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)