Acting on Faith: Building a Genuine Relationship with Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we concluded our series on the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Jesus' final teachings in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. Jesus emphasizes that it is not enough to merely hear His words; we must also act on them. This is akin to my experience coaching my son's baseball team: the kids learned best by actually playing the game, not just by listening to instructions. Similarly, following Jesus requires action, not just knowledge.
Jesus warns that on Judgment Day, many will claim to have done great works in His name, but He will say, "I never knew you." This is a sobering reminder that our relationship with Jesus must be genuine and not just a facade of religious activities. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as being known by Him. We can camouflage our lack of a true relationship with Jesus by saying the right things and doing good works, but Jesus sees through this.
Jesus concludes with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The wise builder hears Jesus' words and acts on them, building his house on a rock. The foolish builder hears but does not act, building his house on sand. When the storms of life come, only the house on the rock stands firm. This parable underscores the importance of not just hearing but doing what Jesus commands.
In practical terms, this means starting a genuine relationship with Jesus, engaging in discipleship relationships, and obeying His teachings. Jesus has all authority, and His life and works demonstrate His power and love. Our response should be one of awe, leading us to worship and obey Him fully.
### Key Takeaways
1. Action Over Knowledge: Jesus emphasizes that hearing His words is not enough; we must act on them. Just as children learn baseball by playing, we learn to follow Jesus by actively living out His teachings. This requires us to move beyond intellectual understanding to practical application in our daily lives. [04:41]
2. Genuine Relationship: On Judgment Day, many will claim to have done great works in Jesus' name, but He will say, "I never knew you." This highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus, not just religious activities. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as being known by Him. [06:29]
3. Camouflage of Cultural Christianity: Saying the right things and doing good works can serve as camouflage, hiding the lack of a true relationship with Jesus. Intellectual knowledge and religious activities can make us appear godly, but Jesus sees through this facade. True faith requires a heartfelt relationship with Him. [21:39]
4. Foundation Matters: The parable of the wise and foolish builders teaches that the foundation of our lives matters. Building on the rock means hearing and doing Jesus' words, which provides stability during life's storms. Building on sand, or merely hearing without doing, leads to collapse when challenges arise. [26:58]
5. Authority of Jesus: Jesus has all authority, as demonstrated by His life, miracles, and resurrection. Our response to His authority should be one of awe and obedience. Neutrality or lukewarmness in our faith is not an option; we must fully commit to following and obeying Jesus. [40:12]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:52] - Introduction to Sermon on the Mount
3. [03:08] - Jesus' Conclusion on the Mount
4. [04:41] - Learning by Doing
5. [06:29] - Judgment Day Warning
6. [08:07] - Many Will Say "Lord, Lord"
7. [09:35] - Impressing with Words and Works
8. [12:36] - Doing Things in Jesus' Name Without Jesus
9. [15:41] - Knowing About Jesus vs. Being Known by Jesus
10. [21:39] - Camouflage of Cultural Christianity
11. [25:17] - Invitation to Follow Jesus
12. [26:58] - Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
13. [30:27] - The Storms of Life
14. [34:50] - How to Know Jesus Knows You
15. [40:12] - Authority of Jesus
16. [44:59] - Call to Worship and Obey
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:21-27 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say will happen to those who merely call Him "Lord, Lord" but do not do the will of His Father? ([06:29])
2. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, what are the two different foundations mentioned, and what do they represent? ([26:58])
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus repeating "Lord, Lord" in Matthew 7:21? ([09:35])
4. What does Jesus say is the difference between the wise and foolish builders when the storms of life come? ([28:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of doing the will of His Father rather than just knowing or saying the right things? ([06:29])
2. How does the parable of the wise and foolish builders illustrate the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus? ([26:58])
3. What does it mean to camouflage our lack of a true relationship with Jesus through religious activities and intellectual knowledge? ([21:39])
4. How does Jesus' authority, as described in the sermon, impact our response to His teachings and commands? ([40:12])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are merely hearing Jesus' words but not acting on them? What steps can you take to start putting His words into practice? ([04:41])
2. How can you ensure that your relationship with Jesus is genuine and not just a facade of religious activities? What changes might you need to make in your daily life to deepen this relationship? ([06:29])
3. Have you ever found yourself trying to impress others or even God with your words or works? How can you shift your focus to building a true relationship with Jesus instead? ([09:35])
4. Think about a recent storm or challenge in your life. Was your foundation built on the rock (Jesus' teachings) or on sand (mere knowledge)? How did this affect your response to the storm? ([28:46])
5. Jesus has all authority, and our response should be one of awe and obedience. How can you cultivate a sense of awe and a commitment to obedience in your daily walk with Jesus? ([40:12])
6. Identify one specific teaching of Jesus that you have struggled to obey. What practical steps can you take this week to start living out that teaching? ([26:58])
7. How can you engage in discipleship relationships to help you and others grow in obedience to Jesus' teachings? Who can you reach out to this week to start or deepen such a relationship? ([36:23])
Devotional
### Day 1: Faith in Action
Description:
Jesus emphasizes that hearing His words is not enough; we must act on them. This is akin to how children learn baseball by playing the game, not just by listening to instructions. Similarly, following Jesus requires us to move beyond intellectual understanding to practical application in our daily lives. This means that our faith should be evident in our actions, not just in our words or thoughts. Jesus calls us to live out His teachings in tangible ways, demonstrating our commitment to Him through our daily choices and behaviors. [04:41]
Bible Passage:
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." (James 1:22-24, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of one specific teaching of Jesus that you have heard but not yet put into practice. What is one concrete step you can take today to begin living out that teaching?
### Day 2: Authentic Relationship with Jesus
Description:
On Judgment Day, many will claim to have done great works in Jesus' name, but He will say, "I never knew you." This highlights the importance of a genuine relationship with Jesus, not just religious activities. Knowing about Jesus is not the same as being known by Him. It is crucial to cultivate a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus, where our actions stem from a deep connection with Him rather than a desire to appear righteous. This genuine relationship is marked by ongoing communication, trust, and obedience to His will. [06:29]
Bible Passage:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'" (Matthew 7:21-23, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Is it based on genuine love and obedience, or is it more about religious activities? What steps can you take to deepen your personal connection with Him today?
### Day 3: Beyond Cultural Christianity
Description:
Saying the right things and doing good works can serve as camouflage, hiding the lack of a true relationship with Jesus. Intellectual knowledge and religious activities can make us appear godly, but Jesus sees through this facade. True faith requires a heartfelt relationship with Him. It is easy to fall into the trap of cultural Christianity, where our faith is more about fitting in with a religious community than about a transformative relationship with Jesus. We must examine our hearts and ensure that our faith is genuine and not just a cultural or social identity. [21:39]
Bible Passage:
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:8-9, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider whether there are areas in your life where you are merely going through the motions of faith. How can you move from a superficial practice of Christianity to a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus?
### Day 4: Building on a Solid Foundation
Description:
The parable of the wise and foolish builders teaches that the foundation of our lives matters. Building on the rock means hearing and doing Jesus' words, which provides stability during life's storms. Building on sand, or merely hearing without doing, leads to collapse when challenges arise. This parable underscores the importance of not just hearing but doing what Jesus commands. Our lives must be grounded in His teachings, ensuring that we are prepared to withstand the trials and tribulations that come our way. [26:58]
Bible Passage:
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock." (Matthew 7:24-25, ESV)
Reflection:
Examine the foundation of your life. Are you building on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings, or are there areas where you are relying on unstable foundations? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in Christ?
### Day 5: Responding to Jesus' Authority
Description:
Jesus has all authority, as demonstrated by His life, miracles, and resurrection. Our response to His authority should be one of awe and obedience. Neutrality or lukewarmness in our faith is not an option; we must fully commit to following and obeying Jesus. Recognizing His authority means submitting every aspect of our lives to Him and allowing His lordship to guide our decisions and actions. This wholehearted commitment is a response to His love and power, leading us to worship and obey Him fully. [40:12]
Bible Passage:
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your response to Jesus' authority. Are there areas of your life where you are resisting His lordship? What changes can you make today to fully submit to His authority and follow Him wholeheartedly?
Quotes
1. "What I realized is, it was not enough to teach them how to play baseball. They had to actually play baseball. That the best way for them to learn how to play baseball, is to actually put a bat in their hands and let them swing for the fences. And guys, that's how it is in following Jesus. Some of us may be waiting. Well, I'm going to wait until my life is perfect. I'm going to wait until I got all my T's crossed and I's dotted before I really go all in and start following Jesus. Brother and sister, let me tell you something. That's never going to happen." [04:41] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus says, not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven. But, the one who does the will of my Father, who is in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? And then I will declare to them, I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of lawlessness." [06:29] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus says that it is possible to do things in the name of Jesus without Jesus. Did you hear me? It is possible to do things in the name of Jesus without Jesus. And you may say, Brandon, how is that possible? He says, I'm going to declare to them. They're going to declare to me and I'm going to declare back to them. I don't know you. You did all this stuff in my name, but I don't, I don't know in verse 23, I don't know who you are." [13:59] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Saying the right things, knowing how to sing the right, Hillsong songs or Elevation songs or whatever WPER is playing, knowing the right terminology to act like a good Christian, knowing how to act at church, filling up on intellectual knowledge, reading more books, listening to more podcasts, being able to read the entire New Testament in original Greek, can all be used as a camouflage to make people think you have a relationship with God. But you actually don't. See, guys, intellect is not a relationship. You can know a lot about someone and still not know them." [23:30] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus says the wise person is a person who hears his words and does his words. See, it is not enough to go to a church that talks about Jesus. You got to do what Jesus says. There's many people who have heard his words. Maybe you grew up in church. Maybe as a kid, you colored the coloring sheets. So when you think about church and the Bible, you think about those coloring sheets, or maybe you went to a Christian middle school or high school, or maybe you went to a Christian college. Maybe you read the verse of the day on your Bible out. Maybe you heart and share Christian memes all over Instagram, like whatever it may be, we hear God's word a lot. We hear it a lot. Jesus says the difference is, will you do them?" [26:58] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The storm is coming in your life. I know there are three types of people in this room today. You either are just now getting out of a storm, and I'm not talking about a literal storm. I'm talking about a storm of your life where you just got some bad news, or you've been really stressed or anxious, you've just gotten the heck beat out of you. Like, I know this. There's one type of person who feels like you are coming out of that, and you're going, man, what was that? Then there's a second type of person who is going through it right now. Like, you came to church today, and you're like, Lord, I need to hear something from you because I am going through it. I am discouraged. I am depressed. I am angry. Things are falling apart. My kids are falling apart. My marriage is falling apart. My emotions are falling apart. And you are going through the storm right now. And then there's a third person. And you go, Brandon, I don't know why you're talking about all these storms. How about a little joy and happiness? Well, the third person is the person that's about to go through a storm." [30:27] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Jesus says, the storm is coming. The only difference is going to be, will your life stay together, or will your life fall to pieces? Jesus says, that's the difference. And you may go, are those my only two options? And Jesus would say, yep, that that's what's going to happen. And so this is what Jesus says. Jesus says, you're a wise person, you're going to build your house on a rock. This is a real rock, Nate. Heavy. It's a real rock. Here's what we catch. No, I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. But thank you. You were so willing. That was so sweet. It was a real rock. All right? It's hard. It's steady. It's sturdy. It's there. Guys, this is what Jesus says. When you do his words, not just listen to them, not just grow up hearing them, but when you start to read your Bible and do what it says, he says, you're building your house on this. It's steady. It's firm. It's secure." [31:48] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "How do you know that you can do this? You get into a discipleship relationship. Number two, you get into a discipleship relationship. Now, here's what I mean by that. It's where you are meeting with one or two or three other people and you're only reading the Bible and holding each other accountable to do what it says. That is a discipleship relationship. It's not a book club. A lot of people ask me, Brandon, what book should we read for our discipleship time? I say, I don't know. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Genesis, Exodus. I don't know. You got 66 of them to choose from. They're all in the Bible. See, discipleship is not a book club. It's coming together to read the word and hold each other accountable to do what it says." [36:23] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus has all the authority, not your pastor. Jesus has all the authority, not your church. Because Jesus has the authority. That word astonished means they were dumbfounded. Is that your response to Jesus today? I am dumbfounded. I am astonished that Jesus would love me and want me and include me and give me an opportunity to build my house on the rock, to know him personally. Guys, Jesus has all the authority." [40:12] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Neutrality with Jesus is impossible. Lukewarmness is disgusting and consumerism is an affront. So let's let the awe and the wonder of who Jesus is lead us to worship him and to obey him and to obey him and to obey him and to obey him and to obey him and to obey him. Let's build our houses on the rock." [44:59] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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