← November 28, 2018 → Show Scripture Reading — Matthew 7:24-29Everyone who . . . puts [these words] into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew. . . . — Matthew 7:24-25 In this parable Jesus describes the storms of life as a matter of fact. He does not say “If” those storms come. Twice he says, “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house.” So we can be sure that our life’s foundation will be tested. There’s no getting around it. The question is whether the foundation will stand up to the test. Have we chosen to build on a firm foundation, or not? Interestingly, many of the houses in our Vancouver neighborhood do not have a firm foundation. While some areas in the city have solid rock to build on, our neighborhood is built on a peat bog near a lake! You can just imagine some of the slanting floors and leaning walls in older homes that are not built on deep pilings. If our spiritual houses, which are being built in our hearts and minds, are solidly based on Jesus and his Word, we can have complete confidence that no matter what happens, our souls are secure. This means grounding ourselves in Christ every day and making wise choices through the guidance of his Spirit before the storms of life come. Only in him can we be assured that our foundation is rock-solid. Lord Jesus, we rely on you completely to survive the storms of life. Because of you, we are confident that our foundation will remain secure even when the rain, rising waters, and winds come to test us. In your name we pray. Amen. Share
About the author — Julia Prins VanderveenJulia Prins Vanderveen works and lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, Trevor, and their three sons. Julia has served as a copastor with Trevor at a church in Vancouver. She is a campus pastor and a humanities teacher at the Vancouver Christian School. Today Daily Devotional is brought to you by: United States Office 1700 28th Street SE Phone: 616.942.9383 Canada office PO Box 5070 Canada:
905.336.2920 Other programs from ReFrame Ministries: Reinforces this week’s “Come Follow Me” study: Matthew 6-7 “He Taught Them as One Having Authority” Scripture:Matthew 7:24-27 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Song:Video Clip:Lesson:After Jesus taught the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that those who heard the things He taught and did them were like wise men building a house upon a rock. By doing the things Jesus teaches us, we are building our testimonies and our own family on a strong foundation. What are some things Jesus teaches us to do in His Sermon on the Mount? One thing He taught the people was how to pray. He reminded the people not to pray using “vain repetitions”, and gave them an example of a prayer, which has become known as The Lord’s Prayer. (See Matthew 6:9-16) He taught the people not to judge unrighteously. He compared a person judging someone else unrighteously to someone who has a beam stuck in their eye, while they’re trying to get a tiny mote out of someone else’s eye. (See (Matthew 7:1-5) Jesus also taught us that we should seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). As we do these things, we build strong testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ that will help our family withstand the storms of life, just like the house built by the wise man upon a rock is able to withstand the rain, wind and floods. Quote:“…If you make your home a house of prayer and fasting, faith, learning and glory, and order, it can become a house of God. If you build your homes on the foundation rock of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and the gospel, they can be sanctuaries where your families can be sheltered from the raging storms of life.” Joseph B. Wirthlin Q&A:What does it mean to build your testimony upon the rock of Jesus Christ? What can we learn about prayer from the way the Savior prayed? (Discuss ideas.) How can we use His prayer as a model to improve our own prayers? (Discuss ideas.) Is it wrong to judge others? (Discuss ideas.) “Some scriptures command us not to judge and others instruct us that we should judge and even tell us how to do it. But as I have studied these passages I have become convinced that these seemingly contradictory directions are consistent when we view them with the perspective of eternity. The key is to understand that there are two kinds of judging: final judgments, which we are forbidden to make, and intermediate judgments, which we are directed to make, but upon righteous principles.” Dallin H. Oaks What guidance has the Lord given us in making judgments? (Read Matthew 7:2–5 and Discuss thoughts.) How can we individually “first seek the kingdom of God”? How can we do this as a family? (discuss ideas) Activity idea: Treat idea:Praying Arms Pretzels
These lessons are perfect for Family Home Evening at the beginning of the week, or to recap the following Sunday. Or use portions of the lesson throughout the week to enhance your family scripture study. Sign up now to get FREE lessons and teaching ideas in your inbox each week! What does build your house on the rock mean?This means grounding ourselves in Christ every day and making wise choices through the guidance of his Spirit before the storms of life come. Only in him can we be assured that our foundation is rock-solid. Lord Jesus, we rely on you completely to survive the storms of life.
What is the lesson of the parable of the two builders?The parable illustrates the importance of building one's life on obedience to the teachings and example of Jesus.
What is the message of Matthew 7 24 27?To conclude His sermon on the mount, Jesus reminds His audience to remember one simple rule: Listen and obey "these words of mine." Those who serve in military and law enforcement are extremely familiar with the principle of listen and obey, for the sake of their safety and the protection of others depends on it.
What does a rock symbolize in the Bible?The words rock and stone, referring to the prime elements in ancient foundations, are used in the scriptures as metaphors signifying strength, steadiness, and durability.
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The house built on the rock lesson
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