The Two Builders
Matthew 7: 24-27
We have come to the conclusion of the longest recorded message in Scripture our Lord preached: The Sermon on the Mount. It has been an insightful journey; much of what we have considered has been very familiar to us, but it has been challenging as well. The simple truths our Lord shared in these passages lie at the very core of our Christian being. If we are to be all that the Lord desires us to be, we must learn to apply and live out the principles He has given us.
In this last study we come to the great discourse on the two builders. I am not an expert on construction, and this is certainly not an exhaustive list on the subject, but we must ensure we apply the principles our Lord shares in these verses as we seek to build our lives for Him. When we stop to consider this passage, we find it applies to all people. Whether we make our living in construction or not, we are all builders. Each day we live we are building something that will one day be evaluated by the Master Builder. We must build properly if our structure is to endure.
As we conclude our study, I want to consider the contrasts our Lord presents as we think on: The Two Builders. As we look at these verses, keep in mind that they apply to each of us.
I. The Construction Exposed (24, 26) – In these verses Jesus reveals the construction of the two builders. He is aware of their efforts and their approach. Notice first:
A. The Wise Builder (24) – Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: There are a couple of interesting attributes that we need to consider.
1. His Work – We find that he built his house upon a rock. As we consider the wise builder, it would be beneficial to consider what Luke’s Gospel records about this man. Luke 6:48a – He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: There we find that he digged deep. That literally has the idea of digging deep and wide. In that region of the world, it is sometimes necessary to dig as deep as thirty feet to find a solid foundation. This builder would not have had all the modern machinery we possess today. Clearly this was hard work and reveals the effort this builder put forth to ensure a solid foundation. He was committed to building his house upon a rock.
We too must ensure that we are willing to put forth the necessary effort to build our lives upon a solid foundation. I am not talking about working for or earning our salvation but being committed unto the Lord and seeking Him in every aspect of life. Many today are seeking an easy route to heaven. They want to go to heaven when they die, but they are unwilling to sacrifice or labor for the Lord. We must dig deep in the faith and lean upon the Lord, not the lure of the world.
2. His Wisdom (24) – I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: This builder was wise in his building. There are a couple of details in the text that reveal his wisdom. Notice:
a. The Foundation – We know that he dug deep and wide in order to find a solid foundation. He was committed to building his house upon a rock. He wanted a foundation that would support the house when the storms of life came.
We too must ensure that we are building our lives and our hopes upon the Rock, Jesus Christ. 1 Cor.3:11 – For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Many today are placing their trust in the things of this world. They are depending upon their hard work and effort to pay off in the end. Our lives must be built upon Christ!
b. The Future – He built his house upon a rock. He placed his faith and trust in the foundation, more than in the house. He wanted to build a house that would endure the storms. He was building something that would last into the future, not something temporary and fragile.
Far too many are building upon the sinking sands of this life. They are placing their faith and trust in things that will not endure. They live their lives hoping everything will work out in the end. We must build our lives upon the Lord if there is to be any hope of an eternal future. We do not know what storms may come our way, but if we are built upon the Rock, we can endure.
B. The Foolish Builder (26) – There are a couple of attributes we need to consider regarding this builder as well. Notice:
1. His Work – And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. This man built his house upon the sand. Notice again what Luke’s Gospel reveals. Luke 6:49 – But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth. He had no foundation at all. He simply built his house on top of the ground. There was no strength in the house, no support, or security. As we will see, all of his labor was in vain because it did not endure.
Isn’t that an accurate depiction of so many in our day as well? They are building their lives with no foundation at all. They start out building upon the ideas and promises of this world, but there is no depth, strength, support or security in their lives. There is nothing to cling to or hope in when the storms of life rage. These projects require less effort and make a quick showing, but in the end they will not endure.
2. His Woe – And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. This man is likened unto a foolish man. The Greek word translated foolish in our text gives us our English word “moron.” Those around him may have thought that he was wise and prudent, saving time and money as he built, but it was all a foolish effort. He depended on his own wisdom, but would learn his wisdom was lacking.
We must also consider that the foolish builder took no thought for the future. He was consumed with the here and now. He wanted to build his house quick, with the least amount of effort, taking no thought for tomorrow.
Our world is filled with those who make the same foolish decisions. They are living life only for today. There is no thought for the future. They are not concerned with building a life that will be found acceptable in eternity through Christ the Lord. They are only concerned with pleasing themselves and living in the moment. Many have no spiritual foundation, building only upon this earth and the fleeting hope it gives.
II. The Calamity Endured (25, 27) – Jesus also reveals the storms the builders faced. Notice:
A. The Severity – Each of these builders would eventually face a severe storm. The rains would fall, the floods would come, and the winds would blow. Keep in mind that one was built upon a rock (a picture of Christ) and the other was built upon the sand. Each faced a traumatic storm.
Regardless of our foundation, we will all face storms and trials in this life. There will be times when the storms are severe. There will even be times when we will wonder how we will survive. Facing the storms and adversities of life are common to all people. The Christian is not immune, and the lost are not the only ones who face them. Job 14:1 – Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
B. The Similarity – These storms may not have been exactly the same, but they shared the same characteristics. Each of the builders faced driving rains, rising floods, and relentless winds. Their storms were very similar.
Living upon this earth, we all face similar trials and storms. We have endured some very difficult times as of late. These storms have affected all of us. There is no escape from the trials of life. They will come, and in many ways, they will be similar to the adversities others face. The main difference lies in the foundation. The believer has an Anchor that is sure. When the storms come, we can rest in the peace and assurance of Christ our Lord.
C. The Scrutiny – The storms tested the buildings that each man had built. They revealed what they were made of, and more importantly, what they were founded upon. Notice the contrasts. Mat.7:25 – And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. The wise builder’s house did not fall because it was built upon the rock. It endured because of the foundation! Luke reveals: the storm could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. Isn’t that what we desire? We need to build our lives so that we are secure in Jesus. When the storms come, we will be able to stand in Him.
Mat.7:27 – And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. The foolish builder’s house fell when the storms came, and great was the fall of it. Luke says: against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great. When the storm began to rage in its fury, the house immediately fell. It literally crumbled in the face of the storm. Surely, we all want to build lives that will endure. Those that are not built upon the rock will immediately fall when tested, but those built upon the rock will endure in Christ.
III. The Counsel Expressed (24, 26) – Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: [26] And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand. These are actually the closing comments to the sermon Jesus preached that day. He speaks of those who hear His words and do His commandments as being wise and those who hear His words and choose not to obey them as being foolish. He reveals they are responsible to respond to all that He has taught them in the Sermon on the Mount. “These sayings” speak of the message in its entirety. They must not pick and choose which portions were acceptable, but submit to all of His teaching.
He has given us His Word for our benefit, but it is ultimately up to us to hear and obey. Many today treat God’s Word like a buffet. They pick and choose the portions they like and leave the rest. If we are to build our lives upon the Rock, in such a way that they will endure the storms, we must heed and obey His Word.
Conclusion: May I ask where you are in the journey? Are you building your life upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ or are you building upon the sinking sands of this life? Only that which is built upon Christ will last. If you have never trusted Christ as your Savior, I urge you to do so if He is dealing with you today.
Christian are you fully trusting in the Lord today? Are you completely committed to following the Lord, hearing and heeding His Word? Partial obedience is never enough. Anything less than full surrender is in fact rebellion. Why not seek the Lord to strengthen your walk with Him?
