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Matthew 7:24 - Build Your Life on Christ and His Word.

Matthew 7:24 (NIV) Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

INTRODUCTION

To build "on the rock" means to be a hearing, responding disciple, not a phony, superficial one. Practicing obedience becomes the solid foundation to weather the storms of life. See James 1:22-27 for more on putting into practice what we hear. [Life Application SB]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   To those who believe, Christ is the sure foundation. These are they who fall upon the Rock and are broken. Submission to Christ and faith in Him are here represented. To fall upon the Rock and be broken is to give up our self-righteousness and to go to Christ with the humility of a child, repenting of our transgressions, and believing in His forgiving love. And so also it is by faith and obedience that we build on Christ as our foundation.
   Upon this living stone, Jews and Gentiles alike may build. This is the only foundation upon which we may securely build. It is broad enough for all, and strong enough to sustain the weight and burden of the whole world. And by connection with Christ, the living stone, all who build upon this foundation become living stones. Many persons are by their own endeavors hewn, polished, and beautified; but they cannot become "living stones," because they are not connected with Christ. Without this connection, no man can be saved. Without the life of Christ in us, we cannot withstand the storms of temptation. Our eternal safety depends upon our building upon the sure foundation. Multitudes are today building upon foundations that have not been tested. When the rain falls, and the tempest rages, and the floods come, their house will fall, because it is not founded upon the eternal Rock, the chief cornerstone Christ Jesus.  {DA 599}

COMMENTARY

Cemented to Christ
   In October of 1780, in the middle of the American Revolution, the deadliest hurricane recorded in the Atlantic swept across the Caribbean islands, killing more than 20,000 people. The Great Hurricane of 1780 destroyed nearly every home on the island of Barbados. Eyewitnesses reported that stone buildings and forts were demolished and that even heavy cannons were thrown hundreds of feet.
   Many people have lost their lives by not having a firm foundation. Jesus gave this warning at the end of His famous Sermon on the Mount, classifying people into two groups: the wise who hear and obey His Word and the foolish who also hear but don't obey. The difference between the two is their foundation.
   The wise build "on the rock," which is none other than Jesus Himself, "the chief cornerstone" (Ephesians 2:20). The cornerstone is the first and most important stone laid: It orientates the building in a specific direction; every other part is fit based on it. So does Jesus orient our lives when we choose to follow His commandments; He determines how we are to be.
   Notice that every person gets the chance to hear God's Word. The choice is left to us. Jesus promises that those who build their lives in His image will never be destroyed, no matter how hard the winds of strife blow. Will disaster strike? It certainly will. But those who are aligned with "the Rock of our salvation" (Psalm 95:1) will be cemented to the Word which "stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8).
   My Solid Rock, today I choose for You alone to be my firm foundation; recreate me into a doer of Your Word. [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

ILLUSTRATION

   A state park a few hours from our home is popular with rock climbers. Jagged cliffs rise up from a river valley. Sharp contours and steep angles seem impossible to traverse. After exploring a few trails, my husband and I stopped to watch a man scale one of those cliffs. His climbing partner observed from the ground, directing him to good footholds or handholds. The climber tested each jutting stone before putting his weight on it. By choosing the solid rocks, he made it to the top.
   I learned a lot watching that climber. Gripping an unsteady support could cause scraped skin, a collision with the rock face, or worse. Not to mention that dislodging stones could hurt the partner below.
   When I'm struggling on Jesus's path for my life, I sometimes grab for anything that seems as though it could offer me support. I might focus on bolstering my bank account or build connections with people so I feel armed with the opinions of others. I might devour information so I can forestall any potential problems. But human answers to eternal questions are wobbly at best. Not only do they eventually give way, but also my floundering might cause damage to someone else.
   Jesus is our Cornerstone, our solid Foundation, the Rock we can trust. Putting faith in my finances, my popularity, my intellect, or any other fleeting security is a poor substitute for trusting my Savior. Sharon Hinck
   Faith Step: Find a video or picture of a rock climber. Ask Jesus to help you choose His strong, supportive path for you today. [Mornings With Jesus 2024 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Matthew 7:24 - Build Your Life on Christ and His Word.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240604-0950.html
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230629-1034.html

Proverbs 4:20-21 - God's Word and Sanctification.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20140209-1807.html

James 1:22 - Living the Word.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230623-0845.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/