How can we be like the "wise man" in Matthew 7:24 today? The Core Verse “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) Understand the Picture Jesus Paints • Two builders, two foundations, one inevitable storm • The wise man’s safety is not luck; it flows from deliberate obedience • The rock is Christ Himself (1 Corinthians 3:11) and His unchanging Word Key Traits of the Wise Man • Listens attentively to Jesus’ words • Immediately translates hearing into doing • Chooses a foundation that will never shift • Accepts that storms will come but plans for them in advance Supporting Scriptures: – James 1:22 “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – Luke 6:48 “He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock.” Practical Ways to Live It Today Daily Word Intake • Schedule unhurried Bible reading; prioritize it as you would meals • Memorize key passages that address current struggles Active Obedience • Ask, “What does this verse call me to do right now?” then act • Keep short accounts—confess and correct disobedience quickly Prayer-Fueled Dependence • Begin every decision with prayer for wisdom (James 1:5) • Thank God after each step of obedience, reinforcing the habit Christ-Centered Community • Join a local, Scripture-preaching church for encouragement and accountability • Invite trusted believers to speak truth when you drift toward compromise Discernment in a Noisy World • Test every cultural message against Scripture (Acts 17:11) • Refuse to dilute biblical truth to fit popular opinion Perseverance Through Storms • Recall God’s past faithfulness during current trials (Psalm 77:11) • Anchor hope in the resurrection and coming kingdom (1 Peter 1:3–5) Guarding Against the Sand • Relativism: treating truth as adjustable • Selective obedience: embracing verses we like, ignoring the rest • Superficial spirituality: pursuing emotional highs without rooted practice • Compartmentalized faith: acting Christian on Sunday, autonomous the rest of the week The Promise for Those Who Build on the Rock • Stability when life’s storms howl (Matthew 7:25) • Fruit that endures into eternity (John 15:5) • Assurance of belonging to Christ now and forever (John 10:28) A Life That Stands Firm Hear Jesus, trust Him enough to obey, and keep doing so day after day. In every choice to practice His Word, you drive another stake into solid rock—and your house will stand. |