Build Your Life On The Firm Foundation

BUILD YOUR LIFE ON THE FIRM FOUNDATION (Outline)

June 10, 2007 -

PENTECOST 2 -

Matthew 7:21-29

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INTRO: Today’s text reminds us not to be overtaken by the signs of the times. All around, as it is constantly reported, there seems to be only turmoil, trouble, and terror. Many people in America are scared to death of what might or might not happen to them. There foundation is built on this world. It is foundation built on shifting sand. This world and its opinions change often and change much. The words of Jesus here are quite familiar. These words of Jesus remind us that every believer has a solid foundation for life. Our firm foundation is built on Christ. "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God"(1 JOHN 5:4,5). Be encouraged and comforted as Jesus reminds that our faith does indeed overcome the world and its preaching of turmoil, trouble, and terror.

BUILD YOUR LIFE ON THE FIRM FOUNDATION.

Jesus reminds us how to build on the firm foundation. I. Hear Jesus’ words -- not mans

II. Follow God’s will -- not yours.

I. HEAR JESUS’ WORDS -- NOT MANS

A. These verses at the end of chapter 7 of Matthew are the end of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.

1. Jesus’ sermon is recorded for us in Matthew, chapters 5-7 (Please read these chapters).

2. Jesus gave provided the people great wisdom and divine guidance in these three chapters.

B. Verse 28. Jesus finished and the people were utterly amazed. They were shocked out of themselves.

1. The people were shocked because he taught as one with great authority, verse 29.

2. Jesus as God’s Son brought the crowds God’s word -- not mans. Jesus’ had authority.

C. The authority and power of God’s word would provide comfort and strength for wise believers.

1. Verse 24. The wise builder digs down to find rock for his foundation.

2. Verse 25. No matter the storms – this house stands. The solid foundation gives strength.

3. Those believers listening to Jesus’ words and putting them into practice had the foundation.

D. This is still the very same, vital key for the faith of believers today. Simply put, the Bible is God’s word. Nothing has changed over the centuries of being provided the word of life in the Bible. True, some today still attack what the Bible has to say. Some feel that there are mistakes in God’s word. Some do not consider the Bible to be the word of God. All attacks against the truth of the Bible as being God’s inerrant word are false. "And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe"(1 THESSALONIANS 2:13). This is the believers’ firm foundation.

E. As Jesus showed us in the example of the wise builder, a firm foundation is vitally important for any building. The firm foundation is vitally important for each and every one of us -- as believers. In our lives on earth the rain will come, waters rise, and beat against our house. But our faith built on Christ will not fall. We are told that even hell itself will not overcome the church. "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 trusts will never be dismayed’"(ISAIAH 28:16). With the firm foundation we are not dismayed.

F. Sadly not everyone builds on the foundation that has stood and will always stand the very test of time. Very sadly, there are some who masquerade as church leaders who try to build on their own foundation. You know them – they write books and are now experts. Rather than try to tell what Christ says they try to sell you what their book says. Others build grand and glorious structures to glorify themselves rather than God. Even all these wolves in sheep’s clothing cannot destroy those who have built their life on the firm foundation. "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ"(1 CORINTHIANS 3:11). True some try – but they soon disappear.

BUILD YOUR LIFE ON THE FIRM FOUNDATION. Listen closely to Jesus’ words -- not mans.

II. FOLLOW GOD’S WILL -- NOT YOURS

A. Jesus told of the wise builder. You would think everyone would want to be a wise builder.