Introduction

This morning we are going to wrap up our series through the Sermon on the Mount. I have really enjoyed this study. We have looked at so many rich and significant passages, and I have been amazed time after time at the depth, wisdom, and power of Jesus’ words. There’s a reason why the Sermon on the Mount is probably the most influential speech in human history. I pray that we will not soon forget how God has convicted us and grown us and the commitments we have made.

With that said, let’s look at the conclusion to the Sermon in Matthew 7:24–29. This is another famous passage in the Sermon. If you grew up going to Sunday School, you probably sang about how, “The wise man built his house upon the rock…” But I’ve also heard secular people use the images of building on rock or sand because it’s such a good image. Jesus, the Master Teacher, has once again provided us with a sticky, helpful illustration that really resonates.  

But as always, what’s most important is not the illustration but the spiritual message Jesus communicates. And unfortunately, we often miss the main point that Jesus is making. So, don’t assume that just because you are familiar with this parable that you necessarily understand it’s message. And certainly don’t assume that you have it mastered and have no room to grow.

With that said, let’s jump into the parable. It has a simple structure built on a contrast between the wise man and the foolish man. First…

I.  The wise man builds on the rock (vv. 24–25).

To begin with, this parable is a classic example of the fact that illustrations can bring truth to life and make it memorable. However, we must think carefully about what the illustration communicates. Therefore, I’d like to begin with an important clarification.

Jesus’ primary concern is our eternal destiny. I want to begin here, because I’m guessing that many of you look at this text the same way I did when I began my study on Monday. Specifically, I had always thought the storms in the parable refer to trials and temptations, and that what’s at stake is my ability to thrive spiritually through these hardships. Therefore, the primary point of the parable is to describe how you can be strong regardless of what life may bring.

To be fair this is an important secondary issue. However, the context tells us that it’s not the primary point. Remember that vv. 13–27 close out the Sermon with 3 appeals to receive Jesus’ words. Jesus makes this appeal by contrasting 2 gates, 2 trees, and 2 foundations.

And in the first two contrasts eternity is clearly the primary issue at stake. The broad gate and the diseased tree clearly end in eternal destruction; whereas, the narrow gate and the healthy tree end in heaven.

And notice that v. 24 begins with “therefore.” So, Jesus is building on what he just said, not transitioning to a different concern. Therefore, Jesus is still primarily concerned with divine judgment and eternal destiny which, BTW, are far more important than living a good life here.

As such, our goal as a church is not merely to help you live a good life. Because as much as we all want to live a good life, a good life is meaningless if you end up in hell. Jesus states the matter bluntly when he asks, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matt 16:26)?

No, we must remember often that we are all marching toward death, and nothing in life is more important than preparing well for the day we stand before the Lord. With this in mind, notice first…

The wise man builds his life on Jesus’ Words. Of course, there’s not a big difference between the words of Jesus and of the Father. Afterall, Jesus just urged us in v. 21 to “do the will of My Father who is in heaven.” So, the will of the Father and of the Son are always the same.

However, v. 24 especially looks back at what Jesus has said in Matthew 5–7. Remember that in 5:17 Jesus claimed to be the authoritative voice of God, the fulfillment of the Law. Then in 5:20 he warned that he demands a higher righteousness than the legalism of the Pharisees. And the remainder of the Sermon describes this righteousness.

So, Jesus is especially concerned with his authoritative instructions in the Sermon as God’s promised Messiah who has come to call sinners to true repentance and righteousness.

And notice the two responses of the wise man. He “hears” and “acts on them.” That’s in contrast to the foolish man who v. 26 says “hears these words of Mine and does NOT act on them.” Both hear but only one acts.

This contrast is important because as Jesus looked out at the crowd, I’m sure most of them were listening intently to his Words. Many were probably smiling at him and nodding their heads in agreement. And if you were to ask them, “Are you a disciple of Jesus?” they would have said, “Absolutely.”

But Jesus knew that many of them had no genuine interest in submitting their hearts to his word and living what he was saying. It’s no different in our day. The pollsters tell us that there are scads of evangelicals in America. If they were sitting in this room today, they would all nod their heads in agreement like Jesus’ audience did for him.

But for many of them their faith is little more than a cultural tradition. They pick and choose which parts of Jesus’ words they will obey, and they don’t have any genuine interest in the true righteousness of the Sermon.

However, Jesus says that hearing is not enough. A true disciple doesn’t view this book as merely a sentimental tradition. He sees it as God’s perfect, authoritative Word. And by God’s grace he submits every part of his life to this Word. The wise man also “acts on them.”

I know that’s basic. But I’ve been struck recently by how mant professing Christians, especially those who are not sitting under strong biblical preaching are ruled by emotion and the shifting tides of culture more than they realize. They’ve embraced lots of falsehood, and it shows in how they live. Yet they gladly call themselves Christians.

Therefore, Jesus pushes the example of the “wise man (who) builds his house on the rock.” This is a wonderful illustration, and it’s one that we understand well living in the desert. Specifically, Jesus pictures someone building a house out in the desert during the dry season.

Let’s suppose that this June you begin planning to build a house in Apple Valley. It’s sunny and warm every day, and it doesn’t appear that there are any natural threats to your home. But a wise man understands that the winter storms will eventually come. Israel’s deserts are especially known for getting torrential downpours during the rainy season which can suddenly turn a dry, smooth river bottom into a raging river.

Therefore, the wise man plans ahead. Rather than going the easy route and building his house on the smooth flat river bottom, he finds a rock, or more specifically, bedrock. And he determines to build his house there.

Now, which is easier, building on smooth, flat sand or building on a jagged, hard piece of bedrock? The sand, right? But the wise man appreciates the coming threats and the rock’s strength; therefore, he goes to a lot of extra effort to build a strong foundation and to anchor his home in the immoveable rock.

Similarly, Jesus says that the spiritually wise man has a clear vision of eternity, and he appreciates the strong foundation of God’s Word. Therefore, he believes everything this book says. He puts his absolute confidence in it.

This includes the commands but also every truth claim and promise and especially the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Then by God’s grace he strives to conform his heart and mind to this truth and to obey every word.

Therefore, be this wise man, and see the infinite value of God’s truth. Yes, building your life and staking your eternal destiny on the foundation of this rock is a lot harder than building on the sand. Jesus calls you to believe hard things, do hard things, and to take difficult stands. But this Word is a sure foundation. It will not budge, and it will keep you for all eternity.

Therefore, don’t just give lip service to this book or ignore the parts that are difficult. Sink your foundation deep into the rock. Believe everything it says, trust your soul to the promises of the gospel, and obey every word. Be the wise man who builds his house on the rock. Notice what the result will be.

The wise man withstands God’s judgment (v. 25). Remember that we should imagine one of these sudden, powerful storms that came up in Israel. The rain is pounding the house, and the wind is howling. It’s loud, but that’s okay until the flood waters begin to rise and to flow rapidly.

That’s scary because flood waters can destroy a home very quickly. When I was a kid the Mississippi River caused a massive amount of flooding one summer along where we lived. And I remember seeing videos of dykes breaking and of large houses getting swept away suddenly like little toys. It was stunning to watch.

And yet what does Jesus say about the wise man’s house? “It did not fall for it had been founded on the rock.” The wise man’s hard choice to build on the rock paid off, and his house survived.

Again, I want to emphasize that this storm primarily illustrates the final judgment of God. The Bible is clear that all people will one day stand before the Lord and give an account of their lives.

Now, I recognize that you might feel uneasy imagining God’s judgment as a violent storm. We always have to be careful not to read too much into an illustration. Jesus is not saying that God’s judgment is a blind, irrational raging river, just that it’s powerful, and that he will destroy those who are not prepared. As well, this picture is deeply rooted in the OT (Ez 13:8–15). You can see that God’s judgment is pictured as a mighty storm that destroys a poorly constructed home.

And considering the context of 7:13–23, we should also understand 7:25, 27 as describing God’s judgment. So, yes, you will face a lot of so-called storms in this life that challenge your faith, whether it be the natural sorrows of life or spiritual temptations. And it’s true that if your life is anchored in the gospel and a life of obedience, God will sustain you through them all.

But we should fear God’s judgment far more than any earthly fear. Afterall, God’s standard of holiness is high and strong, and his justice demands that you attain his standard.

Therefore, you will not be judged by the standard of your neighbor, your parents, or people in the church. No, we will all be judged by the standard of God’s perfect righteousness, and heaven or hell will be at stake. That’s not something to take lightly.

But Jesus encourages us that if your life is firmly anchored in the rock of Jesus, you can withstand God’s judgment. What does this mean? Fundamentally it means that I have been born again that I have been placed in Christ so that I will not be judged by my righteousness but by Jesus’ righteousness.

And notice the assurances given in Romans 8 for those who are in Christ. “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us” (Rom 8:1, 33–34). Christ will withstand God’s judgment, and I will not be condemned.

And incredibly, this assurance is available simply through faith. “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom 4:4–5). I don’t work to earn this salvation; I simply receive it by faith.

However, our text is clear that genuine saving faith never stays exclusively in the mind. The wise man doesn’t just believe; he “acts” on Jesus’ words. That makes sense, because if I really believe what Jesus said about who he is and about the judgment sin deserves, I won’t run to my sin; I will run to Christ and his Word. I’ll never obey him perfectly as long as I am a sinner, but I will strive to trust his Word and do it.

And incredibly if I believe the gospel and am being transformed by the gospel, I can face my final judgment with assurance that my foundation will not crack. Jesus will withstand the justice of God, and I will be welcomed into glory.

So, be the wise man. “Build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ.” Believe everything he has said and let it transform your entire way of thinking, your values, your affections, and ultimately your actions. He is a foundation that will never fail. That’s the wise man. Now notice the contrast with…

II.  The Foolish Man (vv. 26–27)

Verse 26 laments the fact that…

The foolish man hears but does not obey. Again, the contrast between vv. 24 and 26 is important. Both men hear; however, the foolish mean “does not act” on Jesus’ words.

Of course, this does not mean that the foolish man doesn’t build an impressive house. Afterall, during the dry season, he could build a mansion on the sand. And Jesus just warned his audience that someone can look spiritually impressive and not survive the God’s judgment (vv. 21–23).

We don’t have to look far to see that many people build an impressive spiritual house that is not founded on the rock of Christ. We’ve all met people who meet every worldly measure of piety. They have the right heritage, they know all the right words, and they do lots of impressive works.

But they are not fully anchored to the truth and demands of this book. Maybe they only believe parts of what the Bible says about God’s nature. He’s not triune, or Jesus is not fully God. Maybe they deny their depravity, or they want to add something to Jesus’ finished work on the cross.

Or maybe they claim to believe all of it, but they refuse Jesus’ lordship. Contrary to the Sermon, they lie, commit adultery, break their marriage vows, hate their enemies, or prioritize treasures on earth without guilt or any commitment to change.

Jesus says that any of these is like building your house on the sand. It’s convenient to build on the sand. It’s flat, and it’s easy to dig, and during the dry season you can put up quite the structure. But Jesus warns that the dry season will not last forever. God promises that all of us will give an account of our lives, and v. 27 warns…

The foolish man is swept away by God’s judgment (v. 27). Notice the emphasis at the end of the verse, “it fell—and great was its fall.”

We can all imagine this sobering picture because we’ve all seen videos of this sort of thing, whether it’s a powerful flood or a tsunami coming ashore. This impressive looking home stands peacefully, but in a moment the surging water carries it away and rips it to shreds.

That’s how Jesus portrays the judgment of God. Again, God’s judgment is not irrational, harsh, or random. God’s judgment will be rooted in perfect knowledge and perfect justice. But like the flood, it will be powerful, and no one will survive without the right foundation.

It doesn’t matter how spiritual someone may be or how many good deeds they have done. If you have not built your house on the rock, Jesus warns that you will be swept away to eternal judgment in hell.

I recognize that it’s not pleasant to talk about these things. But the 3 appeals that close the Sermon on the Mount are rooted in deep love. Jesus is more interested in telling us the hard truth than in false platitudes.

He understands that we all need to know that God is our creator and authority, and that we will all be judged by the standard of his holiness. And if you do not prepare rightly, it will end in the worst tragedy—eternity in hell. Therefore, do not ignore the warnings of Jesus. Do not let the cares of this life distract you from this sobering reality.

If you have never been saved, please acknowledge Jesus for who he is. He is your creator and Lord. And then confess that you have sinned against him and deserve his judgment. Put your trust in the finished work of Jesus, and commit by his grace to follow him.

Because if you do, you can face the judgment of God not with fear but with absolute assurance that your foundation is on securely in Christ, that “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). We would love to speak with you today about you can leaving knowing this incredible security and assurance.

If you are saved, I hope that you will give thanks for the assurance of Christ. We all face many uncertainties and fears, but there is no uncertainty with Jesus. He is a rock that will not move. And no matter what trials may lie between here and the grave, you know how the story ends. It ends in eternal life in the presence of Christ. Praise God.

Then continue to act on the truth of Jesus and continue to build on the rock. Don’t let the world, the flesh, and the devil cause you to drift. Instead, sink your roots deeper and deeper into Christ. Live in the Word, actively rest in Christ, and obey everything he says. Do so knowing that if he can sustain you through the judgment of God, he will certainly sustain you through every trial and temptation of this life. You will not fall if you are founded on the rock.

Conclusion

That’s the end of the Sermon on the Mount. Notice how crowd responded to the Sermon (vv. 28–29). Jesus didn’t quote this authority and that like the scribes; instead, he spoke as the authoritative Son of God. He calls us to a true religion which involves true repentance and true righteousness. He sets a standard that is only possible by the grace of God. The people responded with amazement. We should be amazed also, and then we must go in the strength of Christ to live out the standard Jesus has set.