Scripture References: Matthew 7:21-29 (Main Text) Philippians 3:7-11; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; Matthew 19:27-30; Jeremiah 9:23-24

Intro: (Podcast Sermon Title Suggestion: Solid Ground: Hearing AND Doing Jesus' Words)

• Conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount series.
• Jesus ends His teaching not with easy comfort, but with a stark, authoritative warning.
• Theme: The critical difference between merely hearing Jesus' words and actively doing them – the foundation determines if our lives withstand life's storms.

Key Points:

1. Not Just Words, But Knowing & Doing (Matt 7:21-23):
   • Jesus issues a sobering warning: Not everyone who calls Him "Lord, Lord" or even performs impressive ministry in His name (prophecy, exorcisms, mighty works) will enter the kingdom.
   • The crucial factor is doing the will of the Father. This flows from genuinely knowing Jesus – an intimate, obedient relationship, not just acquaintance or activity.
   • We boast not in works, but in knowing God (Jer 9:24). Jesus' terrifying words: "I never knew you; depart from me."
2. The Wise vs. Foolish Builders (Matt 7:24-27):
   • Jesus presents two builders, two foundations, two outcomes: 
     • Wise Builder: Hears Jesus' words AND puts them into practice. Builds on the solid rock.
     • Foolish Builder: Hears Jesus' words BUT does not put them into practice. Builds on shifting sand.
   • True wisdom isn't just acquiring knowledge, but obedience. Foolishness is hearing the path to life but choosing destruction.
3. Storms Reveal the Foundation (Matt 7:25, 27):
   • Life's storms—times of testing, disappointment, fear, heartbreak—are inevitable and will batter both houses.
   • The foundation is what makes the difference. Only a life built on the rock of hearing and obeying Jesus Christ will stand firm when trials come.
4. Obedience, Rewards & Knowing Christ:
   • Obedience isn't just about survival; it's linked to blessing and intimacy ("Obedience is God's love language"). It positions us closer to Jesus.
   • Building wisely on Christ, the foundation, through obedience results in work that endures testing (like gold, silver - 1 Cor 3) and receives eternal rewards (Matt 19).
   • Ultimately, the greatest "reward" and motivation, surpassing all earthly gain, is the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus personally (Phil 3).

Conclusion: Jesus' final, authoritative word in the Sermon on the Mount is a dead serious call to action. Hearing His radical kingdom teachings isn't enough. We must build our lives on the solid rock of knowing Him through active obedience to His words. This is the only foundation that withstands life's storms and leads to eternal life and reward centered on Him.

Call to Action:

• Honestly examine your life's foundation. Are you merely a hearer, or are you actively putting Jesus' words into practice?
• Don't rely on superficial confessions or external activities. Prioritize knowing Jesus through obedience.
• Choose wisdom: Build your life on the Rock.
• Come to the communion table remembering that Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, is the Rock and He secured the way for us to build on Him.

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The Gospel of Matthew: Building on Christ, Building With Christ  (Matthew 7:21-29)
with Mike Young

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