The Two Builders
Notes
Transcript
Sermon: The Two Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)
Sermon: The Two Builders (Matthew 7:24-27)
I. Introduction
Good morning, church! As we gather here today, we come to the conclusion of our journey through the Sermon on the Mount. Over the past several weeks, we have explored the heart of Jesus' teachings, learning what it means to live as citizens of His Kingdom. Today, we will focus on a powerful parable that highlights the importance of the foundation upon which we build our lives.
In this final teaching, Jesus contrasts two builders: one wise and one foolish. This parable serves as a poignant reminder of the choices we make in response to His words. Let’s read the text together: Matthew 7:24-27
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
To fully grasp the significance of this parable, we need to consider its context. In the verses leading up to this passage, Jesus speaks about the narrow and wide gates (Matt. 7:13-14), true and false prophets (Matt. 7:15-20), and the distinction between those who merely profess faith and those who genuinely follow Him (Matt. 7:21-23). These teachings emphasize that not everyone who claims to know Christ truly understands or obeys His words.
As we transition into this parable, Jesus presents a clear choice: will we be wise builders who hear and act upon His teachings, or will we be foolish builders who hear but do nothing? This choice has profound implications for our lives and our eternal destiny.
The Two Builders
The Two Builders
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock:
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
A. The Wise Builder
Let’s first look at the wise builder. Jesus tells us in verse 24, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes two crucial components: hearing and acting.
Hearing and Acting
Hearing His words is essential, but it is not enough. We must also put them into practice. It’s easy to listen to a sermon or read the Bible and agree with its teachings. However, true wisdom lies in applying those teachings to our lives.
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
Building on the Rock
The rock represents Christ and His teachings—our solid foundation. When we build our lives on this foundation, we establish a stronghold against the storms of life.
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Outcome
The result of this wise building is that the house withstands the storms. Our faith, grounded in Christ, will provide us with strength and stability even in the most challenging times. We will not be shaken when trials come our way.
6 He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved.
7 In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, And my refuge, is in God.
So we have looked at the wise builder now lets look closer at the foolish builder
B. The Foolish Builder
26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand:
27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
Jesus says in verse 26, “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.”
Hearing but Not Acting
Just like the wise builder, the foolish builder hears the words of Jesus. The difference lies in his response. Hearing without action leads to spiritual complacency. It’s a dangerous position to be in, as we risk being deceived by our own lack of obedience.
46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?
Building on Sand
The sand represents worldly wisdom, fleeting pleasures, and false foundations. When we build our lives on these shaky surfaces, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the storms of life.
12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
Outcome
The outcome for the foolish builder is catastrophic: “The house fell with a great crash.” This serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of neglecting Jesus' teachings. A life built on anything other than Christ will ultimately lead to destruction.
5 Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man And makes flesh his strength, Whose heart departs from the Lord.
Theological Implications
The contrast between the two builders carries significant theological implications.
A. The necessity of active faith
Faith is not merely a matter of intellectual assent; it requires action and obedience. We cannot claim to follow Christ while ignoring His commands.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
B. The nature of true discipleship
True discipleship means cultivating a relationship with Christ that influences our thoughts, actions, and decisions. We are called to build our lives on Him as our foundation.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
C. The consequences of choices in life
Our choices today shape our future. Building on the rock of Christ leads to eternal life and security, while building on sand leads to destruction.
26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?
Practical Applications
As we reflect on this parable, we must consider how it applies to our lives:
A. Self-reflection: What is your foundation?
I encourage each of you to take a moment for self-reflection. What are you building your life upon? Is it Christ and His teachings, or is it something else?
B. Encouragement to practice obedience
Let’s commit to being doers of the Word. Choose one teaching of Jesus this week to apply in your life, and seek accountability from others in the church.
23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,
24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
C. Building community: Supporting one another in faith
We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Let’s encourage and support one another as we seek to build our lives on Christ together.
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,
25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jesus offers us a clear choice: we can either be wise builders who hear His words and put them into practice, or we can be foolish builders who hear but do not act. The foundation we choose determines the stability of our lives and the outcome of our faith.
Let us pray.
