Sermon Discussion: Hiddenness and Hearing
Mark 4:21–25
The following outline and discussion questions have been prepared to accompany the sermon from May 5, 2019 “Hiddenness and Hearing.” These questions can be used for discussion in small groups, family devotions, or for personal reflection. (PDF Link)
Main Idea: Hearing is necessary but it is never sufficient.
Outline:
God Conceals Spiritual Truth so that He can Reveal it (Mark 4:21–22)
God Promises us that Diligent Hearing Leads to Greater Understanding (Mark 4:23–24)
God Cautions us that Lackadaisical Hearing Leads to Greater Ignorance (Mark 4:25)
Discussion Questions:
1. How is Jesus’ parable of the lamp in Mark 4:21–22 different than his lamp imagery in Matthew 5:14–16? (1) Who is the lamp in each text? (2) How is the lamp’s “hiddenness” different in each text? (3) How might you summarize the message of each text in one sentence?
2. Why did God choose to temporarily conceal the mission and identity of Jesus? (hint: 3 reasons)
3. What is Jesus trying to emphasize by citing the parable in verse 24?
4. How does the proverb in verse 24 relate to the parable in verses 21–22? (What does he want to motivate people to do?)
5. How do the last two phrases in verse 24 help us understand the true nature of spiritual understanding?
6. What is the ultimate goal of Spiritual understanding? (Cf. Rom 10:17; Gal 3:2; Pss 16:11)
Application:
7. As you look back on your life how have you witnessed the proverb in verses 24–25 play out in your life and the lives of those around you?
8. As you consider your conversion experience, what drove you to embrace Jesus in faith and repentance? (i.e., Was it merely that someone answered all of your questions or was there a moment where everything you had heard fell into place?)
9. How can the promise in verse 24—Spiritual understanding is not a human ability or achievement, but a spiritual capacity that God himself creates in human hearts through the hearing of the gospel—encourage you to continue sharing the gospel with the 8–15 people in your circle of influence? How can this promise fuel your faith in the gospel as you share the gospel?
10. While it is true that American Christians intentionally avoid theological studies, how can the study of difficult doctrines fuel your discipleship and ever-deepening enjoyment of Jesus?
11. How were you personally impacted by this message?
12. What do you sense God calling you to do as a result of this message?