Enduring The Storms

Introduction
Storms are a part of life while living in western South Dakota. Storms come and sometimes damage results – and effects thereof can have an effect of many people. Structures that often receive the most damage are homes. After a storm passes, one knows for sure if their home withstood the force of the winds, hail, and rain. Every year, some homes withstand; others are totally destroyed. In Mt. 7:24-27 – Jesus makes a parallel between storms and buildings at the end of His sermon on the mount. Here Jesus makes reference to the "doers" of the word and the "hearers only." Those who "hear only" are destined for destruction!

I. What do the houses represent in Mt. 7:24-27?
   A. They represent our individual lives.
    B. Our lives are built upon some sort of foundation.
        1. The foundation laid is whatever teaching, doctrine, or understanding we have.
        2. We are the builders of our own individual lives.

II. What do the storms represent in Mt. 7:24-27?
   A. These are things that threaten our well-being.
        1. Could involve literal storms…
        2. Will involve figurative storms … illness; death of a loved one; marital problems; etc.
      3. How we respond to these tragedies will reveal the quality of the building!
    B. All will endure the FINAL storm of life: death!
        1. Heb. 9:27; Rom. 2:3-6 – all will experience death & the judgment.
        2. 1 Cor. 5:9-13 – the final test of our building – an inspection of our labors.
            a. At judgment … the Lord will describe what kind of builder we’ve been
            b. Mt. 25:21, 25
    C. How can we be sure to build our lives … so we can endure the storm?

III. Obeying Jesus & the Word is a key factor in enduring the storm.
   A. Being a "hearer" only is NOT enough!
        1. Mt. 7:26-27 – shaky ground NOT a good foundation.
        2. See also Js. 1:22-24
    B. Storms of life reveal the manner/quality of our building.
        1. Your character will be exposed: Num. 32:23
        2. Must be doers of the word without question!
    C. "Doers" will endure the storms – Mt. 7:24-25. – They’ve built on the rock! See Js. 1:25.
    D. How do the sayings of Jesus help us to endure the storms?
        1. Mt. 6:19-21 – lay treasure up in heaven; Mt. 6:33 – Seek the kingdom first!
        2. Mt. 7:15-20 – must be "fruit inspectors" & seek to grow in knowledge – 2 Tim. 2:15.
    E. Applying knowledge will put us on the strait & narrow way! Mt. 7:13-14.
        1. See Mt. 7:7-11; 6:30-34; 6:19-21; 6:1-18.

If we will only follow that which is in God’s Word – we can & will "endure the storms."



Enduring The Storms Introduction Storms are a part of life while living in western South Dakota. Storms come and sometimes damage results – and effects thereof can have an effect of many people. Structures that often receive the most damage are homes. After a storm passes, one knows for sure if their home withstood the force of the winds, hail, and rain. Every year, some homes withstand; others are totally destroyed. In Mt. 7:24-27 – Jesus makes a parallel between storms and buildings at the end of His sermon on the mount. Here Jesus makes reference to the "doers" of the word and the "hearers only." Those who "hear only" are destined for destruction! I. What do the houses represent in Mt. 7:24-27? A. They represent our individual lives. B. Our lives are built upon some sort of foundation. 1. The foundation laid is whatever teaching, doctrine, or understanding we have. 2. We are the builders of our own individual lives. II. What do the storms represent in Mt. 7:24-27? A. These are things that threaten our well-being. 1. Could involve literal storms… 2. Will involve figurative storms … illness; death of a loved one; marital problems; etc. 3. How we respond to these tragedies will reveal the quality of the building! B. All will endure the FINAL storm of life: death! 1. Heb. 9:27; Rom. 2:3-6 – all will experience death & the judgment. 2. 1 Cor. 5:9-13 – the final test of our building – an inspection of our labors. a. At judgment … the Lord will describe what kind of builder we’ve been b. Mt. 25:21, 25 C. How can we be sure to build our lives … so we can endure the storm? III. Obeying Jesus & the Word is a key factor in enduring the storm. A. Being a "hearer" only is NOT enough! 1. Mt. 7:26-27 – shaky ground NOT a good foundation. 2. See also Js. 1:22-24 B. Storms of life reveal the manner/quality of our building. 1. Your character will be exposed: Num. 32:23 2. Must be doers of the word without question! C. "Doers" will endure the storms – Mt. 7:24-25. – They’ve built on the rock! See Js. 1:25. D. How do the sayings of Jesus help us to endure the storms? 1. Mt. 6:19-21 – lay treasure up in heaven; Mt. 6:33 – Seek the kingdom first! 2. Mt. 7:15-20 – must be "fruit inspectors" & seek to grow in knowledge – 2 Tim. 2:15. E. Applying knowledge will put us on the strait & narrow way! Mt. 7:13-14. 1. See Mt. 7:7-11; 6:30-34; 6:19-21; 6:1-18. If we will only follow that which is in God’s Word – we can & will "endure the storms."