Sunday, March 26th , 2020 – The Two Builders
Opener:
Good Morning Church, Hey thank you so much for tuning in this morning. We miss and love all of you so very much. If you were able to join us last week, we talked about how we need each other. Some of you may remember the television series of The Lone Ranger. It was an American western drama that depicted a sole surviving Texas Ranger who wore a black mask and went about helping those that were challenged by lawless elements. Let me say, there are no Lone Rangers in the kingdom of God. Truly, we need one another.
This week we are talking about a tale of two different buildings. One that was foolish and one that was wise. Before we delve into the bible, I want to share a story with you concerning a failed building project.
You have all probably hear about the leaning tower of Pisa which is located in Italy. This 183 foot tower which was built in the 12th century was constructed using the best material available. However, due to the soft ground this structure began to sink which caused the tower to lean. When measured in 1990 the tilt had reached 5.5 degrees. It is interesting to note that the foundation of this 183 foot tower is only 10 feet deep.
Today, we are going to read a passage that is contained on what was deemed as Jesus greatest sermon. The sermon on the Mount. Our story today is about two different builders who built two houses on two different types of foundations with two different results. In this parable, Jesus teaches us the importance of the foundation of which we build our lives on. This morning we are going to talk about some of the elements of this parable that shows u that our foundation matters.
I. Built on a Rock
A. Imagery
a. Many times during Jesus teaching, He would use imagery in order for people to understand His teachings.
b. Guys I want to talk to you a little bit. As a guy, I typically learn by visually seeing something. That is not to say that some of you ladies also learn visually.
c. Have you ever wondered why they include pictures in the instruction manual when you have to put something together.
d. These manufacturers have figured it out that they will get less calls when they include pictures in their instructions.
B. The parable
a. Let’s dive right into this Parable which Jesus shares in the book of Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
b. We have several elements here that we are going to look at for just a moment
C. Two builders
a. We learn in our story that there are two different builders.
b. While these two builders decided to build on two different foundations, they really had several important things in common.
c. First of off, these builders both had the capability of building a structure. The both had the same types of materials to work with.
d. Both of our builders in our story built in the same proximity toward one another.
II. Choosing your foundation
A. Build on sand
a. While there are several things in common with our builders. There is one major difference between the two.
b. That difference is the fact that one choose to build on sand while the other choose to build on a rock.
c. The man that built his house on the sand, it took little preparation on his part.
d. He found a spot for his house and he quickly began to build.
e. Let me say this, coming from a former construction worker, sand is not a good base to us as it is unstable and is ever changing.
f. Sand offers no stability whatsoever.
B. What does this all mean
a. So how does this relate to me? You may ask.
b. People who build on the sand hear the Gospel and choose only to save themselves.
c. They choose to follow God, but they only do so based on their own terms.
d. King Saul is a great example of this as he wanted to obey God but on his terms. He was 99 percent obedient which in God’s eyes is 100 percent disobedient.
e. The apostle Paul warned Timothy about these type of people in 2 Timothy 3:5(NKJV) 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!
C. Sand builders
a. The people that build on sand do so because it is easy. It requires little effort.
b. They have the mentality that they only have to change a little here, a little there and they will be alright.
c. Sand builders are a fickle people. They follow God only when it is convenient for them to do so.
d. There are many people that have built their faith based on a denomination and on religious traditions.
D. Built upon a Rock
a. In contrast to the builder that built on sand. Our second builder in our story built on a rock.
b. This builder took the time to dig until he reached the bedrock.
c. He recognized that rock does not move, it is unchanging and offers a good foundation.
d. Those that build on a rock understand that Jesus along has the power and ability to save their soul from the pit of hell.
e. Rock builders hear God’s Word and they conform their lives to follow it.
E. God’s building
a. As believers, we all set out with every good intention to raise a strong spiritual life.
b. It is our task to make sure that our foundation is solid and that our building is secure on the Word of God.
c. All throughout Jesus ministry, He emphasized to His disciples that there is power in the truth of God’s Word and that His Word is the foundation for living.
d. In fact the author of Hebrews shares with us in Hebrews 4:12(NKJV) 12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
e. God Word is truth, however it is a different kind of truth than just regurgitation some sort of mathematical formula.
f. God Word is the kind of truth that breaks spiritual chains that have a grip on your heart.
g. God’s Word produces a foundation of joy from within us.
h. It is not about right or wrong, but it is aligning ourselves with our Creator. When we do that, His power and authority are within us!
F. God’s building
a. The Apostle Paul talked about using the proper materials for our building in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15(NKJV) 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
b. Jesus Words in Matthew 7 was more than just being a wise and unwise in the way that we live our lives
c. Jesus was showing us the difference between having a life that is full of joy and peace versus a life of shame and misery.
d. Jesus was showing us that when we put His Words into practice that our faith will be strong enough to endure the store of life.
III. Consequences to our decisions
A. Rains come
a. There are a lot of truths Jesus was sharing in this parable.
b. This parable shares that the rains came, the floods then followed and the winds began to blow.
c. Notice how both builders, both houses were subjected to the storms of life.
d. Yet, one house was destroyed while the other was left standing.
B. Collapse
a. The house that was built on the sand was unable to face the judgment of God. Therefore, this house utterly collapsed.
b. Jesus described this fall in His parable as being a great fall. In other words, the house was totally destroyed.
c. There was nothing left. No more hopes, no more plans, no more dreams, it was swept away as it never existed.
C. Battered but no destroyed
a. The house built on the rock also experienced the storm.
b. Let me say this, just because you are a believer does not exempt you from the storms of life.
c. This rock builders house stood because it was built on the Word of God.
d. This builder dug deep and recognized that he needed to rely on someone other than himself.
e. This builder understood that it was Jesus that died for our sins, and that He rose from the dead and gives salvation freely to all those that would believe on Him.
Closing:
As we close here this morning, If you are building your house on anything but the Lord Jesus and the Gospel, it might not fall, it will fall. While the builders house who built on sand look good on the outside, it was not. If we spend our entire life building on anything other than Jesus Christ, we will fail. Those that build on anything other than Jesus will be lost for eternity.
Maybe you are hearing me this morning and you are thinking, Pastor, I am the one who built on the sand. Let me say this, it is not too late. You can come to Jesus, and turn things around. When we give our heart to the Lord he sees us through to the end. Our houses will last the storms of life because our trust in Jesus and Him alone. I want to leave you with this bible verse that is found in the book of Philippians 1:6(NKJV) 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
