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Becoming a Wise Builder

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. MATTHEW 7:24-29 NLT

JESUS INVITES ME TO…

EXAMINE MY REAL FOUNDATION

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. PSALM 127:1 NIV

EVALUATE THE PLACE HIS WORDS HOLD IN MY LIFE

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? LUKE 6:46 NLT

And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. JOHN 5:37-40 NIV

OBEY HIM AND BUILD A FOUNDATION THAT STANDS THROUGH THE STORMS

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. JAMES 1:22-24 NIV

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can be alone with God, free from distractions. You might consider going for a walk, sitting outside, or settling into your favorite chair. Take a few deep breaths, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Be present, release anything you’re carrying, and allow your mind to focus on God. Slowly read James 1:22-24, quietly speaking the words aloud to yourself. Do that a few times, paying attention to the different words and phrases. Are any words highlighted to you, almost lifting off the page? Linger on those, meditating on them as your prayer to God. When you’re ready, invite God to speak to you; to reveal or show you what He wants to say. Ask Him some questions like, “Lord, where do I hear Scripture but fail to put it into practice? In what part of my life do I have spiritual amnesia?” Allow these questions to simply be conversation starters between you and God. Speak to Him and listen for His voice. What did you sense God speaking into your life? You might write that down or journal about your experience. Carry that with you throughout the week ahead, returning to it for prayer, reflection or to prompt ongoing conversation with God.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 7:24-29 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What are the main points or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity? Consider the other passages referenced in the sermon notes in your discussion.

3. Apply the Lesson. How do we apply these passages to our lives today? What stands out from the passage—that God might be encouraging or challenging you in?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on what you learned?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: When have you experienced a situation in your life that exposed a deeper, underlying problem? What happened and how did you respond?
  2. START HERE: Where do people currently look for truth, wisdom, and answers to their problems that could resemble the “sand” Jesus refers to in Matthew 7:26-27?
  3. KEEP GOING: How have you, either now or in the past, allowed culture to influence and inform the way you think, act, and live?
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 7:24-29. What stands out to you as you hear these words from Jesus?
  5. KEEP GOING: Read Psalm 127:1. Where in your life are you relying on yourself to build something of value instead of trusting Jesus?
  6. KEEP GOING: Read Luke 6:46. In what ways do you find yourself tempted to agree with Jesus, but not actually obey Him?
  7. LIVE IT OUT: If Jesus has highlighted an area of disobedience in your life, what’s the confession you need to make? Who do you need to make it to?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: Is there anything in your life that God has called you to do, but you have yet to follow through on? What is keeping you from moving ahead?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: What are some next steps you can take to grow in obedience to Jesus?