Underlying question: 

What do we make of the mixed responses to Jesus’ ministry?

Understand three causes of hearing loss (fruitlessness):

1. Path: Philosophies of this present evil age.
2. Rocky soil: Suffering.
3. Thorny soil: Pleasure.

Understand three implications for evangelists (sowers):

In light of mixed results…

1. We must not tamper with God’s word.
2. We must trust the sovereignty of God.
3. We must cast the seed everywhere.

Application question: 

Is the Gospel tilling up the soil of your heart making it evermore fruitful or are you hard of hearing?