Matthew
May 19, 2024 | Greg Johnson
Two Foundations
Matthew 7:24-29 – Two Foundations
In late October, I started assembling furniture for a move. Now, I’m not exactly handy. I’m impatient and often rush through things, ignoring instructions—mainly because they’re poorly translated. I relied on pictures instead, just wanting to get it done quickly due to the sheer volume of furniture. Naturally, I cut corners. While the furniture might look okay, there were always leftover parts. It's just a matter of time before it all crashes and burns. Good luck to anyone using the couches and chairs I put together!
Today, we’re wrapping up the Sermon on the Mount (SOM) with Jesus’s crucial parting words: Where your foundation lies matters (Matthew 7:24-29).
In verse 24, Jesus begins with “Therefore,” indicating that we should consider what preceded it. He had just discussed judgment, emphasizing that doing the will of the Father is essential to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (KOH). Jesus stresses that obedience is paramount. He mentions that many will try to justify themselves by doing seemingly good deeds, but He will say, “I never knew you.” This isn't about Him not knowing our names; it’s about a lack of intimate relationship.
I recently listened to a podcast by John Bevere on hearing God. Bevere noted that we often expect God to speak in unmistakable ways, with thunder and lightning, like a James Earl Jones voice. However, the tone of intimacy is a whisper. In 1 Kings 19:9-13, after Elijah’s victory against the prophets of Baal and his subsequent fear of Jezebel, God speaks to him—not scoldingly, but gently, asking, “What are you doing here?”
Jesus concludes the SOM by contrasting two people who build houses under the same circumstances. One house stands firm, while the other falls. The determining factor? “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice” (v. 24). Jesus’s sermon outlines what life in the Kingdom looks like and contrasts it with traditional beliefs, emphasizing that doing what we hear gives us the strength to withstand life’s storms.
James 1:22-25 reminds us not to merely listen to the word but to do what it says. God holds up a mirror, showing us ourselves. We often feel convicted to change but quickly convince ourselves otherwise. However, those who take God’s word seriously and put it into practice will be blessed. Jesus describes the blessed life in Matthew 5 as one of humility, repentance, meekness, hunger for God, mercy, purity, peace, and perseverance.
The first man Jesus describes is wise. Proverbs 1:8 states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, not a fear of being punished, but a reverence for God.
An illustration from my own life: while changing an electrical plug, my wife suggested turning off the breaker. I thought I didn’t need to. I used a metal screwdriver, touched a live wire, and got shocked. Now, I have a healthy respect for electricity. We’re not afraid of it, but we respect its power.
James 1:5 says that if we want wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. The wise man builds his house on the rock, aiming for a firm foundation. 1 Peter 2:4-6 explains that we, like Jesus, are living stones. His strength becomes our strength, making us part of a spiritual house and a holy priesthood. Jesus is our cornerstone, determining our position and location in life.
Verse 25 explains why we need a firm foundation: storms are coming. Trusting in Jesus doesn’t eliminate trouble. Suffering is a theme throughout the Bible. Jesus prepared His followers for persecution (Matthew 5:10-12, John 16:33, 2 Timothy 3:12, James 1:2).
A personal story: I visited a friend in Dallas, a former pastor who was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and had six surgeries. He’s now in remission but recently had a stroke. Despite everything, he’s at peace, showing no complaints—his foundation is Jesus, and his heart is filled with gratitude.
How do you respond to life’s storms? Broken relationships, job loss, financial instability, the death of a loved one? If you wait until the storm hits to strengthen your foundation, you might be in trouble.
Verse 26 shows the opposite. Those who hear but don’t act build on shaky ground. Our property is sandy, so we had to drill deep and pour concrete piers for stability. Building without a solid foundation is like trying to do it on your own, believing your way is better than God’s. A foundation built on lies, mistrust, fear, guilt, and shame is doomed. Proverbs 16:25 warns that the way that seems right often leads to death.
Jesus contrasts lifestyles throughout the SOM, comparing old laws with new teachings (chapter 5), the Pharisees’ practices with new ways of giving, praying, and fasting (chapter 6), and our views of people and God (chapter 7). There’s no wiggle room, no cutting corners. The Pharisees were criticized because religion often clings to the past and resists what God is doing now.
Verse 27: Same storm, different result. The storm will come, and a house without a firm foundation will fall with a great crash. I’ve lived both ways—one life built on my own desires, which was shaky, and now a life built on Jesus’s firm foundation. There’s no comparison.
Hebrews 12:26-28 explains that God shakes and sifts until all that remains is His unshakable Kingdom. If you’re building your own kingdom, it’s destined to fall.
Verses 28-29: The people were amazed at Jesus’s authority. He spoke with authority because He is the Judge. On Judgment Day, many will call Him Lord, and He will reveal His intimate knowledge of them. Jesus is not just a teacher but God in the flesh, inviting us into a new way of thinking (John 1:14, Hebrews 1:3, Colossians 1:15).
What is your foundation? On what have you built your life? Jesus has laid out the blueprint for a strong foundation in Matthew 5-7. The invitation is clear: Build your house on these words of mine and put them into practice. Jesus invites us into a life of intimacy with Him. The choice is yours.
Good news: If your foundation is shaky or your house has already crashed, there is hope. You can rebuild on a new foundation. Consider Jesus—He is the life you’re looking for.
Discussion Questions
What is the importance of having Jesus as the foundation of our lives?
In the sermon, Pastor Greg emphasizes that building our lives on Jesus as the firm foundation helps us withstand storms and trials. Jesus teaches about two men who build houses, one on a rock and the other on sand (Matthew 7:24-27).
How can you actively build your life on Jesus as your foundation? What are some specific steps you can take?
How does the wisdom we gain from the fear of the Lord connect to our foundation in Jesus?
Pastor Greg defines wisdom as the fear of the Lord and mentions Proverbs 1:7, which states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. He also explains that Jesus is the living stone, the cornerstone that determines the position and location of the entire structure.
What are some ways you can grow in Godly wisdom? How can you apply that wisdom to strengthen your foundation in Jesus?
Why is it dangerous to build our lives on our own understanding or religious traditions?
Pastor Greg believes that building our lives on sand represents relying on our own understanding and not putting Jesus' words into practice. He warns against the dangers of following religion instead of having an intimate relationship with Jesus.
What aspects of your life are built on your own understanding or religious traditions? How can you work towards building those areas on Jesus instead?
What does it mean to live as 'living stones' and build a spiritual house, as described in 1 Peter 2?
Pastor Greg references 1 Peter 2, where believers are described as living stones being built into a spiritual house.
How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of others or your church community? Do you see yourself as a living stone?
How can we remain strong and unshakable like the man who built his house on the rock in the face of trials and storms?
Matthew 7:24-27 illustrates the importance of a firm foundation in Jesus to withstand storms. Pastor Greg encourages the congregation to seek intimacy with Jesus and allow him to shape their lives, even during times of trial and suffering.
In times of storms or trials, how has your relationship with Jesus helped you remain strong? What changes can you make now to prepare yourself for future challenges?
Prayer
Prayer Prompt:
- Begin by sharing prayer requests and lifting them up to God.
- Ask God to help us understand and apply the sermon from Sunday in our lives throughout the week.
- Pray for a deeper fear of the Lord and a desire to seek wisdom from God through prayer.
- Ask God to help us build our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus, relying on His words and not our own understanding.
Series Information
Join us as we embark on a transformative journey through the Gospel of Matthew, exploring the profound teachings and events that define this pivotal book of the New Testament. This series will delve into the core messages of Jesus, from the Sermon on the Mount to His parables, miracles, and the ultimate sacrifice of His life.
Throughout this series, we will uncover themes of faith, righteousness, humility, and divine authority, as well as the cost of discipleship and the call to immediate and wholehearted commitment. Each week, we will explore different aspects of Jesus' ministry, including healing, prayer, true righteousness, and the challenges of living out His teachings.
We will examine the principles Jesus laid out for living a life aligned with God's will, from understanding true blessedness and the nature of God's kingdom to embracing radical love, mercy, and the immediate call to follow Him. This series aims to deepen our faith and challenge us to live out the values of Jesus' teachings in our daily lives.
Join us for the "Matthew" series and discover how the teachings and life of Jesus can transform your heart and mind, guiding you to a more meaningful and fulfilling walk with Christ.