OOTB Podcast - Having Ears to Hear: Valuing God’s Word, the Parable of the Sower, and Growing in Rev

Pastor Dustin welcomes back Bible teacher and elder Mike Merritt for a second discussion focused on deepening Bible-study wisdom from Proverbs and the parable of the sower, emphasizing the need to value God’s Word as seed that produces results. They explain why this parable appears in three Gospels and is a key to understanding all parables, highlighting how hearing involves more than natural ears—believers must also hear with the heart. Using the candle imagery in Mark and Luke, they connect revelation to growth, stressing that God is not hiding truth but reveals it in process and through faith. They cite Proverbs 20:27 and Ephesians 1’s prayer for wisdom and revelation, and unpack Proverbs 2:1–6 and Proverbs 1:7 to show that treasuring God’s commands, seeking wisdom, and a proper fear of the Lord enhance hearing and fruitfulness.

00:00 Welcome and Setup

01:18 Why the Sower Matters

03:11 Valuing the Word

05:04 Words as Seeds

05:42 Thorny Ground Explained

07:14 Two Sets of Ears

10:06 Gods Hearing Aid

11:30 Seed and Candle Link

15:36 God Reveals Not Hides

16:29 Spirit as Candle

16:55 Spirit As Gods Lamp

18:28 Hidden For Revelation

21:28 Seed And Church Growth

22:33 Praying For Wisdom

24:36 Proverbs Seek Wisdom

29:16 Fear Of The Lord

30:56 Parable Of The Soils

32:57 Dont Cherry Pick

33:46 Final Encouragement