0125 - Building on the Rock

Israel Perdonsin

0125 - Building on the Rock

Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT) "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

Luke 6:47–49 NIV

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”

Moment of Tithing and Offerings

As we think about building our lives on a strong foundation like Jesus teaches in Matthew 7, let's remember how giving shows our trust in God.

A simple verse that fits is 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT): "You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

This reminds us that giving from the heart helps us build a life rooted in God's love.

Welcome to New Visitors

Good morning, everyone! We are so glad you are here with us today. If you are visiting for the first time, welcome to The Way English Ministry!

This is a place where you can feel at home, learn about Jesus, and grow in your faith. During the week, we have conversation clubs and small groups all over the city where you can meet people, share stories, and support each other.

For more information, check out our social media pages – we post updates, event details, and ways to get connected.

To wrap up this welcome, here's a special verse just for you: Hebrews 13:2 (NLT): "Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it." We hope you'll join us again soon!

Last Week's Summary

Since this is our first week in this series on "Building on the Rock," we don't have a last week's sermon to recap.

But today, we're starting with Jesus' powerful teaching from Matthew 7:24-27 about the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation.

If you missed any past messages or want to catch up, you can find them on our social media or ask about our small groups.

Introduction

The Star Moment:

Imagine a house built right on the beach – it looks great on a sunny day, but what happens when the storm hits?

That's what life can feel like without a strong base.

Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:24-27 that we all face storms, but only one foundation will hold up.

This message is for you if you're feeling shaky – let's build on the rock today!

The Main Bible Verse

Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT): "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."

Context

In this part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus is speaking to a crowd of everyday people – fishermen, farmers, and workers – warning them about true faith.

The purpose is to show that real wisdom comes from obeying God's words, not just knowing them.

This fits our theme because it teaches that a life built on Jesus' teachings will stand strong against life's storms.

Point 1: The Wise Builder Hears and Acts

Bible Verse: Matthew 7:24 (NLT): "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock."

Original Terms:

The word for "wise" in Greek is "sophos" (σοφός), meaning smart and careful, like someone who thinks ahead.

It comes from a root that means "to arrange" or "to put in order," showing wisdom is about making good choices that last.

This supports our theme by reminding us that true wisdom isn't just knowing God's words – it's living them out every day.

Characters:

Think of Noah, who built the ark on God's instructions even when others laughed.

Like Matthew Henry's insights, Noah didn't just hear God's warning about the flood – he acted on it, and his family was saved.

Warren Wiersbe notes that Noah's obedience showed he trusted God's foundation over the world's shaky ground.

Abraham** - When God told him to leave his homeland and go to an unknown place, Abraham obeyed immediately (Genesis 12:1-4). He didn't just hear God's promise - he packed up and moved. His foundation was built on trusting God's word, even when it didn't make sense.

**Mary (mother of Jesus)** - When the angel told her she would give birth to the Messiah, she responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true" (Luke 1:38). She didn't just hear the message - she accepted it and lived it out, despite the social shame she would face.

**Joshua** - After Moses died, God told Joshua to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Joshua didn't just hear God's command - he acted on it, leading the people across the Jordan River and conquering Jericho (Joshua 1:1-9). His obedience built a foundation for Israel's success.

Quote :

Billy Graham once said, "The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'"

This shows that even great leaders need to build on Christ's rock to stay strong.

Illustration (Warmth):

Here's a funny story to warm your heart:

A man built his house on sand because it was cheaper and easier.

When the first rain came, his house started to slide! He called his friend and said, "Help! My house is moving!"

His friend laughed and replied, "That's not your house moving – that's you sliding down the hill!"

It reminds us that shortcuts in faith lead to funny (but dangerous) messes.

Reflective Questions:

What area of your life are you just hearing God's words but not acting on them?

How might obeying one small thing today make your foundation stronger?

Practical Applications:

This week, pick one Bible teaching you've heard but not followed.

Write it down, pray about it, and take one step to live it out – like calling a friend you need to forgive or giving time to help someone.

Point 2: The Foolish Builder Hears but Ignores

Bible Verse: Matthew 7:26 (NLT): "But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand."

Original Terms:

The word for "foolish" in Greek is "moros" (μόρος), meaning dull or senseless, like someone who ignores clear warnings.

It comes from a word for "dullness," showing that ignoring God's wisdom leads to trouble.

This ties to our theme because it warns that a life built on sand – like quick fixes or ignoring God's plan – will crumble under pressure.

Characters:

Remember the rich fool in Luke 12:13-21, who built bigger barns for his wealth but ignored God.

Luke 12:13–21 NIV

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’ “Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” ’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Matthew Henry explains that this man focused on earthly things, not eternal ones, and lost everything.

Warren Wiersbe adds that his "foolishness" was in thinking money could be his foundation instead of God.

King Saul** - God gave Saul clear instructions through Samuel, but Saul chose to do things his own way. He offered sacrifices himself instead of waiting for Samuel (1 Samuel 13:8-14) and kept spoils from battle when God said to destroy everything (1 Samuel 15). He heard God's words but built his kingdom on his own wisdom - and it crumbled.

**Judas Iscariot** - Judas spent three years hearing Jesus' teachings firsthand, but he built his life on money and betrayal. When he heard Jesus talk about love and sacrifice, he ignored it and chose thirty pieces of silver instead (Matthew 26:14-16). His foundation of greed collapsed completely.

**Ananias and Sapphira** - They heard about the early church's generosity and wanted to look good, but they lied about their gift (Acts 5:1-11. They built their reputation on deception instead of truth - and their house of lies fell instantly.

Quote :

John C. Maxwell said, "The secret of your success is determined by your daily agenda."

This means wisdom comes from daily choices that align with God's plan, not just good intentions.

Illustration (Competence):

For a competence moment, studies show that 70% of people who face major life changes (like job loss or health issues) struggle if they lack a strong support system.

A 2023 survey by the American Psychological Association found that those with faith-based foundations recover faster, proving that building on rock gives real strength.

Reflective Questions:

When have you ignored God's teaching and faced a "storm" because of it?

What "sand" in your life needs to be replaced with rock?

Practical Applications:

Identify one habit that's like building on sand, like skipping prayer.

Replace it with a rock-solid action, such as setting aside 10 minutes daily to read the Bible and apply what you learn.

Point 3: The Storms Test Every Foundation

Bible Verse: Matthew 7:25 (NLT): "Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock."

Original Terms:

The word for "rock" in Greek is "petra" (πέτρα), meaning a large, solid stone or bedrock, not just pebbles. It was used for strong foundations in ancient building.

For "sand," it's "ammos" (ἄμμος), meaning loose, shifting grains that can't hold weight.

This shows that God's teachings are the unmovable rock that withstands life's shaking.

Biblical Characters:

Look at Job, who lost everything in storms of sickness and loss but held to God's foundation.

Matthew Henry notes that Job's faith didn't crumble because it was built on God's promises.

Warren Wiersbe emphasizes that Job's endurance came from trusting God's rock, not his own strength.

Joseph** - Sold into slavery by his brothers, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison - Joseph faced storm after storm. But his foundation in God's promises held firm. He told his brothers, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good" (Genesis 50:20). His rock-solid faith turned slavery into salvation for his family.

**Paul** - Beaten, shipwrecked, imprisoned, and facing death - Paul's storms were constant. Yet he wrote from prison, "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:12). His foundation in Christ kept him standing through every trial.

**Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego** - When faced with the fiery furnace for refusing to worship idols, they declared, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... But even if he does not, we will not serve your gods" (Daniel 3:17-18). Their foundation was so solid that not even fire could shake it.

Quote:

C.S. Lewis wrote, "Obedience is the road to freedom." This means that following God's ways, even in hard times, leads to true peace.

Illustration (Awe):

Here's an awe-inspiring story:

In 2011, a massive earthquake hit Japan, but buildings on bedrock foundations stood firm while others collapsed.

One survivor shared how his faith in God's promises kept him steady amid the chaos – he said it was like having an invisible rock holding him up. Incredible!

Reflective Questions:

What storm are you facing right now?

How can building on God's rock help you through it?

Practical Applications:

When a storm hits, pause and pray: "Lord, help me stand on Your rock."

Then, share your struggle with a small group member for support and accountability.

Conclusion

Today, we've seen that building on the rock means hearing Jesus' words and living them out.

The wise builder acts on God's teachings, while the foolish one ignores them.

Storms will come, but a foundation in Christ will hold.

Remember: wisdom is in obedience, foolishness in ignoring, and God's rock is your strength.

As you leave, think about one step to build stronger today – it could change everything.

Appeal

Now, let's make this real. If you're feeling shaky, like your life is on sand, come forward or raise your hand for prayer.

Commit to Jesus as your rock – say yes to building on His foundation.

Pray with me:

"Lord Jesus, be my rock today. Help me hear Your words and live them out. I choose You as my foundation. Amen." Stand if you're ready to build on the rock!