Building Upon The Rock

Or

Upon The Sand

Matt. 7:24-27

I.    Therefore:

A.  This word is referring to all the previous truths taught by Christ in the sermon on the mount.

B.   Who is Christ talking to? (saved or lost?)

1.      Matt. 5:1 - There was a multitude present.

2.      This group contained both saved and lost.

3.      Each person would receive from God what he needed.

II.   Similarities:

A.  You can't build on both.

1.      Matt. 6:24 - You can't serve God and mammon.

2.      You must either serve the world to come or this world.

B.   Both hear.

1.      This people all hear exactly the same message.

2.      Different people get different things out of every message, according to what their individual background is, and what they need.

a.   Some people have a particular sin in their lives, therefore, they wait through the message for some indication that the preacher is preaching to them about that particular sin.

b.   Some people have a particular question, therefore, they are waiting through the message for some clue that will aid them in solving the question.

C.   There is a choice to be made.

1.   The doctrine of fatalism is false.

2.   We all have the authority and responsibility to make decisions.

3.   A good choice: Joshua 24:15 - Joshua declared, "...for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

4.   A bad choice: Gen. 13:11 - Lot chose him the plain of Jordan.

D.  There will be come trouble into your life.

1.      Some believe that when you are saved, all your trouble is over.

2.      Some believe only lost people have trouble and trials.

3.      Some believe any sign of trouble is:

a.   Chastisement.

b.   God is displeased with what you are trying to do.

c.   God is directing your life in another direction.

E.   Every person is building his house.

1.      This refers to you dwelling, more specifically to building your life, or becoming the person you are.

III. The Rock

A.  Deut. 32:1-4 - the LORD is the rock.

1.      Exodus 17:6 - This is the rock which Moses struck which gave water unto Israel.

2.      Numbers 20:8 - This is the same rock which Moses was commanded to speak to and it would give water to Israel.

3.      Matt. 16:18 - Jesus Christ is the rock the institution of the church is built upon.

IV. The Sand.

A.  An innumerable company.

1.      Rom. 9:27 - Israel is as numerous as the sand on the seashore.

2.      Heb. 11:12 - The people that came from Abraham and Sarah became man as the stars of the sky for multitude.

B.   The popular way (Satan's Way).

1.      Rev. 13:1 - John stood on the sand of the sea and saw the entire history of the Antichrist.

2.      Rev. 20:8 - Those that are deceived by the Antichrist are as numerous as the sand of the sea.

3.      Proverbs 11:21 - Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished...

4.      Proverbs 16:5 - Everyone that is proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD: though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.