June 29, 2005

 

Intro: Matt.7:24-29- Jesus speaks in the tradition of the book

of Proverbs—vs.28 “astonished at his teaching.”

 

I. Sand yields to erosive elements-

     Whatever we believe, it will be tested!

 

1) Rain- obvious and normal testing-  see 5:45

“rain” as as test is not evidence of God’s displeasure.

See Ecc. 9:1-2

 

2) Flood- the climactic or crisis test-

Job faces a crisis testing- 3:11, 20-23, 7:13-16

What is needed is solid ground to stay on until the flood

ebbs.  You can’t build during the crisis.

 

3) Wind- the unseen/undetected testing-

We wake up with fever/illness, but the bacteria began

days before.

 

II. Sand is not intended as a foundation-

1) Sand has good uses—

  I Cor.3:11

2) Sand is cheap & plentiful

3) A good foundation takes times to build.

 

III. The lesson points to the problem of choice,

not the sand.

  You cannot change sand, but you can change your

Choice.

 

IV. It is only a matter of time until a house built

on sand collapses.

7:27 “and great was its fall.”