THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN
In our study of the last section of the Sermon on the Mount, we hear Jesus Christ give a challenge to those who hear his message. In this final section, Jesus places two option before his would-be disciples. These two options can be heard in the passage that follows:
““Therefore 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, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that 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 sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”
On The Rock
Jesus makes it clear that those who receive his word, and put it into practice, will be the ones who are able to stand firm in life’s times of hardship and trial.
It is worth noting that being in God’s word, and acting on the teaching of the Christian Bible, will not stop the floods and storms from coming in with fury. Instead, building one’s life on the foundation of God’s word allows such a person to have the strength needed to stand firm in their faith, no matter their situation.
On the Sand
The end result for the one who ignores the call of Jesus Christ to invest in the message and application of God’s word is that they will likely not have what they need to withstand times of trial.
Jesus said that those who disregard his teaching are like those who built their houses on foundations of sand. This flimsy and ever-changing foundation will not give the house the strength and stability needed to endure. Jesus was making the point that rejection of his word will lead to destruction, turmoil, and pain.
Hold Fast
In the passage that follows, the Apostle Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, spoke to the church, and encouraged them to stand firm in their faith as they embraced the message of God’s word and the daily work of his Spirit:
“But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”
To the Teachings
What is it that the Apostle Paul encourages the church to stand firm in and hold fast to in verse 15? He calls the believer to hold fast to the message of the Gospel concerning Jesus Christ, and to the teaching of the Apostles.
We must hold tight to that which is meant to lift us up. We cannot manufacture and create the strength needed to withstand the trials and challenges of life. We need to embrace the solid rock of God’s word as our true and lasting foundation.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
I thank you and praise you for
the gift of your word,
your Spirit, and your people.
Thank you that you have not left me alone in this life,
to endure hardship and trial in my own strength.
I am made capable as I hold fast.
Thank you, Lord.
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH
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