"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
Jesus concludes the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) by urging us to practice what He’s been preaching. We’ve spent months chewing on this sermon and it’s been a lot to digest. But I think we could summarize Jesus’ teaching as “live for God, not for myself.” Don’t do things for show or to gain worldly wealth. Humble yourself before the Lord to receive His blessings and provision. This is the way to stand through the storms of life.
Lots of verses come to mind when I reflect on Matthew 7:24-27. My first thought is that we need to be doers of the Word. God gave us the scriptures to teach us and encourage us and equip us. With the Bible and the Holy Spirit to help us, we have everything we need to live a godly life. But if we don’t apply what we’re learning and do as the Lord teaches, we’re fooling ourselves. We might think we’re doing OK, but if we’re not truly following the Lord, building on the foundation of His word, we’re in danger of everything crumbling around us when the storms come as they surely will. (James 1:22-25, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3)
I also long for more wisdom to understand and apply Scripture’s lessons. I don’t want to misunderstand something and go off in the wrong direction or, worse, lead someone else astray. I’m so thankful that we can learn to be wise and that we can continue to grow in wisdom as we humbly seek the Lord. Proverbs has a lot to say about this.
"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." - Proverbs 9:9-10 ESV
The key to gaining wisdom is to fear the Lord. When I realize Who God is, with all His power and glory, and all He has done, I am humbled. I view God with a respectful awe that acknowledges my sin and marvels that He chooses to be merciful and forgive me through Jesus, despite me being utterly undeserving of His mercy. That’s the place to start when I want to grow in wisdom and understanding. As I do, I will obey the Lord and practice what He preaches.
Then I have a firm foundation and be able to stand confidently on the hope I have in Jesus.
Think About: What is your faith built on?
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