Study of Matt 7:24-27 on How to Withstand Life’s Storms. Get to know, trust & apply the security and foundation of Jesus Christ.
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.
But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
Matt 7:24-27
I expect you are well aware that in this life you with get struck with problems, difficulties, sickness, stress; in other words life’s storms!
Whether you are a Christian or not you will go through these one time or another. But also the closer we get to God the more likely you are to experience life’s storms, or even attacks from the enemy; Satan. Which can be known as Spiritual Warfare, as referred to in Ephesians 6.
Either way, the only way for you to endure, survive and withstand life’s storms is by ‘building your house on a solid rock!”
But what does this mean?
Your house, represents your life; mindset, morals, actions, trust & most importantly faith. The solid rock, is a metaphor for Jesus Christ.
So, in short; if you believe in Jesus and fully trust Him with your life, then no matter what happens to you or around you, you will be able to stand firm (be strong and remain faithful). In other words faith in Jesus WILL improve and strengthen your resilience to life’s storms.
Jesus doesn’t just leave it at that. In these verses in Matthew, He explains exactly how.
You are to “hear the words of Jesus and act on them” (AMPC). This means to listen to Jesus too, therefore read the gospels. There you will see how Jesus behaves, acts and what He says teaches. He is the perfect example for you, literally! Then when you do this you “will be like a wise man [a far-sighted, practical, and sensible man] who built his house on the rock.” (AMPC)
In fact, it even goes on to say that those “who hears these words of Mine and does not do them, will be like a foolish (stupid) man who built his house on the sand!”
Ouch! Though we can’t argue with that!
How do you actively live like like Jesus?
(Feel free to pop your answers in the comments section at the bottom of the page.)
It’s not just the behaviours and thinking that we should not do, for instance:
Sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry… Anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth… Do not lie.
Colossians 3:5,8 & 9
the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do…Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Galatians 5: 17,19-21,
ESV
But also the behaviour and way of living that we should do:
- Love God first (Deut 6:5)
- Love one another (Matt 22:39)
- Pray without ceasing (1 Thess 5:17)
- Giving God worship & praise (Deut 10:20)
- Share the gospel & your testimony (Mark 16:15)
- Be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18)
- Display the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gala 5:22-23)
- Make the RIGHT choices: Let God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit guide you (Romans 12:2)
In addition to that, it’s also about the way we think too!
What is your mind full of? Is your focus of attention on life’s storms, difficulties, problems, self, other idols or distractions? Or is it on Jesus, your firm foundation; the only one who is consistent, reliable and unchanging?
Learn to change your focus away from whats preventing your growth and onto Jesus. Notice when your thoughts are distracted or bringing you down, catch them then actively change your focus and attention onto Jesus.
So, by focusing on, being like and trusting in Jesus Christ you will establish a firm and solid foundation and this is exactly how you withstand life’s storms!
Do you need additional help with breaking old habits & behaviours?
Then check out ‘Breaking Chains’ the No 1 Bestseller!
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This reminds me of that old song when I was a little girl. The rain came down and the floods came up. And the house on the sand went smash.
Oh yes, i remember that! xx