Untitled Sermon (2)

Seasons, Substance and Storms

(NIV)

46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 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. 49 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.”

v46 Why do you call me Lord, Lord and do not do what I say??

-       who is he speaking to? Disciples… what is he asking of them?

-       Just after the beatitudes… gives the how to’s (/) then gives the warning…

Set the scene;

Just heard the sermon on the mount, the beatitudes… ground breaking teaching.. a new way of thinking and living that Jesus has given his disciples.. Matt 5v11- blessed when people insult you Luke 6v27 - love your enemies v29 - turn the other cheek, give more than they take v35 - lend with no expectation of return v37 - Do not judge, forgive v38 - Give

Then we get to verse 46?!

Why aren't you doing what I've just told you??

thank God others struggle with these instructions…

Illustration: take coat.. insult.. borrow.. slap.. ask for more money

Jesus teaching is in direct conflict with our natural response!

lend, give me back with interest not giving things i love you insult me i will hate you you slap me i will hurt you back

HOW CAN WE DO WHAT HE REQUIRES OF US??!

- I know my first reactions…

As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice

PRACTICE/PRACTICING - act, attempt, try again,

NIV

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Jesus’ plan and desire for you is to be BLESSED IN WHAT YOU DO!!

- favour, increase, enviable

So how do live in the tension of wanting to follow His ways and live this blessed life that await us but fighting against the human nature within that finds it easier to hold onto anger than forgive, gives into fear instead of faith, succumbs to lust instead of love…

Jesus gives us the how through the double parable we find here in …

3 sign posts to navigate our way to His best for us…

Seasons, substance and Storms; if we learnt how embrace each of these we begin to live exactly how He intended us to live!

We have SEASONS to Navigate

Q - who are the spring/summer/autumn/winter/ people?

Just as each season is vitally necessary for our planet, each of us must recognise and navigate the season we are in that God has set for us!

(NIV)

“As long as the earth endures,

seedtime and harvest,

cold and heat,

summer and winter,

day and night

will never cease.”

*God declared this just after opening the ark and promising never to flood the whole earth again.. all Noah and the family had known for a long time was constant deluge, storm, darkness… but here God declares that the sun will rise, the warmth will come, the fruit will come and this cycle will never stop.

Just like Noah we all need reminding that there is always a change coming, ‘ ‘winter is coming’, but so is summer

Today if you feel like you have been stuck in that same season for a prolonged period of time, be confident that God promises that it will change!!

Where you have been stuck in isolation, cold hearted, tired, worn out… his life giving son is coming for you.

If you have been sowing and sowing and sowing, praying with tears for loved ones, serving and giving to others in hope of a harvest, He promises that harvest time is on its way and your tears, your effort and pain has not been in vain!

BUT if you do not understand the seasons, you mistake Gods correction for his exclusion, His miraculous provision for a constant supply, his loving embrace as his constant companionship.

Each season produces a necessary substance;

winter - the right bacteria dies off in the frost so the harvest time can be fruitful

spring - the fruit comes forth and creates work and required energy

summer - a time of rest and enjoyment

autumn - the right things falling off, making room for what must come

But so often we desire comfort and convenience over the process, failing to realise that it is the SEASON THAT PRODUCES SUBSTANCE!

In every season, something is being built; Lasting and firm or flimsy and will collapse

Q - Are you letting your Seasons produce substance?

Seasons develop substance

If you never go THROUGH the season you never grow your substance

2) We have substance to develop (Foundations to establish)

Substance; depth, character, weight, ability.

Substance determines decisions - whats in you?

(NIV)

…I will show you what they are like. 48 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. 49 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.”

He’s saying this life can go two ways for you;

1st way  - Unshakable… strong, withstanding

(NIV)

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

    whose confidence is in him.

8 

They will be like a tree planted by the water

    that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

    its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

    and never fails to bear fruit.” 

Shaking seasons will come but you will remain strong, safe, secure… BECAUSE it was well built!

2nd way – wiped out

- all your effort, intention, best efforts can come to nothing

- spent time on making it look like you have it all together only to sabotage the very life you were endeavouring to hold together… BECAUSE no foundation

Illustration - The taller the building the deeper the foundation.

Q – how tall has God designed your life to get?

You think that dream is foolish? An accident?

Don’t substitute a life of substance for a life in the shallows

3) Our substance will get us through the storm

(NIV)

48 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.

(NIV)

16 So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,

a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;

the one who relies on it

will never be stricken with panic.

Foundations don't guarantee a life without storms, just that you wont need to panic or be shaken! With the right foundation/substance you can get THROUGH any storm that comes your way!

(NIV)

Blessed are those who dwell in your house;     they are ever praising you.[c]

5 

Blessed are those whose strength is in you,     whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.

6 

As they pass through the Valley of Baka,     they make it a place of springs;     the autumn rains also cover it with pools.[d]

7 

They go from strength to strength,     till each appears before God in Zion.

STORY - people who have faced the storm and made it through?

Jesus was saying to His disciples.. i know you're going to struggle with this but it is imperative you keep digging, keep trying keep coming back to the way I've shown you…

This was not to condemn or restrict but to release into all that He has for us!!

Gods best is waiting for you as you continue to do your best to follow Jesus!