Enduring the Storms

1999046

Introduction

A. Good little storm came up Friday night. Tornado said to have touched down north of the base.

1. Storms in June caused problems & major damage to homes, businesses and cost several people their lives on the reservation.

2. Storms can come and damage results - lives are torn apart - storms have an impact on a great many people.

B. Because of these storms - some have learned first hand about some contractors.

1. They learned that the building they built could not and did not endure a storm.

2. Many homes and business were not built to code - and as a result were totally destroyed.

C. Jesus makes a parallel between storms and buildings at the end of this “Sermon on the Mount.”

1. Matt. 7:24-27 - Jesus was encouraging people to act upon His words.

2. He was making reference to the difference in “doers” of the word and “hearers” only!

D. In this lesson we want to look at three questions

1. What do “houses” of the wise and foolish builders represent?

2. What “storms” is Jesus speaking of?

3. How can we “build” our lives to “Endure the storms?

I. What do the houses represent?

A. Each of us are building our individual “lives.”

1. This life that we are building will ultimately face unpredictable changes in life.

2. Your life has and will suffer many ups and downs.

B. We are all building these lives on some kind of foundation.

1. That foundation laid is what ever teaching, doctrine, or understanding we have.

2. It may be what:

a. Mom and Dad has taught us

b. life has taught us

c. what some preacher has taught us

d. or we may have just developed it ourselves (self-taught).

C. We can not escape the fact that we are the builders of our own individual lives.

1. The trials that come our way are the “storms” of life.

II. The Storms are things that threaten our well-being.

A. This may well involve literal storms.

1. Tornadoes; hurricanes; floods; fire; or an various other things.

2. They may destroy everything you own - they may even take a loved one.

3. How we respond to these tragedies will reveal the quality of our “building.”

a. Will we be over-come with grief - or will we be able to “Endure the Storm?”

b. It depends on how well we have built our lives!

B. It may also involve “figurative storms.”

1. Illness; handicaps; death of a loved one; financial difficulties; marriage dysfunction; many other “storms” of life.

2. Many of these “storms” may well; lessen our health; separate families; cause us to lose our investments; possessions.

3. How we respond to these tragedies will reveal the quality of our “building.”

a. Will we be able to stand strong? Will we be able to keep going on without hopelessness?

C. Then there is the final “storm” of life.

1. That is death - then the judgment (Heb 9:27) (Rom 2:3-6).

a. That is the final test of our building - it is a matter of “life eternal” - HEAVEN or HELL!

b. This will be the final inspection of our labors - (character) .. (1 Cor 5:9-13).

2. The Lord will then describe to us the kind of “builder” (servant) we have been ...

a. (Mat 25:21) (Mat 25:26)

D. The longer we live - the more “storms” we will face.

1. Ultimately - it is the last storm that we face that will seal eternity for us!

2. How can we be sure to build our lives - so that we can “Endure the Storm?”

III. Obeying Jesus and the Word is the key to “Enduring the Storm.”

A. Being a “hearer” only is not enough!

1. Building on shaky ground will not stand the “storm.” (Mat 7:26-27

2. James wrote - one is deceiving only themselves (Js 1:22-24)

3. When the “storms” of life beset us - the manner of our building will be revealed.

a. Your “character” will be bared! (Num 32:23).

B. We must be “doers” of the word - without question!

1. Those who are “doers” will “Endure the storms” (Mat 7:24-25)

2. Simply - because their lives (houses) are built upon the “rock” (a solid foundation.)

3. Look back at Js 1:25

a. I submit to you .. the “perfect law of liberty” is in following Jesus Christ and His word.

C. How do the sayings of Jesus Christ help us to “Endure the Storms?”

1. Matt 6:19-21 - One does not lay treasure in the world - but for heaven.

a. If we follow to His word - we will not be ruined if our earthly treasures are taken.

2. Mat 6:33 - Seeking the things of God will not allow us to seek the ways of the world.

a. If we pay heed to His word - we will not “be anxious” for tomorrow.

3. Mt. 7:15-20 - Jesus has provided the basis for a “solid” foundation to build our lives

a. We need to be “fruit inspectors” v. 20 - Take notes during a lesson - study to increase your knowledge (2 Tim 2:15).

D. This will lead us on the “strait and narrow” way - that leads to life eternal (Mat 7:13-14).

1. That will fulfill the “Law and the Prophets” (Mat 7:12).

2. That will receive what good gifts God desires to give His children (Mat 7:7-11).

3. That will not be judged by some inconsistent standard (Mat 7:1-6).

4. That is where the necessities of life are provided for (Mat 6:30-34).

5. With treasure that cannot rust or decay (Mat 6:19-21).

6. That is where we find righteousness that is pleasing to God (Mat 6:1-18).

7. The righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mat 5:20-48).

CONCLUSION:

A. This is the end of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.”

B. Jesus spoke with authority then - and how much more since His resurrection? (Mat 28:18).

C. If we would only follow that which is in God’s word - we can and will “Endure the Storms.”

D. Jesus made it clear that this is the only way to life eternal (Mat 7:13-20).

E. What kind of foundation are you building your house (life) on?

F. I N V I T A T I O N



Enduring the Storms 1999046 Introduction A. Good little storm came up Friday night. Tornado said to have touched down north of the base. 1. Storms in June caused problems & major damage to homes, businesses and cost several people their lives on the reservation. 2. Storms can come and damage results - lives are torn apart - storms have an impact on a great many people. B. Because of these storms - some have learned first hand about some contractors. 1. They learned that the building they built could not and did not endure a storm. 2. Many homes and business were not built to code - and as a result were totally destroyed. C. Jesus makes a parallel between storms and buildings at the end of this “Sermon on the Mount.” 1. Matt. 7:24-27 - Jesus was encouraging people to act upon His words. 2. He was making reference to the difference in “doers” of the word and “hearers” only! D. In this lesson we want to look at three questions 1. What do “houses” of the wise and foolish builders represent? 2. What “storms” is Jesus speaking of? 3. How can we “build” our lives to “Endure the storms? I. What do the houses represent? A. Each of us are building our individual “lives.” 1. This life that we are building will ultimately face unpredictable changes in life. 2. Your life has and will suffer many ups and downs. B. We are all building these lives on some kind of foundation. 1. That foundation laid is what ever teaching, doctrine, or understanding we have. 2. It may be what: a. Mom and Dad has taught us b. life has taught us c. what some preacher has taught us d. or we may have just developed it ourselves (self-taught). C. We can not escape the fact that we are the builders of our own individual lives. 1. The trials that come our way are the “storms” of life. II. The Storms are things that threaten our well-being. A. This may well involve literal storms. 1. Tornadoes; hurricanes; floods; fire; or an various other things. 2. They may destroy everything you own - they may even take a loved one. 3. How we respond to these tragedies will reveal the quality of our “building.” a. Will we be over-come with grief - or will we be able to “Endure the Storm?” b. It depends on how well we have built our lives! B. It may also involve “figurative storms.” 1. Illness; handicaps; death of a loved one; financial difficulties; marriage dysfunction; many other “storms” of life. 2. Many of these “storms” may well; lessen our health; separate families; cause us to lose our investments; possessions. 3. How we respond to these tragedies will reveal the quality of our “building.” a. Will we be able to stand strong? Will we be able to keep going on without hopelessness? C. Then there is the final “storm” of life. 1. That is death - then the judgment *(Heb 9:27) (Rom 2:3-6). a. That is the final test of our building - it is a matter of “life eternal” - HEAVEN or HELL! b. This will be the final inspection of our labors - (character) .. (1 Cor 5:9-13). 2. The Lord will then describe to us the kind of “builder” (servant) we have been ... a. (Mat 25:21) (Mat 25:26)* D. The longer we live - the more “storms” we will face. 1. Ultimately - it is the last storm that we face that will seal eternity for us! 2. How can we be sure to build our lives - so that we can “Endure the Storm?” III. Obeying Jesus and the Word is the key to “Enduring the Storm.” A. Being a “hearer” only is not enough! 1. Building on shaky ground will not stand the “storm.” *(Mat 7:26-27* 2. James wrote - one is deceiving only themselves *(Js 1:22-24)* 3. When the “storms” of life beset us - the manner of our building will be revealed. a. Your “character” will be bared! *(Num 32:23). B. We must be “doers”* of the word - without question! 1. Those who are “doers” will “Endure the storms” (Mat 7:24-25) 2. Simply - because their lives (houses) are built upon the “rock” (a solid foundation.) 3. Look back at *Js 1:25* a. I submit to you .. the “perfect law of liberty” is in following Jesus Christ and His word. C. How do the sayings of Jesus Christ help us to “Endure the Storms?” 1. *Matt 6:19-21 -* One does not lay treasure in the world - but for heaven. a. If we follow to His word - we will not be ruined if our earthly treasures are taken. 2. *Mat 6:33 -* Seeking the things of God will not allow us to seek the ways of the world. a. If we pay heed to His word - we will not “be anxious” for tomorrow. 3. Mt. 7:15-20 - Jesus has provided the basis for a “solid” foundation to build our lives a. We need to be “fruit inspectors” v. 20 - Take notes during a lesson - study to increase your knowledge *(2 Tim 2:15). D. This will lead us on the “strait and narrow” way - that leads to life eternal (Mat 7:13-14). 1. That will fulfill the “Law and the Prophets” (Mat 7:12). 2. That will receive what good gifts God desires to give His children (Mat 7:7-11). 3. That will not be judged by some inconsistent standard (Mat 7:1-6). 4. That is where the necessities of life are provided for (Mat 6:30-34). 5. With treasure that cannot rust or decay (Mat 6:19-21). 6. That is where we find righteousness that is pleasing to God (Mat 6:1-18). 7. The righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees (Mat 5:20-48). CONCLUSION:* A. This is the end of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” B. Jesus spoke with authority then - and how much more since His resurrection? *(Mat 28:18)*. C. If we would only follow that which is in God’s word - we can and will “Endure the Storms.” D. Jesus made it clear that this is the only way to life eternal (Mat 7:13-20). E. What kind of foundation are you building your house (life) on? F. I N V I T A T I O N