Jesus Constantly Helps Us Follow Jesus Faithfully
Spiritual growth happens when we continually engage with Jesus’ words, not just hear them occasionally. A true disciple listens, applies, and bears fruit.
Discussion Questions
In today’s culture, we consume content at rapid speeds—sometimes even sermons and Bible teachings. How does this impact our ability to truly absorb and apply God’s Word? What can we do to slow down and listen with intention?
Think about your own spiritual life. When have you experienced a season of hurried or distracted hearing? How did it affect your faith, decisions, or relationship with Jesus?
Jesus warns that “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the desires for other things come in and choke the word.” What are some specific things in your life that tend to “choke out” time with God?
In Mark 4:14-20, Jesus describes four types of hearers. Which one do you most relate to right now? What practical steps can you take to move toward being the fruitful-hearted hearer?
In Luke 6:47-49, Jesus compares those who hear and obey His words to a house built on a firm foundation. What is one area of your life where you need to put Jesus’ words into practice right now? What would change if you truly applied His teaching?
Practical Application
Practice Active Listening in Conversations –
Whether with God, family, or friends, focus on fully listening before responding. This week, make an effort to slow down, be present, and engage in meaningful conversations—especially in prayer and Bible study.
Apply One Teaching from Jesus –
Choose one specific command or teaching from Jesus (e.g., loving your neighbor, forgiving someone, serving others) and intentionally put it into practice this week. Reflect on how this obedience strengthens your faith.