Building the RIGHT House Matthew 7:24-27

Introduction: Good evening Beechwood family! We’re continuing our series on building strong foundations in God’s Word. This evening, we’ll look at Matthew chapter 7. We’ve been in Matthew on Sunday evenings with the Sermon on the Mount, but tonight, we’ll land BEYOND the Sermon on The Mount and hear Jesus teach on how you and I need to not only build on the right foundation, but w also need to make sure that we’re building the right house on that foundation. I hope you’ve found Matthew 7 by now. Let’s read beginning at verse 24:

TEXT:

As we explore this passage, let's dive deeper into three specific areas, and we’ll see each unfold the richness of God's Word and challenging us to a life rooted in obedience.

I. The Foundation Matters

I. In Matthew 7:24, Jesus declares, "Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock."

The foundation matters because it determines the strength and stability of our lives.

In the context of Matthew 7:24-27, the foundation represents the core principles and values upon which we build our lives, homes, and families. Here's why the foundation matters and how believers can build their homes on the Solid Rock of faith in and obedience to Jesus:

Source of Stability and Security:

The foundation serves as the source of stability and security in our lives. In a world filled with uncertainties and challenges, believers need a foundation that is unshakable. Faith in Jesus Christ provides a solid and unwavering foundation. When our homes are built on the Solid Rock of faith, we can face life's uncertainties with confidence, knowing that our trust is in the One who is steadfast and immovable (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Guidance for Decision-Making:

Building our homes on the foundation of faith in Jesus involves seeking His guidance in every decision. The Word of God serves as our guide, providing principles and truths that shape our choices. Obedience to Jesus means aligning our decisions with His teachings, allowing His wisdom to influence our family dynamics, parenting approaches, and daily interactions. As believers, we can rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us in paths of righteousness (Psalm 23:3).

Nurturing Christ-Centered Relationships:

A strong foundation in Christ encourages believers to foster Christ-centered relationships within their families. Love, forgiveness, and selflessness become the building blocks of our interactions. Ephesians 5:25 reminds husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church, setting a standard for self-sacrificial love within the family. Obedience to Jesus translates into intentional efforts to nurture relationships based on His love and grace.

Building A Legacy of Faith:

Building on the Solid Rock of faith extends beyond our immediate families to future generations. As believers, we have the privilege and responsibility to leave a legacy of faith for our children and grandchildren. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasizes the importance of teaching God's commandments diligently to the next generation. By modeling a life of faith and obedience, believers contribute to a legacy that echoes the transformative power of Christ.

II. Storms Are Going to Come

I. In Matthew 7:25, Jesus introduces the element of storms that inevitably come to both the wise and foolish builders. He says, "The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house." This reality check is a crucial aspect of our journey. Our third point revolves around the acknowledgment that storms are an inevitable part of life. The command is not to escape or avoid storms, but to be prepared for them by having a solid foundation. The imagery of storms signifies the challenges, trials, and uncertainties we encounter. In life, various storms and challenges can arise that have the potential to rock and shake us. These storms are not necessarily literal weather events but metaphorical representations of difficult circumstances and trials. Here are some common "storms" that believers may face:

Personal Trials:

Personal challenges such as health issues, financial struggles, or relational conflicts can be likened to storms. These difficulties can come unexpectedly, testing our resilience and trust in God. The uncertainty of personal trials can shake the foundation of our faith, making it essential to anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of God's Word.

Loss and Grief:

The loss of a loved one or experiencing grief and mourning can be an emotional storm. Coping with the pain of separation and navigating the complexities of grief can challenge our spiritual foundation. The hope and comfort found in Christ become crucial during such storms, providing solace and assurance of eternal life.

Crisis of Faith:

Believers may encounter seasons of doubt or a crisis of faith. Intellectual challenges, theological questions, or periods of spiritual dryness can feel like storms that test the depth of our convictions. Building a foundation rooted in a personal relationship with Christ and a solid understanding of His Word helps believers weather such storms.

Persecution and Opposition:

For some believers, storms manifest in the form of persecution or opposition due to their faith. Hostility, discrimination, or challenges to one's convictions can be intense storms that require steadfastness and a reliance on the strength of the foundation built on Christ. The biblical promise of persecution for the sake of righteousness is a reality faced by many followers of Jesus (Matthew 5:10-12).

Cultural Challenges:

Living in a world that may often oppose biblical values can be a cultural storm. The shifting sands of societal norms and moral values can create challenges for believers who seek to uphold God's standards. Building a foundation on the unchanging truths of Scripture helps navigate cultural storms with wisdom and conviction.

Spiritual Warfare:

The Bible speaks of spiritual warfare, where believers face unseen forces that oppose God's purposes. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Spiritual attacks and temptations can be considered storms that require spiritual armor and a strong foundation in Christ.

Seasons of Change:

Major life transitions, such as moving to a new place, changing careers, or entering a new life stage, can bring about storms of uncertainty. Adjusting to change and navigating the unknown can challenge our sense of security. Trusting in God's guidance and purpose during these transitions strengthens our foundation. It's important to note that while storms are inevitable, the promise for believers is that they can stand firm on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ. As expressed in Matthew 7:25, the house built on the rock withstood the storms. Likewise, believers, anchored in Christ, can find strength, resilience, and hope even in the midst of life's storms. Through prayer, reliance on God's Word, and a steadfast faith, believers can endure and overcome the challenges that come their way. And when those storms come, as they surely will, and the morning light comes, and the smoke clears, the sad truth will be evident, when we see…

III. The RESULTS of a Weak Foundation

Turning our attention to Matthew 7:26-27, Jesus paints a stark picture of the consequences of neglecting His teachings. He says, "But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand." The contrast between the wise and foolish builders underscores the critical nature of obedience. The command is explicit: avoid building your life on the shifting sands of worldly wisdom, fleeting pleasures, and temporary pursuits. The imagery of building on sand conveys instability, vulnerability, and eventual collapse. It's a poignant reminder that a foundation built on anything other than God's Word is destined for failure. The challenge presented here is for us to introspectively assess the materials we use to construct our lives. Are we relying on the world's fleeting ideologies, or are we anchoring ourselves in the enduring principles of Scripture? The call is to discern the temporal nature of worldly foundations and intentionally choose the unchanging bedrock of God's Word.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up tonight’s study in Matthew 7, since we can’t avoid the storms of life, since we have to face them like everybody else,

What do we do to make sure that our homes stand firm,

and that they don’t fold like a house of cards when the winds howl against them?

Immerse in God's Word:

Regularly immerse yourself and your family in the study of God's Word. Make the Scriptures a central part of your daily life, and let its teachings guide your decisions and actions. This involves not only personal study but also engaging in family devotions and discussions around biblical principles.

Prayer and Seeking God's Will:

Foster a culture of prayer within your home. Seek God's guidance through prayer, both individually and as a family. When faced with decisions or challenges, turn to prayer as a means of seeking the Lord's wisdom. Trusting in God's will and sovereignty through prayer strengthens the foundation of faith.

Model Christ-Like Behavior:

Lead by example in modeling Christ-like behavior. Demonstrate love, humility, forgiveness, and service within your family. Children and family members often learn more from what they see than what they hear. By living out the principles of Jesus, you create a tangible representation of the Solid Rock foundation.

Participation in Christian Community:

Connect with and actively participate in a Christian community. The support and fellowship of other believers provide encouragement, accountability, and shared experiences. Engaging with a local church or small group allows for mutual edification and helps reinforce the foundation of faith.

Cultivate a Heart of Gratitude:

Cultivate a heart of gratitude within your home. Recognize and appreciate the blessings God has provided. A thankful heart fosters contentment and joy, creating an atmosphere of appreciation for God's faithfulness. Gratitude becomes a testament to the goodness of the Solid Rock on which your home is built.

Building on a strong foundation matters to believers today because it determines the strength, resilience, and impact of our homes and families. And we will not avoid life’s storms. God’s people are not immune to the storms that come in this life. But if we’ll build our homes and lives on the Solid Rock of faith in and obedience to Jesus, believers can experience stability, guidance, and the transformative power of Christ within their homes. Through intentional practices, prayer, and a commitment to God's Word, believers can construct homes that stand as a testimony to the unchanging and secure foundation found in Jesus Christ.