How to Build a Life That Endures
The Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 7:24-29
Thank you for taking the time to join me today as we reflect on the final section of the Sermon on the Mount. As we open the Word together in Matthew 7:24-29, may the Spirit of Christ help us to not only hear but to obey. May this final lesson both draw together the truths we’ve studied and drive them home with renewed resolve to walk in them.
The Foundation of Wisdom
Jesus concludes his sermon with a parable, simple yet searching, vivid yet penetrating. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (v. 24). The wise builder represents the true disciple, one who doesn’t merely listen with admiration but responds with obedience. The storm, a metaphor for life’s trials and God’s final judgment, tests the structure of every life. Only the house built on the rock stands.
The contrast follows swiftly: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand” (v. 26). Both builders hear. Both build. Both experience storms. But one house endures; the other falls with great ruin. The difference is not in what was heard, but in what was done with what was heard.
The Greek word for “foolish” (mōros) is used elsewhere to describe spiritual blindness and self-deception (cf. Matthew 25:2-3). This final warning strikes at the heart of nominal discipleship, those content to admire Jesus’ teaching but unwilling to be shaped by it. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote in The Cost of Discipleship, “Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.”
The Authority of the King
Verses 28-29 reveal the impact of Jesus’ sermon: “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” The word “astonished” (Greek: ekplēssō) implies amazement mixed with fear. His authority wasn’t derived from human sources. He spoke not about God’s will; he revealed it. His words came with divine immediacy and power.
This authority frames the entire Sermon. Jesus reinterprets the law (5:17-48), defines true righteousness (6:1-18), and issues warnings about false prophets and self-deception (7:13-23). He doesn’t appeal to rabbinic tradition but speaks as the Lawgiver himself. This isn’t merely good advice for life, it’s the Word of the King.
John Stott reminds us that “the Sermon on the Mount is the nearest thing to a manifesto that Jesus ever uttered.” It reveals the character of the Kingdom, the identity of its citizens, and the call to obedience under the rule of Christ. To follow Jesus is to take his words seriously enough to live them.
Looking Back
Across this series, we’ve heard Jesus describe what it means to live under God’s reign. We began with the Beatitudes (5:1-12), where Kingdom blessing flows to the poor in spirit, the meek, the merciful, and the persecuted. We’ve been called to be salt and light (5:13-16), warned against anger and lust (5:21-30), urged to love our enemies (5:43-48), and taught to pray, fast, and give with integrity (6:1-18).
We’ve been shown how to lay up treasures in heaven (6:19-24), how to battle anxiety with trust (6:25-34), and how to judge rightly with humility and discernment (7:1-6). Jesus has instructed us to ask, seek, and knock (7:7-11), to treat others as we wish to be treated (7:12), to enter by the narrow gate (7:13-14), and to beware of false prophets (7:15-20). Each lesson has brought us to the same conclusion: discipleship isn’t a theoretical matter but a practical, lived reality. To follow Jesus is to build our life on his Word.
Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, “The Sermon on the Mount comes to us and says, ‘There is a mountain you have to scale, the heights you have to climb, and the first thing you must realize… is that you cannot do it.’” And that is the Gospel. For only in Christ, our Rock, our Redeemer, do we find both the righteousness we need and the power to walk in it.
Key Principles
True discipleship is marked by obedience to Christ’s words. It isn’t hearing alone that matters, but doing. Wisdom is revealed in a life built on Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 7:24).
Life and judgment test the foundation of every life. Storms come to all, but only the life grounded in Christ will endure (Matthew 7:25-27).
Jesus’ authority demands a response of awe and obedience. His words aren’t suggestions but divine commands. To follow him is to build with eternal materials (Matthew 7:28-29).
Bible Study Questions
What distinguishes the wise builder from the foolish one in Matthew 7:24-27? What does this teach us about the role of obedience?
Why is it significant that both houses experience storms? How does this reflect the reality of Christian life and judgment?
What does it mean to build your life “on the rock”? How does this compare with other biblical uses of the “rock” metaphor (cf. Psalm 18:2; 1 Corinthians 10:4)?
How does Jesus’ authority, described in verses 28-29, shape the way we receive his teaching?
Why might people be astonished by Jesus’ teaching yet still fail to obey it?
Reflecting on the whole Sermon, which teaching of Jesus has most challenged or encouraged you?
How does the Sermon on the Mount reveal the need for both grace and obedience?
In what ways has this study reshaped your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
How can your church community help one another build on the rock of Christ’s words?
How do verses 24-29 serve as a fitting conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
What is the “foundation” of your life? Are there areas where you’ve been building on sand?
How have life’s storms revealed the strength or weakness of your spiritual foundation?
Which parts of Jesus’ teaching have you admired but not yet applied? Why?
Are you more inclined to hear or to do? How can you grow in faithful obedience?
What does it look like to build daily on the rock of Christ?
How has this study of the Sermon on the Mount deepened your understanding of the Christian life?
Are there teachings of Jesus that have become more meaningful or urgent to you in recent weeks?
How can you use this final lesson as an opportunity to recommit your life to Christ?
What role does spiritual community play in helping you live out the Sermon’s teachings?
As you move forward, how will you continue to let Jesus’ words shape your priorities, relationships, and habits?
Action Steps
Review the Sermon on the Mount and choose one area (e.g., anger, anxiety, prayer, generosity) where you want to apply Jesus’ teaching more deeply. Write down three concrete ways to begin building with obedience.
Share your desire to build on Christ’s teaching with a trusted friend or mentor. Ask them to pray for you and to check in with how you’re doing in living out Jesus’ words.
Commit Matthew 7:24-25 to memory. Let it serve as a daily reminder to not only hear, but to do the will of your Lord.
Conclusion
Thank you again for walking with me through this series on the Sermon on the Mount. My hope is that these lessons have helped you not only understand Jesus’ teaching but also desire to live it more fully. May your house be built on the Rock, unmoved by storms and rooted in the authority of Christ. For more weekly devotionals and Bible studies not sent via email, I invite you to explore Walking Points. If this study blessed you, please share it and encourage others to subscribe and journey with us as we continue growing in grace and truth.
Thank you for this lesson today and the entire series.
“Only he who believes is obedient, and only he who is obedient believes.” This is so very true.