Gospel of Mark Bible Part 23: How Well Do You Listen? [Bible Study]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Jun 28
- 2 min read
Bible Study Title: How Well Do You Listen? – Hearing With the Heart
Scripture Focus: Mark 4:24
Opening Prayer
Lord, help us to be more than hearers of Your Word. Teach us to listen with open hearts, to obey what we hear, and to grow in faith and maturity through Your truth.
Introduction
Jesus often said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” This was more than a call to pay attention—it was a call to receive His Word deeply and act on it. How we listen determines the spiritual fruit we bear.
Bible Reading
Read Mark 4:24, then compare with James 1:22-25 and Luke 8:15.
Section 1 – What You Put In is What You Get Out
Jesus warns: “By your standard of measure it will be measured to you” (Mark 4:24).
If we invest little time in God’s Word, prayer, and obedience, we reap little spiritual growth.
James 4:8 reminds us: “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to “measure out” your attention to God?
How does the time you spend with God affect your spiritual stability?
Section 2 – Three Types of Listeners
Dull of Hearing (Hebrews 5:11-12; Isaiah 6:9-10)
Hear but do not truly listen.
Remain spiritually immature because they avoid obedience.
Itching Ears (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
Seek teachers who tell them what they want to hear.
Avoid sound doctrine because it makes them uncomfortable.
Noble and Good Heart (Luke 8:15; Acts 17:11)
Listen eagerly.
Study the Scriptures to confirm the truth.
Obey and persevere, bearing fruit.
Reflection: Which listener type best describes you today? Which one do you want to be?
Section 3 – Why Good Listening Matters
It Brings Blessing – Those who truly listen gain deep understanding (Matthew 13:16-17; Ephesians 1:3).
It Produces Saving Faith – Faith comes by hearing God’s Word (Romans 10:17; John 20:31).
It Bears Fruit – Only those who listen and understand can produce lasting results (Colossians 1:6).
It Guards Against Apostasy – Listening to truth protects from false teaching (1 Timothy 4:1-2).
Discussion Questions:
How can careful listening protect you from false doctrine?
What blessings have you received by listening to God’s Word carefully?
Section 4 – Steps to Listen Better
Approach the Word as worship, not routine.
Listen with the intent to obey (Ezekiel 33:30-32).
Avoid hearing without doing (James 1:22-25).
Remove distractions that keep you from focused listening.
Reflection: What specific change can you make this week to improve your listening to God’s Word?
Memory Verse
Luke 8:15 – “But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance.”
Closing Challenge
Don’t just hear—listen with the goal of obedience. Let the Word sink deep, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform you into a fruitful disciple.
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