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)