How can we avoid being like the "foolish man" in Matthew 7:27? Setting the Scene “The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse.” — Matthew 7:27 Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with two builders. One collapses because he ignores what Jesus says. The lesson is clear: the stability of our lives depends on whether we hear and obey Christ’s words. What Makes the Foolish Man Foolish • He hears but does not act (Matthew 7:26). • He trusts in outward appearance—his house looks fine until the storm. • He underestimates the certainty of storms (trials, judgment). • He relies on shifting sand: human wisdom, feelings, culture, tradition without truth. Foundations that Fail Today • Self-reliance: “I’ll figure it out myself” (Proverbs 14:12). • Cultural approval: chasing trends that contradict Scripture (1 John 2:15-17). • Religious ritual without obedience (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8-9). • Moral relativism: redefining right and wrong (Judges 21:25). The Remedy: Hear and Do • Build on Christ alone: “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11 • Receive the word humbly, then practice it: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22 • Submit every area—thoughts, relationships, finances, ambitions—to His commands (Colossians 3:17). Daily Practices That Anchor Us 1. Consistent Scripture intake – Read broadly; meditate deeply (Psalm 1:2-3). – Memorize key verses for quick recall in temptation (Psalm 119:11). 2. Immediate obedience – Respond to conviction right away (Luke 6:46-49). – Adjust schedule, habits, or attitudes the moment truth is revealed. 3. Prayerful dependence – Ask for wisdom to apply truth (James 1:5). – Rely on the Spirit’s power, not mere willpower (Galatians 5:16). 4. Accountable community – Fellow believers help reinforce the foundation (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Invite correction; welcome counsel from mature Christians (Proverbs 27:17). 5. Long-range vision – Evaluate choices by eternal outcomes, not immediate comfort (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). – Remember future judgment motivates present faithfulness (Romans 14:10-12). Guarding Against Subtle Drift • Regularly examine motives (Psalm 139:23-24). • Compare every new idea with Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Avoid partial obedience—selective hearing still builds on sand (1 Samuel 15:22-23). • Cultivate gratitude; a complaining heart often signals shaky foundations (Philippians 2:14-16). Encouragement for Steadfast Building Storms will come, but houses anchored to the Rock stand firm. Live today so that when winds howl, your life testifies, “The Lord is my refuge and my fortress” (Psalm 91:2). The wise builder’s reward is not simply survival; it is fellowship with Christ now and unshakable security forever. |
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