Topical Sermons

 

Power Point Show    MP3 audio

 

Scripture Reading:  Matthew 7:24-29

 

On What Are You Building Your Life?

 

Intro.

1.  Prov. 4:7 (5-9) – Wisdom is the principle thing.

2.  Jas. 3:13-18:  Two choices: Wisdom from above is shown through its (our) good works (Earthly wisdom seen by its works, too).

3.  Matt. 7:24-27 – A simple contrast between wisdom & foolishness that applies to everyone’s life.  We are all building our lives on some sort of foundation that carries with it eternal consequences.

 

I.  THE FOOLISH MAN:  BUILDING ON SAND 7:26-27.

   -(This person hears but does not obey Jesus – cf. Jas. 4:17; Lk. 8:14)

   -Some reasons for (ways of) not obeying Jesus’ words:

  A.  Rebellion - 1 Sam. 15:22-23.

    1.  By changing Christ’s words 15:22; cf. 15:3, 9; Gal. 1:6-7.

      a.  Call evil good & good evil (Isa. 5:20).

      b.  When God’s commands of morality, true worship, godliness, etc. are changed in favor of human wisdom, rebellion occurs!

    2.  Disobedience is rejection of God’s word 15:23; 13:13-14.

    3.  Today:  Become a Christian; Separate from world; Treat spouse properly; Neighbor; children.......Are you rebelling?

  B.  Ignorance (cf. Eph. 5:17).

    1.  Leads to:

      a.  Error – Matt. 22:29.

      b.  Alienation from God – Eph. 4:18.

      c.  Sinful lusts – 1 Pet. 1:14.

    2.  No excuse for sin – Lev. 5:17.  -Doesn’t remove the guilt of sin

    3.  Can be remedied – Acts 3:17, 19 – Repent & be converted!

         -Study – learn - live

  C.  Apathy.

    1.  Spiritual indifference is punished – Zeph. 1:12; Matt. 24:48-51.

    2.  Serve the Lord with diligence – Rom. 12:11; Gal. 6:9.

    3.  Characteristic of one who hears but doesn’t obey Jesus’ words!

  D.  Ritualism.

    1.  Lip service – Matt 15:6-9 -- Hypocrisy.

    2.  Hated by God – Amos 5:21-24.

  E.  Feelings.

    1.  Deceptive, yet comforting – Prov. 28:26 (14:12).

    2.  Feelings can interfere with righteousness – cf. Jas. 1:19-20.

    3.  Cf. Saul – Acts 26:9-11 (23:1; 24:16).

 

II. THE WISE MAN:  BUILDING ON ROCK 7:24-25.

  A.  The Rock of Obedience (Two Parts):

    1.  Hear the words of Christ – Lk. 8:8, 18 (Matt. 13:16, 23).

         {Rom. 10:17; Jno. 6:44-45; Acts 17:11-12}

    2.  Do the words of Christ – Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9.

         -Obedience is faith & love at work 1 Jno. 5:1-4.

 

Conclusion

1.  Prov. 10:25; 12:7 – The house of the righteous shall stand (cf. Rom. 1:16-17).

2.  Jas. 3:13 - Are you building your life upon the sand or the rock?

 

 

-(Adapted from chart by Harry Osborne)