Two Men; Two Houses

Introduction:
The last half of Matthew 7 is a call to action. These words addressed to those who call themselves Christians. Looking good, sounding good, and doing something wonderful in the name of Jesus are not the only requirements to gain entrance into heaven. It is obedience! Our obedience must be an expression of our absolute trust. Jesus repeatedly warns us not to give way to partial obedience. We are not only to listen to His teaching—but we must be willing to put His teaching into action within our life! And so, Jesus presents us with a comparison with two houses and two men.

I. Let’s take a look at these two men.
    A. They were similar in that they had the same ______________. Both wanted a house.
        1. Wanted the same thing; thought the same thing; interested in the same things.
        2. Desired to have their house in the same ______________. Subject to the same stresses & tests.
    B. They were different from each other in that:
        1. Lk. 6:48-49—one was _________ while the other was ______________.
    C. The foolish one was in ___ ____________.
        1. Too much of a hurry to build a good ___________________.
        2. Prov. 19:2; 21:5—this leads to problems!
        3. S l o w down! Think things through!
    D. The foolish one ignored the basic rules of __________________.
        1. Not to be bothered by rules/regulations.
        2. Wise man will understand there is a _________ way of doing things!
    E. Foolish people follow their _________________. Their way is best!
        1. Kids; marriage; business; family; religion; etc.
        2. They often _________ __________ from older; wiser people!
    F. Foolish people are unwilling to _____ ______ ______________!
        1. Wise will take time to dig to a solid footing. Time consuming; laborious.
        2. Prov. 24:27—this is true in many areas of life!

II. Their houses & foundations:
    A. They both ___________________ in getting their houses built.
    B. House refers to “success,” “_____________,” “peace of mind,” or “fulfillment.”
        1. It stands for the longings of the _________ __________.
    C. Foundation stands for _____ _________ we try to fulfill our desire for happiness!
        1. There are only two foundations to rest our aspirations.
    D. Once our house is built—it is too late! Time for examination is over!
        1. We must be aware of the need to build on a solid foundation!
        2. If the foundation is wrong—______________ ______ will be wrong!
        3. See 1 Cor. 3:10-11; Eph. 2:20

III. We must build _____________ the ____________!
    A. Before the storm, any differences between two builders will be hard to see.
        1. In fact, the foolish person may even seem to have it better!
    B. It is ____________ that we must act out of faith! Must prepare while there is calm!
        1. We must run from Sodom before even the first sign of the firestorm.
    C. The storms of ___________ will come!
        1. One’s __________________ NOW will determine who one handles things LATER
        2. Illness; persecution; _________ ____________ in life. They will come.
    D. There is a coming storm of ___________ _________________!
        1. There is a day coming when differences between wise man and foolish man will be evident!

Conclusion:
    A. What is your supreme desire?
    B. Do you truly desire to know God (Jhn. 17:3); to know Jesus (Phil. 3:10); to hunger/thirst after
        righteousness (Matthew 5:6)? If not, why not???



Two Men; Two Houses Introduction: The last half of Matthew 7 is a call to action. These words addressed to those who call themselves Christians. Looking good, sounding good, and doing something wonderful in the name of Jesus are not the only requirements to gain entrance into heaven. It is obedience! Our obedience must be an expression of our absolute trust. Jesus repeatedly warns us not to give way to partial obedience. We are not only to listen to His teaching—but we must be willing to put His teaching into action within our life! And so, Jesus presents us with a comparison with two houses and two men. I. Let’s take a look at these two men. A. They were similar in that they had the same ______________. Both wanted a house. 1. Wanted the same thing; thought the same thing; interested in the same things. 2. Desired to have their house in the same ______________. Subject to the same stresses & tests. B. They were different from each other in that: 1. Lk. 6:48-49—one was _________ while the other was ______________. C. The foolish one was in ___ ____________. 1. Too much of a hurry to build a good ___________________. 2. Prov. 19:2; 21:5—this leads to problems! 3. S l o w down! Think things through! D. The foolish one ignored the basic rules of __________________. 1. Not to be bothered by rules/regulations. 2. Wise man will understand there is a _________ way of doing things! E. Foolish people follow their _________________. Their way is best! 1. Kids; marriage; business; family; religion; etc. 2. They often _________ __________ from older; wiser people! F. Foolish people are unwilling to _____ ______ ______________! 1. Wise will take time to dig to a solid footing. Time consuming; laborious. 2. Prov. 24:27—this is true in many areas of life! II. Their houses & foundations: A. They both ___________________ in getting their houses built. B. House refers to “success,” “_____________,” “peace of mind,” or “fulfillment.” 1. It stands for the longings of the _________ __________. C. Foundation stands for _____ _________ we try to fulfill our desire for happiness! 1. There are only two foundations to rest our aspirations. D. Once our house is built—it is too late! Time for examination is over! 1. We must be aware of the need to build on a solid foundation! 2. If the foundation is wrong—______________ ______ will be wrong! 3. See 1 Cor. 3:10-11; Eph. 2:20 III. We must build _____________ the ____________! A. Before the storm, any differences between two builders will be hard to see. 1. In fact, the foolish person may even seem to have it better! B. It is ____________ that we must act out of faith! Must prepare while there is calm! 1. We must run from Sodom before even the first sign of the firestorm. C. The storms of ___________ will come! 1. One’s __________________ NOW will determine who one handles things LATER 2. Illness; persecution; _________ ____________ in life. They will come. D. There is a coming storm of ___________ _________________! 1. There is a day coming when differences between wise man and foolish man will be evident! Conclusion: A. What is your supreme desire? B. Do you truly desire to know God (Jhn. 17:3); to know Jesus (Phil. 3:10); to hunger/thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6)? If not, why not???