Jesus said the one who acted on his words was like the wise man
The teaching of the New Testament is that faith is proven by action.
“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
“…faith without works is dead.”
“By faith [x] did [y]” formula throughout .
This means that real faith is displayed in how you live, and not what facts you believe. It is possible to have good doctrine with a false faith.
In the sermon on the mount alone Jesus issues challenges to 3 strong holds of American Christian life.
Jesus challenges our finances.
We’re supposed to be “poor in spirit”, but we long for nice clothes, nice cars, jewelry, and all the other trappings of wealth.
We’re commanded not to lay up treasures on earth and to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness above all, but we worry about our jobs, paying the bills, and saving for retirement.
We are meant to be generous and pray for God’s provision for all people, but we are tempted to be stingy and seek our own good at other’s expense.
Jesus challenges our relationships.
We are commanded to do good to those who do bad to us.
