Main Scripture Reference - Matthew 7:24-29
Other Scripture References: I Corinthians 4:20; Matthew 5:43-48; Matthew 6:19-21; Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 7:1-5

INTRO–‘The Storms Will Come’Read Matthew 7:24-29

Jesus wraps up his Sermon on the Mount with a very strong challenge in that those who practice his teachings will be able to withstand the storms of life and those that don’t will see their lives crumble. There is one constant in this passage and it’s that the storms of life will come. The question is how are you preparing for those events? The first thing you must do to begin placing your life on a firm foundation is read and believe that what Jesus tells you to do is the true way to live. Unfortunately we have been conditioned as humans to doubt and question, but Jesus words are more than a good idea. Jesus words are true and will lead you to ‘live the life’ as God intended for all people to live.

• Do you really believe in your heart that all of Jesus words and teaching are true and should be followed?
• How well are you following everything Jesus commands you to do?
• Have you ever tested Jesus’ words by doing something? What happened?

THE POINT–‘Put His Words Into Practice’Read I Corinthians 4:20

But just knowing and believing Jesus’ words are not enough. In order to build your house on a solid foundation that can weather any storm you must put his words into daily practice. The reality of you living the life, experiencing all that God has for you, encountering life the way it was always meant to be lived, is directly related to your commitment to actually doing the commands of Christ. And Jesus words are very practical in nature influencing your daily life, decision by decision and moment by moment. The question is how well are you putting Jesus words into daily action?

Read the following teachings of Jesus answer the question, “Am I doing this?”

Read Matthew 5:43-48

• Is there someone you love having as an enemy or someone you’ve justified hating?
• How do you treat those who are different from you? How do you talk about those who disagree with you?

Read Matthew 6:19-21

• Do you live to get more possessions and more stuff or live to really serve God and God’s purposes?
• Do you see your possessions as a means of personal satisfaction or tools for the Kingdom of God?
• How much time do you spend on yourself versus time spent serving others?

Read Matthew 6:25-34

• Do you typically trust God in most situations or do anxiety and worry constantly rule your life?
• Are you more concerned with your own comfort and desires or seeking God’s desires?

Read Matthew 7:1-5

• Do you often refuse to admit that you are wrong?
• Are you overly critical and quick to notice the faults in others and pay no attention to your own?
• Where do I need to take some serious action in actually living how Jesus instructed me to live?