September 13, 2014
This week’s study is titled,
‘Be Astonished and Build’
In our reading, Matthew 7:24-29, Jesus tells a story of two types of people and how they build their lives.
1. Compare both people.
Look for the things they had in common, there were at least three.
2. Consider the context this story is told eg: following Matthew 7:21-23.
Both types of people had confidence of entering the Jesus Kingdom. What was their confidence based on? Could they be described using the same words Jesus used in question 1?
What is the only foundation a wise person would build on? See 1Corinthians 3:11 and John19:30. How would you explain what is meant in these verses to someone is not yet a Christian?
3. By building on Jesus as our Foundation God gives us all we need to weather the storms of life.
‘Not only does your choice here and now affect eternity, but it supplies you with a foundation to build your life upon now, a solid rock that can survive the storms of life. God is a God of the here and now.’
What does God’s Word tell us about the blessings of following/applying His Word to our lives and strength to stand in the storms of life?
How many others could be added?
Are you relying on Christ your Rock? Whether in good times or when the storms come is He the One you immediately turn to? Do you feed on God’s Word and His precious and great promises (2 Peter 1:3-4) to sustain you?
Read Matthew 7:28-29.
At the end of the ‘Sermon On the Mount’ Matthew says, ‘….the people were amazed at His teaching….’ See also John 7:45-46. Why do you think that was so?
Do you feel the same and does this move you to fully submit to His authority?