Sam Ferguson, June 21, 2020. Key texts | Matt. 7:21-27 (main text; 7:1-5; 7:13-14; 5:43)
SERMON OUTLINE & QUESTIONS
Opening thoughts—
The Christian life must be built on a foundation of doing: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them [puts them into practice] will be like a wise man...”
What causes your faith to become one primarily of “lip service”? What does it look like to move away from “lip service” to actively doing Jesus’ commands?
Background—
Jesus offers this passage as a warning at the end of his Sermon on the Mount. People are interested in his teachings and are calling him Lord, so he emphasizes the necessity of doing (i.e. lifestyle).
Jesus is not saying, “I will accept you only if you do my will perfectly.” Rather, he’s saying, “I’m the source of living water, and if living water is flowing to you, then you will bear fruit.”
Bearing fruit = obeying Jesus, putting into practice his words.
What does your relationship with God look like when your life bears good fruit consistently? Are your daily rhythms, habits, thoughts, or priorities different?
The parable of the two builders was a familiar image to his audience.
Jesus’ listeners lived in an arid environment; Jerusalem endured intense rains combined with a rocky landscape, leading to flash floods, erosion, and collapsing foundations.
Environment —> parable: If you say you’re a Christian but never put Jesus’ teachings into practice, then your life is like a sandy foundation that erodes, causing the house to collapse.
This is a serious warning, but it’s also an invitation to a sturdy life. —> Accept Jesus by putting His teachings into practice. Doing so will give your life a solid foundation.
Sermon Focus | Build Your House on the Rock, Matt. 7:24
Matt. 7:24 | “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Key question—What are the “words of mine” that Jesus speaks of?