Building a Life on the Solid Rock of Jesus

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we conclude our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, a profound teaching of Jesus found in Matthew chapters 5-7. This series has been a deep dive into the heart of Jesus' message, exploring themes of the good life, God's wisdom, and the choices that lead to life or destruction. As we wrap up, we are reminded that the road to life is not just about the afterlife but about experiencing a life of meaning, connection, and purpose here and now.

The metaphor of a bear hunt from a children's book serves as a poignant illustration of life's challenges. Just as the family in the story must face various obstacles head-on, we too must confront the storms of life directly. Jesus, in His conclusion, presents us with a choice: to build our lives on the solid rock of His teachings or on the shifting sands of worldly values. The storms will come, but a life anchored in Jesus' words will stand firm.

Jesus' teachings are not merely ethical guidelines but an invitation to a transformative way of life. The choice between wisdom and foolishness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and Jesus makes it clear that wisdom leads to life. This wisdom is not just intellectual agreement but a call to align our lives with His teachings, to hear and obey.

Moreover, the Sermon on the Mount is not just about responding to Jesus' words but responding to Jesus Himself. The crowd in the first century recognized something different in Jesus, a teacher with authority, pointing to a kingdom where the marginalized are welcomed, and life is defined by mercy, peacemaking, and generosity. This kingdom is a firm foundation, enduring through any storm.

As we reflect on these teachings, we are invited to consider two critical questions: Who is Jesus to us, and how will we respond to His words? These questions challenge us to move beyond intellectual acknowledgment to a life of trust and surrender. Building our lives on Jesus, the Firm Foundation, not only secures our own lives but also impacts those around us, drawing others to the beauty and truth of His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Road to Life: The road to life is not just about the afterlife but about experiencing a meaningful, connected, and purposeful life now. This path requires us to face life's challenges directly, trusting in Jesus' teachings as our guide. [03:26]

2. Building on the Rock: Jesus calls us to build our lives on the solid rock of His teachings. This involves not just hearing His words but actively practicing them, aligning our lives with His wisdom. [08:37]

3. Responding to Jesus: The Sermon on the Mount invites us to respond not just to Jesus' words but to Jesus Himself. Recognizing Him as the Messiah, the King of Kings, challenges us to trust and surrender our lives to His leadership. [19:33]

4. Facing the Storms: Life's storms are inevitable, but Jesus offers a foundation that endures. By holding onto Him, we find strength and security, knowing that He is with us through every trial. [13:49]

5. Living the Sermon: Practicing the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount is not just for our benefit but for the good of our neighbors and the glory of God. As we live out these teachings, we become a testament to the world of the compelling truth of Jesus' kingdom. [27:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:46] - Opening Prayer
- [01:26] - Introduction to the Bear Hunt
- [02:51] - Overview of the Sermon on the Mount
- [03:26] - The Road to Life and Destruction
- [04:41] - Facing Life's Challenges
- [05:22] - Jesus' Kingdom Vision
- [07:17] - Illustrations of Choice
- [08:37] - Building on the Rock
- [10:44] - Hearing and Obeying
- [12:01] - Understanding Storms
- [13:49] - The Reality of Storms
- [15:12] - Responding to Jesus
- [17:42] - Peter's Confession
- [19:33] - Who is Jesus to You?
- [24:12] - Practicing the Sermon
- [27:25] - Living for Our Neighbor's Good

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 7:24-27
- Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (The Shema)
- Psalm 29:10-11

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 7:24-27, what are the two types of builders Jesus describes, and what distinguishes their actions? [08:37]

2. How does the metaphor of a bear hunt illustrate the challenges we face in life, according to the sermon? [02:04]

3. What are some of the characteristics of Jesus' kingdom as described in the sermon? [05:59]

4. How does the crowd react to Jesus' teaching at the end of the Sermon on the Mount, and what does this reveal about His authority? [15:12]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to build one's life on the "rock" of Jesus' teachings, and how does this differ from building on "sand"? [08:37]

2. How does the concept of "hearing and obeying" in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) relate to Jesus' call to practice His teachings? [10:44]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' kingdom is more compelling than the worldly values of the first century and today? [06:38]

4. How does the sermon challenge the listener to respond to Jesus Himself, beyond just His teachings? [19:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent "storm" in your life. How did you respond, and what foundation were you relying on during that time? [13:49]

2. Jesus calls us to hear and practice His words. Identify one teaching from the Sermon on the Mount that you find challenging to apply. What steps can you take this week to begin practicing it? [24:12]

3. Consider the question, "Who is Jesus to you?" How does your answer influence the way you live your daily life? [19:33]

4. The sermon mentions building a life of meaning, connection, and purpose. What practical changes can you make to align your life more closely with these values? [03:26]

5. Think of a time when you tried to build your life on a foundation other than Jesus. What was the outcome, and how can you shift your focus back to Jesus as your Firm Foundation? [20:54]

6. The sermon invites us to respond to Jesus' teachings for the good of our neighbors. How can you actively live out the Sermon on the Mount in a way that impacts those around you positively? [27:25]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust Jesus more. What is one practical step you can take to surrender that area to Him this week? [22:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing Life Now Through Jesus' Teachings
The road to life is not just about the afterlife but about experiencing a meaningful, connected, and purposeful life now. This path requires us to face life's challenges directly, trusting in Jesus' teachings as our guide. Jesus emphasizes that the choices we make today impact our present lives, not just our eternal destinies. By aligning our lives with His teachings, we find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. The metaphor of a bear hunt illustrates that life's obstacles are inevitable, but facing them with courage and faith leads to growth and transformation. [03:26]

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing that you can approach with the wisdom and guidance of Jesus' teachings today?


Day 2: Building a Life on Jesus' Teachings
Jesus calls us to build our lives on the solid rock of His teachings. This involves not just hearing His words but actively practicing them, aligning our lives with His wisdom. The foundation we choose determines our resilience in the face of life's storms. By choosing to live according to Jesus' words, we create a stable and enduring life. The contrast between building on rock versus sand highlights the importance of intentionality in our spiritual journey. [08:37]

"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (Matthew 7:24, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you begin to practice Jesus' teachings more intentionally in your daily life?


Day 3: Responding to Jesus' Invitation
The Sermon on the Mount invites us to respond not just to Jesus' words but to Jesus Himself. Recognizing Him as the Messiah, the King of Kings, challenges us to trust and surrender our lives to His leadership. This response goes beyond intellectual acknowledgment and calls for a personal relationship with Jesus. The authority with which Jesus spoke captivated the first-century crowd, and it continues to challenge us today to consider who He is to us personally. [19:33]

"And he said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter answered him, 'You are the Christ.'" (Mark 8:29, ESV)

Reflection: Who is Jesus to you personally, and how does this understanding influence your daily decisions and actions?


Day 4: Finding Strength in Life's Storms
Life's storms are inevitable, but Jesus offers a foundation that endures. By holding onto Him, we find strength and security, knowing that He is with us through every trial. The assurance of His presence provides comfort and hope, enabling us to navigate difficulties with confidence. The reality of storms is acknowledged, but the focus is on the enduring strength found in a life anchored in Jesus. [13:49]

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." (Isaiah 43:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of Jesus' presence and strength during a current or upcoming storm in your life?


Day 5: Living Out the Sermon for Others
Practicing the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount is not just for our benefit but for the good of our neighbors and the glory of God. As we live out these teachings, we become a testament to the world of the compelling truth of Jesus' kingdom. Our actions and attitudes can draw others to the beauty and truth of His kingdom, impacting those around us positively. This outward focus encourages us to consider how our lives reflect Jesus' love and grace to others. [27:25]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally live out Jesus' teachings to positively impact someone in your community today?

Quotes

Jesus says here's a kingdom where the poor and the vulnerable and The Grieving and those on the margins are welcomed in here's a kingdom where it's people are defined by Mercy and peacemaking where they take care of those in need where they keep their word where they give without expecting anything in return here's a way of life that transforms you from the inside out it is anchored in prayer it is Guided by wisdom and it empowers you to do the impossible things like choosing not to worry or loving your enemies. [06:18]

Jesus says therefore any everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock the rain came down and the streams Rose and the winds blew and beat against the house yet it did not fall because it had its foundation on the Rock but everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on a sand the rain came down and the streams Rose and the winds blew and beat against that house and it fell with a great crash. [08:10]

The first question the crowd is confronted with is how are they going to respond to Jesus's words and Jesus outlines two options he says there's a wise option and there's a foolish option and this choice between wisdom and foolishness is a theme that's presented throughout the Bible from from Adam and Eve in Genesis to now and what we read over and over again in places like genesis and Deuteronomy and Proverbs and Psalms and even in the gospels is that choosing wisdom always leads to life and choosing foolishness will always lead to ruin. [09:10]

The blueprint for this house it isn't hidden Jesus says it involves daily hearing and practicing his words the word for hear in the Greek is akuo and its Hebrew counterpart is the word shama maybe you've heard of the shama before it's this beautiful invitation in Deuteronomy here o Israel the Lord your God is one and in response to who God is love the Lord your God with all your heart your mind mind and your soul and your strength respond with your whole being as is true with many of the ancient words in Hebrew the word shama means many things yes it meant listening but it also meant understanding and obeying. [10:32]

For Jesus the sermon is not this fun imaginative exercise it was meant to be applied it's accessible it's a life that leads to meaning and purpose and connection now it's not something we have to wait for practicing this way is like building your life on the Rock it's the wise choice and Jesus says get to it because just like the rain rotates seasonally through the region the storms are going to come. [11:20]

Jesus knows that no matter what storm you're facing no matter what is going to come and the storms are going to come the reality is often you can't go over it you can't go under it oh no you have to go through it the storms are going to come and the people in the first century knew this they were living in perilous times they were in the middle of many storms and there were many options the first century World presented as firm foundations for the people. [13:58]

Jesus loved the people too much to let them be deceived by these false promises of these foundations ultimately all these things are shaky sinking ground so Jesus presents a more beautiful Vision he presents a foundation that will last a kingdom that will endure and he asks them what are you going to do with these words that you've heard are you going to listen and obey it's a critical question that paves the way for a second question that the crowd is confronted with and I'd say that this one is maybe even more important than the first. [14:50]

The crowd knew that something was different even if they couldn't put their finger on it and looking back we know that Peter's confession was true that Jesus is the Messiah Jesus is the way to life Jesus is the Firm Foundation the one who is with us no matter the storm Jesus knows that sometimes we can't go over it we can't go under it we have to go through it and it's almost like Jesus says you have to go through it so hold on to me I'll go through it with you what we know is Jesus is the one who stays next to us the one who is enthroned the one who has overcome the one who is Victorious the one who doesn't promise safety but in whom we can rest secure. [18:04]

If he is the Messiah are you willing to trust him are you willing to make him the leader of your life and this is a big question because if I'm honest there are times where I settle for intellectually knowing he's the Messiah but I choose not to surrender the leadership of my life to him because surrender every day is tough trust is tough yes Jesus leads to the road to life but that takes a daily death of s on our part and that is painful. [20:00]

When we do it we don't do it to earn God's love we do it because of God's love and we don't do this alone we're empowered by the Holy Spirit what we read is following Jesus living on The Sermon on the Mount it's the wise choice that leads to life it helps us live and into and join a kingdom that not even the greatest of storms can shake. [24:57]

When we build our lives on the Firm Foundation of Jesus it's not just so that we personally can live out the road to life that we personally can enjoy life but we live The Sermon on the Mount when we do we declare Jesus to a world who is desperate for a beautiful lovely compelling answer to life and it's not on us to correct people's perceptions about Jesus followers our invitation is just to listen and respond to Jesus and as we live The Sermon on the Mount not only are we drawn to Jesus but the spirit will draw others to Jesus as well not only for our good but for our neighbor good and for God's glory. [26:46]

How are you going to respond to Jesus and how are you going to respond to Jesus's words this week and so I'll give you just a minute we'll reflect on those questions and then Pastor staff will come up and lead us through communion. [27:38]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?