A Firm Foundation

How can we ride the storms of life? How can we build such a firm foundation that nothing can shake? In uncertain times Jesus is the only certainty.

Overview

In another graphic summary of his sermon on the mount, Jesus demonstrates to all believers the benefit of applying His words in our lives.

Matt 7:24-29; Mark 1:21-22; Luke 6:47-49

  • Introduction
  • Building The Foundation
  • Riding the storm
  • Building on Sand
  • Christ, The Rock
  • Discussion

Objectives

To:

  • Build a lasting foundation
  • Understand Christ the Rock
  • Apply it to our personal lives

Bible Passage

Matthew 7:24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Cross references

The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust. Psalms 18:2

“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.” Prov 24:3

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:11

He is like a tree planted by streams of water. His leaf also does not wither. In all that he does he prospers. Psalm 1:3

Building on the Foundation

Matthew 7:24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

What “words” is Jesus referring to (Matt 5-7, Matt 5:17-20)? The entire Bible

What does hearing and doing involve? trusting and obeying to 100% best effort

Where do we slip? (1 Sam 15:22) on the 100% part – we cut corners

Riding the storm

In 1992,  when Hurricane Andrew,  destroyed thousands of homes in South Florida, one house remained standing. The homeowner said, “I built this house myself. I also built it according to the Florida state building code. [1]

Riding the storm

Matt 7:25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

Riding the storm

The storms push the eagle higher above the storm.

Just as the eagle rides the storm, we too can rise above to seek God and His high purposes in times of trouble.

Riding the storm

What storms push us under?

How can we ride the storms? (Phil 4:12,13)

How does the foundation help?

Building on Sand

Matthew 7:26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

What sands do we build on? Security on temporary things – money, fame, popularity, power, etc. The visible temporary uncertainties  as opposed to the invisible certainties.

Christ, the rock

Matthew 7:28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.

Discussion

1.Given that great men have failed, how do we ensure that we are building deep and not only high?

2.What are the signs that we are building on Christ?

3.How do we ensure material is right (rock not sand)?

4.What encouragement can we derive when we find we often stand alone?

References

  1. bible.org

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