God’s Building Code

19 January 2025 AM ~ Matthew 7:24-27
Introduction: Before a person can build a house in the suburbs, there are certain building codes that must be followed. Theoretically, those codes are designed to ensure that the house is build structurally strong and safe so that it will last for years to come.
Way back in Bible times, before official building codes existed, there were certain common sense building codes to which wise people adhered. In our text today, Jesus used those common sense building codes of that day to illustrate an important truth. Read Matthew 7:24-27.
Transition: In these verses, I find four points to God’s building code that can lead us to a strong spiritual life.
 
The first point is that
1. Jesus illustrated God’s building code (v.24-27).
A. A wise man built his house on a rock.
(1) He went to the work of digging down to rock to lay a solid foundation for his house (v.24).
(2) When the storms came, his house stood firm (v.25).
B. A foolish man built his house on the sand.
(1) He took a shortcut and build his house on the sand rather than digging down to rock (v.26).
(2) When the storms came, his house fell with a great crash (v.27). The shortcut did not pay!
 
The second point I find is that
2. God’s code is rooted in his words.
A. “Therefore”, sends us back to His spoken words.
(1) As you study the Bible, never overlook the word “therefore”. It is a reminder to take another look at what has just been said.
(2) Matthew 5:1-7:29 is one sermon. We often refer to it as Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. He likely preached this on the mountain side along the north shores of Galilee.
(3) The “therefore” in v.24 is telling us that what he is about to say is the application of his previous words.
B. Let me highlight a few of his words in this sermon.
(1) Jesus spoke of being like salt making life taste better for those around us (5:13).
(2) We are to let our light shine for God’s glory (5:17).
(3) We must reconcile with men before worshiping God (5:23-24).
(4) Looking with lust is adultery in the heart (5:28).
(5) We must love our enemies (5:44).
(6) We must forgive others before God will forgive us (6:14-15).
(7) God wants us to lay up treasures in heaven rather than on earth (6:20-21).
(8) We are to seek first God’s kingdom and trust him to take care of us (6:33).
(9) Note that not everyone who calls Jesus Lord as truly repented of sin and become a child of God (7:21-23).
C. Jesus’ next comment was based on these words.
 
The third point that follows is that
3. God requires us to hear his words (v.24).
A. What we do not know, can not help us.
(1) Those present when Jesus preached knew what he said. Others heard his words from the mouth of those present.
(2) The only way Jesus’ words could help anyone was that they must first hear them.
(3) We were not there, but we can read His words in the Bible. If you do not daily read the Bible to feed your soul, I urge you to begin today. If you do not know how to get started, ask me and I will help you.
(4) You can also hear the Word by coming to church. As we begin 2025, it is a great time to begin attending all the preaching services (AM, PM, Wed)!
B. Hearing alone is not sufficient.
(1) Many people know much about the Bible, but it never changes their lives. They know what God said about anger, forgiveness, lust, putting God first, dealing with sin, reconciling with others, etc., but they ignore what they heard.
(2) In the previous verses, Jesus spoke of many who will call him Lord on Judgment Day, but they did not know him personally nor had they repented of their sin. Just knowing who Jesus is and what he said, is not sufficient.
 
Finally, the fourth point is that
4. God requires us to do his words.
A. Both the wise man and the fool heard truth.
(1) The wise man and the foolish man heard others say that building on a rock was important.
(2) Jesus applied his illustration to all who heard his sermon that day (v.24, 26). They all heard.
(3) If you have attended our church for any time at all, you have heard many things from God’s Word.
(a) You know that Christ provided salvation from hell for all who will repent of their sin and trust Christ alone (Acts 3:19).
(b) You know what God said about forgiveness, love, hate, bitterness, Bible reading, prayer, separation, reconciliation, children obeying, marital roles, etc.
(c) Our problem is seldom ignorance. We all own a Bible, and we can read all that God said in it.
B. The key to God’s building code is obedience.
(1) Jesus clearly stated that hearing was not enough.
(2) The Apostle James wrote, (James 1:22-25) “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
(3) James’ exhortation echoed what Jesus taught in our text. It is all about obeying what we have heard.
(4) Perhaps the foolish builder laughed at the wise builder for working so hard and taking so long to build his house. He thought his house was just fine. However, on the day the huge storm struck, and his house began to crumble, he was not laughing.
(5) Each day, you and I are building our lives. Neither you nor I am an exception to the rule. If we do not build on obedience to God’s Word, one day the storms of life or the Judgment of God will come and all that we have built will come crashing down.
(6) Ask yourself these questions. Am I sure that I have obeyed God’s Word regarding salvation from hell? Am I living my daily life in full obedience to God’s Word? Am I controlling my lusts, anger, words, attitudes, bitterness, thoughts, etc. as God’s Word says I must? Am I obeying God’s Word regarding Bible reading, prayer, witnessing, parenting, loving my spouse, etc.?
Conclusion: Each of us is either like the wise man or the fool in Jesus’ story. Which describes you? If you must admit that you are more like the fool than the wise man, do not be deceived. Your life will not endure the storms ahead. Life is cruel and giving account to your Creator will be fearful.
It is not too late to become a wise person. Simply hear what the Bible says and obey it!
Song: Holy Bible, Book Divine, 179