Two Men, Two Houses
Mt. 7:24-27
2002007
Subject: Sermon on the Mount
Introduction:
A. Last half of Mt. 7 – is a call to action. Jesus wants us to put his words into practice – not just listen & applaud.
1. He has discussed:
2. 2 kinds of righteousness; 2 kinds of treasure;
3. a broad and narrow way; hypocrisy or simplicity
4. this world or the next; and most importantly: our will or God’s.
5. No doubt, the choices are clearly and powerfully drawn.
B. These words addressed to those who are Christians. Those who claim to be disciples.
C. Looking good, sounding good, doing something wonderful in name of Jesus is not the only thing that will get a person to heaven!
1. It is obedience!
2. Obedience needs to be an expression of our absolute trust!
3. In these verses, Jesus warns us of partial obedience or merely listening to His teaching.
4. We need to be aware of self deception!
D. And so, Jesus presents us w/a comparison – a double comparison.
1. 7:24-27 – two houses & two men.
2. We will note their similarities; differences in a practical way.
I. Let’s take a look at these two men.
A. They were similar in that they had the same desire!
1. both wanted to build a house.
2. wanted the same thing; thought about the same thing; interested in the same things.
3. They desired the house in the same locality. Actually, the houses were built in the same place. Their houses were subject to the same tests and stresses.
B. But, note the differences between the two men…
1. they’re not obvious! Reason for this? Jesus wants us to be reminded of the subtle influences that can wreck our lives!
2. Lk. 6:48-49. Here we find they were different as one was wise; the other foolish. This would be reflected as to the type of foundation they would build their house on.
C. Seems that the foolish one was in a hurry.
1. too big of a hurry to lay a foundation.
a) wanted everything at once; this minute; couldn’t wait!
b) Prov. 19:2; 21:5 – leads to problems!
2. This is true in so many areas of life! Big problem in American society.
3. We must slow down; think things through! Don’t take too far & procrastinate though…
D. We might observe the foolish man ignored the basic rules of construction.
1. Only cared about getting roof over his head – NOW!
2. Didn’t want to be bothered w/rules & regulations – just do it!
3. A wise man will understand there is a right way to do things!
E. Foolish people – follow their impulses. Think their ideas are best…nothing to learn from others.
1. kids; marriage; business; family; religion
2. ignore warnings…
3. forget the sunny skies will disappear and the storms of life will come! Foolish person will not think ahead to the potential consequences of his actions!
F. Foolish people are unwilling to pay the price….
1. A proper foundation too expensive! Wise man took time to dig to solid footing which was laborious and time consuming!
a) wise man will work through this b/c he knows everything important is at stake!
b) This is true in many areas of life: medicine; ministry; law; etc.
c) Pro 24:27
2. Don’t be like the foolish man who built for the moment; and w/o foresight!
II. Their houses and foundations.
A. Story indicates that both succeeded in getting house built. Did it well!
1. Whatever the house – all men are seeking to build it.
2. the “house,” could be called “success,” or “happiness,” or “peace of mind,” or “fulfillment.”
B. The “house” here stands for the common longings of the human heart. This is part of the way God made us!
C. “foundation” in this text stands for the way we try to fulfill our desire for happiness!
1. Jesus says – there are only 2 foundations on which to rest our aspirations for ultimate fulfillment.
2. Submitting to His will or rebelling against it.
D. Note – once our house is built – it is already too late!
1. time for examination is over!
2. So while we build our house – we must be aware of need to build on solid foundation. Why?
3. foundation wrong – everything else will be wrong!
a) stressed throughout the Bible!
b) 1 Cor. 3:10-11; Eph. 2:20
III. We must build before the storm!
A. Before the storm – any differences between the two builders will be hard to see.
1. In fact, both foolish & wise will appear to have succeeded. Both houses will stand tall; firm; and unshaken.
a) the fool in saving himself of the more difficult tasks – may even seem to have it better!
2. But it is NOW – before the storm – that we must decide how we will build our spiritual house!
a) it is NOW that we must act out of faith!
b) Obviously it will be easy to see difference after the storm – but then it’s too late!
c) We must prepare for the storm during dry/calm weather.
d) Earnhart: we must run from Sodom before even the first sign of the firestorm.
B. The storms of life will come!
1. Because of building on Jesus – God’s kind of Christian can withstand the storms and trials of life.
a) our relationship with the Lord NOW will determine how we handle:
b) heartaches; illness; persecution; hard times in this life.
c) They will come!
2. More importantly, there is a coming storm of divine judgment!
a) some will always struggle to see difference between the narrow way and the broad way. True righteousness vs. hypocrisy.
b) Day coming when differences between wise man and foolish man will be starkly evident.
c) Mt. 13:43 – the righteousness will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father…
d) Even the blindest of men will see the difference then!
3. The time is NOW for everyone of us to develop an attitude of humility and honesty about ourselves.
4. We must have the meekness of spirit which will enable us to see ourselves for what we are, and the Son of God for who He is.
Conclusion:
A. What is your supreme desire?
1. is it the benefits/blessings that Jesus offers?
2. or, is there a shallow, self centered, carnal desire?
B. Do you truly desire:
1. to know God? Jhn. 17:3
2. to know Jesus – Phil. 3:10
3. To hunger/thirst after righteousness? Mt. 5:6
C. Where are you building your house?
D. Are you foolish or wise?
E. I N V I T A T I O N
