What practical steps can we take to "build our house on the rock"? Setting the Scene—Jesus’ Blueprint “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24) What “the Rock” Signifies • The person and teaching of Jesus (Luke 6:47–48). • The unchanging Word of God (Psalm 18:2; Isaiah 40:8). Practical Steps for Building Well 1. Come to Christ as the Only Foundation • Accept His finished work (John 14:6). • Confess Him openly (Romans 10:9–10). 2. Listen—Soak in Scripture Daily • Schedule unhurried reading time; start in the Gospels and Psalms. • Memorize key verses; “I have hidden Your word in my heart” (Psalm 119:11). • Use audio Bibles while commuting or exercising. 3. Do What He Says—Immediate Obedience • Apply each discovered command the same day (James 1:22). • Keep a journal column titled “Action” beside your study notes. 4. Dig Deeper—Consistent Study Habits • Observe, interpret, apply: three simple steps for every passage. • Compare Scripture with Scripture (Acts 17:11). • Use trustworthy study tools—lexicons, cross-references. 5. Pray Dependently • Begin every session: “Open my eyes that I may see wondrous things from Your law.” (Psalm 119:18) • Pray the text back to God, turning statements into personal petitions. 6. Stay Planted in a Bible-Preaching Church • Hear the Word corporately (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Submit to godly leaders who model obedience (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). • Participate in small groups for accountability. 7. Practice Ongoing Repentance • Keep short accounts with God (1 John 1:9). • Welcome correction from mature believers (Proverbs 27:6). 8. Guard the Heart and Mind • Filter media and friendships through Philippians 4:8. • Reject teachings that contradict Scripture (2 Timothy 3:13–17). 9. Persevere through Storms • Recall that trials test structural integrity (James 1:2–4). • Speak truth to yourself: “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer.” (Psalm 18:2) 10. Pass It On—Disciple Others • Teach family and friends the same principles (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). • Model obedience; example cements teaching (1 Corinthians 11:1). The Result—A Life That Stands “The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.” (Matthew 7:25) Steady faith, unwavering hope, and visible fruit flourish when every board of life is anchored to Christ and His Word. |
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