The Two Builders Series

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.