Foundation for Building

City Harbor Church – Hampden, Baltimore, MD

In Matthew 7:24-29, Jesus communicates something that is a priority for those who follow.

“Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. 26 Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, and it fell with a big crash.” – Matthew 7:24-27 NCV

What is Jesus saying in Matthew 7:24-27?

1. Spiritual strength will be evident in the lives of those who listen to Jesus and follow his guidance.

2. Damage and instability will be evident in the lives of those who do not listen to Jesus and follow his guidance.

“’Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what everyone is like who comes to me and hears my words and obeys. 48 That person is like a man building a house who dug deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the floods came, the water tried to wash the house away, but it could not shake it, because the house was built well. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not obey is like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. When the floods came, the house quickly fell and was completely destroyed.’” – Luke 6:46-49 NCV

What do we learn?

1. Jesus Christ wants us to listen to him.

2. Jesus Christ wants us to follow his guidance.

3. As we follow the instructions of Jesus Christ we will grow in spiritual strength.

What should we do?

1. Read the words of Jesus.

2. Ask God for understanding and wisdom.

3. Ask questions to discover what is mysterious.

4. Write the truth in memorable sentences.

5. Apply the truth.

“Almighty and everlasting God, our heavenly Father, whose mercy and lovingkindness are known to all who trust in Thee: We thank Thee for Thy unfailing promises to us Thy children. Generation after generation seek Thee and are found of Thee. We cast ourselves upon Thee and are supported by Thee. We live secure in the sure and certain fulfillment of Thy precious promises. Thou has promised, O God, that while the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease. We praise Thy Name for these manifestations of Thy unfailing providence.

In the midst of sorrow or joy, sickness or health, adversity or prosperity, grant, we beseech Thee, that we may never lose sight of Thee. And when the storms of confusion and uncertainty overtake us, speak peace to our soul, O blessed Lord, and enlighten our mind with Thy Holy Spirit. Lighten our burdens by strengthening our spirit. Keep us strong and give us courage.

And when the ways of our common life would tend to discourage and to embitter us, give us the grace and the patience to maintain a loving and a confident spirit, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

“We Cast Ourselves Upon Thee” by Rev Jesse Jai McNeil 1961

Rev Jesse Jai McNeil pastor of Detroit’s Tabernacle Baptist Church.