How can we avoid being like the "foolish man" in Matthew 7:26? Setting the Scene - Jesus closes the Sermon on the Mount with two builders (Matthew 7:24-27). - The wise builder hears and does; the foolish builder hears and ignores. - Storms come to both. Only the house on the rock stands. Spotting the Foolish Man “ But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (Matthew 7:26) - He listens but never obeys. - His “house” may look fine—until testing reveals the foundation. - Sand equals shifting opinions, cultural trends, self-reliance; rock equals every word of Christ. Why the Label “Foolish”? - False security: trusting outward appearance, not structural integrity (Proverbs 14:12). - Self-deception: thinking knowledge equals maturity (James 1:22). - Disregard for the Builder’s manual: ignoring divine authority (Luke 6:46). Steps to Avoid His Mistake 1. Hear with intention • Schedule consistent, unhurried Bible intake (2 Timothy 3:16-17). • Read whole passages, not isolated verses, to grasp Jesus’ “words of Mine.” 2. Obey immediately • “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). • Ask, “What does obedience look like in the next 24 hours?”—then act. 3. Anchor every belief to Christ • “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11) • Reject doctrines or lifestyle choices that contradict clear Scripture, no matter how popular. 4. Cultivate deep roots • “Rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith” (Colossians 2:6-7). • Spiritual disciplines—study, worship, fellowship, service—drive truth from head to heart. 5. Embrace accountability • Invite mature believers to inspect your “foundation” and speak truth in love (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Submit to local-church teaching that exalts Scripture. Warning Signs We’re Slipping onto Sand - Selective listening: highlighting favorite verses, ignoring convicting ones. - Delayed obedience: “I’ll do it later” becomes “I never did.” - Image management: craving applause more than holiness (Matthew 6:1-6). - Fear of storms: confidence evaporates when trials hit, revealing weak footing. Promises for the Wise Builder - Stability: “You will keep in perfect peace the steadfast of mind, because he trusts in You” (Isaiah 26:3-4). - Fruitfulness: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water” (Psalm 1:3). - Preservation: “Who through faith are shielded by God’s power” (1 Peter 1:5). - Reward: “If what he has built survives, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:14). Putting It Into Action Today - Choose a Gospel to read this week; jot one obedience step per section. - Memorize Matthew 7:24-27 and recite it when facing decisions. - Replace a shaky routine (e.g., mindless scrolling) with daily Scripture meditation. - Share your obedience plan with a trusted believer and invite follow-up. Storms will come. Houses built on the Rock—heard, believed, and obeyed—will stand. |
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