Built To Last

Introduction

We are thankful that we can come together to worship and hear a word from God.

The word is crucial to my life.

Rom. 1:16.

James 1:21.

1 Pet 1:24-25.

Heb. 4:12.

Text

Matthew 7:24–29 NASB95

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. “Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. “The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

Built To Last

In our region of the world we face storms, hurricanes, flooding, adverse weather. So it is necessary that we build “houses that will last”.

So when the weather turns it won’t affect the house.

Similarly with Jesus we want a life that is built on Him, that will stand up to the rigours of life. This is a house/life that will last

Background of Matthew

As our text opens up. . .we notice “therefore”

Matthew’s gospel account has a distinct Jewish Orientation

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah who comes in His Kingdom

Matthew focus heavily on the discourses of Jesus, the “Sermon on the mount” is the first of five (5) (Matt 10; 13; 18; 24-25)

This final lesson is an application of the entire discourse that preceded it.

Some main points that are highlighted in the previous sermon are:

The Beatitudes

Challenge to the Pharasaic standard of righteousness

Peace vs. Retaliation

Laying up heavenly treasures and trusting in God’s provision

The two paths of man

False teachers and false followers

Therefore. . .

This sermon doesn’t want ADMIRATION it wants OBEDIENCE

Therefore. . .

Our Text

The Wise

“Therefore” [See above]

Matt 7:24 ““Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine| and acts on them,| may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”

To act on them means to perform what you hear [accurately understand what is being said]. Give ATTENTION with the INTENTION for APPLICATION

To act on them is wise [exercise sound judgement]

E.g. - it’s like “building a house on a rock”

Consider the plains/deserts of Palestine - Sudden storms would cause flash flooding so wise persons would build their house on a firm rock.

Notice the effects

Matt 7:25 ““And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.”

The house faced a beating from the rain, floods and winds [TROUBLE ON ALL SIDES]. But. . .it did not fall

The word “beat upon” - encounter something with great force. . .but it did not fall.

why? It was founded on THE ROCK. IT WAS BUILT TO LAST

The elements had power but not over the house. This was not a result of what the house was made of but what it was founded on!

APPL. Firstly, the foundation is there you need to build. Jesus has already utline what is necessary to have a house that lasts. . .am I willing to submit to it???

Secondly, Jesus says, “my sayings” - This eliminates everything else

The Unwise/Foolish

Matt 7:26 ““Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.”

One word that makes a big difference

Matt 7:27 ““The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great [insize and status] was its fall.””

Notice that the two houses encountered the same external circumstances

APPL. When we don’t listen to God the likelyhood of falling is great

OT examples of failures to listen to God, followed by a great fall

King Saul

King Solomon

Israel

How Do I Build?

Know what Jesus says

Explore the condition of my will/intent

Find out what is hindering your obedience [There’s always something]

Pray to God and ask Him to give you the heart to do what He desires [motivation and ability Php 2:12-13 “So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” ]

Matt 7:28-29 “When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.”

Preaching today should be the same.

Our authority comes from God, that’s why all we speak is the word of God

Preach and teach as spokemen of God

Let us build ourselves, and help/encourage others to build houses that last.

A house built on the rock, is one that is BUILT TO LAST!