Building a Life on Christ's Teachings

Devotional

Day 1: True Wisdom Is Hearing and Doing Jesus’ Words

Genuine intelligence is not just about knowing what Jesus taught, but about putting His words into practice in daily life. Many may claim to follow Christ or perform impressive acts in His name, but Jesus makes it clear that only those who actually live out His teachings are part of His kingdom. Building your life on His words is like constructing a house on a solid rock—when storms come, you will stand firm. The storms of life are inevitable, but the foundation you choose determines whether you endure or collapse. [27:54]

Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
“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.”

Reflection: What is one specific teaching of Jesus you’ve heard but not yet put into practice? What step can you take today to begin living it out?

Day 2: The Cross Is God’s True Wisdom

The world often mocks faith in Christ as foolish, but God’s wisdom turns the world’s wisdom upside down. The message of the cross may seem like nonsense to those who don’t believe, but for those who are being saved, it is the very power of God. God intentionally frustrates human pride and intellect, showing that true wisdom is found in humble trust and obedience to Him, not in the shifting opinions of society. [25:05]

1 Corinthians 1:18-20 (ESV)
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.’ Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel pressure to follow the world’s wisdom instead of God’s? How can you choose God’s wisdom today, even if it seems foolish to others?

Day 3: A Nation Is Blessed When God Is Its Foundation

History and Scripture both show that a nation is most blessed when it acknowledges God as its Lord and builds on His principles. While no nation is perfect, those that honor God and His Word experience blessings that benefit all citizens. When a nation drifts from God, it faces moral confusion, broken families, and social chaos. The intelligent choice for any nation—and for its people—is to uphold God’s standards, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. [32:40]

Psalm 33:12 (ESV)
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!”

Reflection: How can you personally influence your community or nation to honor God’s ways, starting with your own choices and conversations this week?

Day 4: The Church Must Be Built on Christ Alone

The only unshakeable foundation for the church is Jesus Christ Himself—not personalities, traditions, politics, or programs. When a church is built on the confession that Jesus is the Messiah, it stands strong against any opposition. Such a church honors God’s Word as the highest authority, worships Christ above all else, and prioritizes reaching the lost over personal preferences. This is the intelligent way to be the church Jesus intended. [45:44]

Matthew 16:15-18 (ESV)
“He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.’”

Reflection: In what ways can you help your church focus more on Jesus and His mission, rather than on traditions, programs, or personalities?

Day 5: Build Your Life on the Teachings of Jesus

Personal happiness, healthy relationships, moral clarity, and peace in the midst of stress all flow from building your life on the teachings of Jesus. The Sermon on the Mount reveals that true blessing and fulfillment come from living out Christ’s words, not from chasing fleeting pleasures or following the crowd. God’s Word equips you for every good work and prepares you for eternity. The most intelligent choice you can make is to daily ground your life in Scripture and let Jesus be your foundation. [57:27]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Reflection: What is one daily habit you can start or strengthen this week to build your life more firmly on God’s Word?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on what it truly means to live an intelligent life according to Jesus’ teachings. The world often equates intelligence with academic achievement, cleverness, or the ability to reason, but Jesus redefines intelligence as hearing His words and putting them into practice. This is the foundation for a life that stands firm, even when storms come. The parable of the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7 illustrates that it’s not enough to simply know or even admire God’s Word; the real wisdom is in applying it. Both the wise and the foolish face storms, but only the one who builds on the rock—by living out Jesus’ teachings—endures.

This principle applies to every sphere of life: nations, churches, and individuals. Historically, nations that have honored God and built on biblical principles have experienced blessing, not because of perfection, but because of a foundational commitment to God’s authority. The drift away from these foundations often comes from the difficulty of long-term obedience, the attractiveness of sin, and the delayed nature of judgment. Yet, the consequences of abandoning God’s ways are evident in societal breakdown, family struggles, and moral confusion.

When it comes to the church, the only enduring foundation is Jesus Himself. Churches can be built on personalities, traditions, politics, or programs, but only those built on Christ and His Word will withstand the test of time and opposition. A church built on the rock is marked by honoring Scripture above all, worshiping Christ alone, and prioritizing evangelism over personal preferences.

On a personal level, Jesus’ teachings—especially as laid out in the Sermon on the Mount—offer the most intelligent way to live. True happiness, healthy relationships, moral clarity, stress management, and eternal security are all found in aligning our lives with His Word. The call is not just to hear, but to do; not just to admire, but to obey. This is the path to a life that is blessed, resilient, and eternally significant.

Key Takeaways

1. Intelligence in God’s Kingdom Means Obedience, Not Just Knowledge True wisdom is not measured by how much we know about God’s Word, but by how much we live it out. Jesus makes it clear that hearing His words without putting them into practice is as foolish as building a house on sand. The storms of life will come to everyone, but only those who have built on the rock of obedience will stand firm. [27:54]
2. The Foundations We Choose Shape Our Destiny—Individually and Collectively Whether building a nation, a church, or a personal life, the foundation matters more than the structure itself. Societies and individuals who root themselves in God’s truth experience blessing and stability, while those who drift from it face chaos and decline. The choice of foundation is a daily, intentional act that determines the outcome when challenges arise. [32:40]
3. Obedience Is Challenging Because Sin Is Attractive and Judgment Is Delayed Many turn away from God’s ways not because they are unconvinced, but because obedience is hard, sin offers immediate gratification, and consequences often seem far off. Yet, the long-term fruit of ignoring God’s wisdom is always destructive, both personally and societally. Recognizing these dynamics helps us persevere in faithfulness, even when it’s unpopular or difficult. [40:55]
4. A Church Built on Christ Prioritizes Truth, Worship, and Mission Over Preferences Churches can be tempted to build on personalities, traditions, or programs, but only those centered on Christ and His Word will endure. Such a church honors Scripture as the highest authority, worships Christ alone, and makes reaching the lost its top priority—even when it means sacrificing comfort or personal desires. This is the kind of church that hell itself cannot overcome. [45:44]
5. Personal Fulfillment and Eternal Security Are Found in Living Out Jesus’ Teachings The Sermon on the Mount reveals that true happiness, healthy relationships, and peace are found not in chasing worldly pleasures, but in aligning our lives with Jesus’ instructions. We are eternal souls, and the most intelligent thing we can do is to build our lives on the foundation of Christ, daily seeking His wisdom and applying it in every area. [57:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:19] - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
[25:05] - The World’s Wisdom vs. God’s Wisdom
[26:36] - Who Enters the Kingdom of Heaven?
[27:17] - The Danger of Superficial Faith
[27:54] - Hearing and Doing: The True Foundation
[29:15] - Storms Come to All: The Test of Foundations
[31:02] - Jesus’ Authority and the Call to Obedience
[32:40] - Building a Nation on God’s Word
[34:30] - Christian Heritage in America
[35:52] - The Misuse of “Separation of Church and State”
[38:55] - Why Nations Drift from God
[41:33] - The Consequences of Drifting from God
[44:28] - Signs of Revival and Hope in the Next Generation
[45:44] - Building a Church on the Rock
[57:27] - Building Your Personal Life on Jesus’ Teachings
[72:19] - Closing, Announcements, and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 7:21-27 (ESV) — > 21 “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. 22 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?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
>
> 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 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. 26 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. 27 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.”

1 Corinthians 1:18-20 (ESV) — > 18 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” 20 Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Psalm 33:12 (ESV) — > Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!

Observation Questions

In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, what is the key difference between the two builders? ([27:54])
According to Matthew 7:21-23, what does Jesus say is required to enter the kingdom of heaven? ([26:36])
What does Paul say about the wisdom of the world compared to the wisdom of God in 1 Corinthians 1:18-20? ([25:05])
According to Psalm 33:12, what is the result for a nation whose God is the Lord? ([32:40])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasizes both hearing and doing His words, rather than just hearing or knowing them? ([27:54])
The sermon mentions that storms come to both the wise and foolish builders. What does this suggest about the Christian life and the role of obedience? ([29:15])
The pastor said that nations, churches, and individuals all need a solid foundation. What are some consequences mentioned in the sermon for drifting away from God’s foundation? ([41:33])
Why is it often difficult to obey God’s Word, even when we know it is true? What reasons did the sermon give for this struggle? ([40:55])

Application Questions

Jesus says the wise person is the one who hears His words and puts them into practice. What is one specific teaching of Jesus you have heard but struggled to put into practice? What is holding you back? ([27:54])
The sermon pointed out that both the wise and foolish face storms in life. Think about a recent “storm” you have faced. How did your foundation (what you were trusting in or living by) affect your response? ([29:15])
The pastor mentioned that obedience is hard because sin is attractive and judgment is delayed. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to ignore God’s wisdom for short-term pleasure? What would it look like to choose obedience this week? ([40:55])
When it comes to your family or community, what are some ways you can help build a foundation on Christ rather than on traditions, personalities, or preferences? ([45:44])
The sermon said that a church built on Christ prioritizes truth, worship, and mission over personal preferences. In what ways have you seen churches (or even yourself) get distracted by preferences? How can you help your church stay focused on its true mission? ([45:44])
The pastor shared that true happiness and fulfillment are found in living out Jesus’ teachings, not in chasing worldly pleasures. What is one area of your life where you are seeking happiness apart from Christ? How can you realign that area with His teaching? ([57:27])
The message challenged us to make daily, intentional choices about our foundation. What is one practical step you can take this week to build your life more firmly on Jesus’ words? ([57:27])

Sermon Clips

When you really put it side by side, the wisdom of the world compared to the wisdom of God's word, and you actually apply it to people's lives, it would be foolish not to listen to God. It would be foolish not to take that wisdom in and follow it because of the different effects and results that you're going to get when you follow God's teachings instead of the teachings of the world. [00:24:52] (25 seconds) #WisdomInGodsWord

This is about people who choose to listen to God and those who don't choose to listen to God, no matter what intellectual level they're on. And Jesus is going to tell us today that the smartest thing you can do is not only hear His words, not only listen to His words, but apply His words to your life. That's the most intelligent way to live your life. [00:25:48] (23 seconds) #LiveByJesusWords

See, it's one thing to put on the show. It's another thing to really take God's word into your heart and live by it. We can all put on a show for a little while. We know what to say around the people that we should say it, right? We understand what they expect a Christian to be like, and we can act like that. We can even do some things that are pretty impressive and claim that we're doing them in the name of God. When in fact, our hearts are far from God. And God could say to us, I never knew you. [00:27:17] (31 seconds) #HeartNotShow

I want you to notice something. The storms came to both people in the story. Jesus has always been very clear that even when we're listening to his word and following his word, it doesn't mean it's going to keep us away from having any storms come into our lives. The reason we listen to the word and follow the word partly is because it equips us to handle the storms when they come our way. They won't destroy us. They won't tear down our lives. They won't rip our lives apart if we're following the teachings of God's word. [00:29:28] (37 seconds) #StormsTestTheFoundation

But you take that out of it, then there's no moral foundation for our country at all. It's whatever anybody thinks is right or anybody thinks is wrong in their own hearts. And when you do that, you end up with the chaos that we are experiencing in our country today. Because everybody just does what's right in their own eyes if there is no standard for the country. [00:38:07] (22 seconds) #MoralFoundationMatters

There is a turning, a revival rising up in our country. A turning back to the teachings of God's Word. Now, it's not everybody. It's not everywhere. And the news media is certainly not making it a big story. But it's happening. Quietly, behind the scenes, it's happening. [00:45:04] (20 seconds) #QuietRevivalRising

Christ is worshipped not anybody else or any personality christ is the one who's worshipped because who is the head of the church sometimes people ask well who's the head at lakeshore christian church over there they'll say well pastor randy or the elder board no we're not we all answer to who jesus he's the head of the church he's the final authority on all matters related to the church christ is to be worshipped not any person. [00:52:42] (32 seconds) #ChristIsHead

He talks about moral values all through the sermon on the mount what things are acceptable or not accepted from moral standpoints and again the world will tell you morality is fluid and it changes all the time with different cultures and different societies and god is saying there are some moral absolutes and he teaches us those things in scripture those moral absolutes stand in all cultures for all times so he's saying you want to be happy have the best life you can have listen to my teaching on moral absolutes what's always okay and what's always not okay apply that to your life. [01:01:28] (39 seconds) #MoralAbsolutesGuide

Listen to me while you're living life on this earth you don't have a soul you don't have a soul you are a soul who has a body while you're here your body is crafted to be temporary for life in this world that's not who you are you are an eternal soul and that eternal soul needs to prepare for the fact that we're not just here temporarily on this earth we exist for eternity we're a living soul all the way back in genesis when it says god breathed and demand the breath of life that word breath means the spirit or the soul that he put in us that we are that he created us to be and the hebrew is a beautiful word we are living souls we have that life given to us by god himself so he's the creator of life he's the sustainer of life he's the one that will take care of that life for all eternity so who's the smartest one to listen to about life god is the most intelligent thing you can do is listen to him. [01:03:45] (70 seconds) #YouAreASoul

You're the one that has to choose are you going to make god's word the teachings of jesus christ the foundation upon which you build your life because if you're serious about that it's not going to be just attending church on sunday morning and hearing pastor randy there's going to be daily time in that word and in prayer and in fellowshipping with others that are trying to follow those teachings too so that we can encourage each other and building build each other up in that process. [01:06:21] (32 seconds) #BuildLifeOnGodsWord

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