1 On what are you building your life? Proverbs 4:5-9 James 3:13-18

2 Matthew 7: Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.

3 Foolish Man: Building on Sand Hears but does not obey JesusHears but does not obey Jesus  Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin, James 4:17  …when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity, Luke 8:14

4 Building on Sand Rebellion, 1 Sam. 15:22-23Rebellion, 1 Sam. 15:22-23  By changing Christ’s words (15:22, 3, 9, 13); Gal. 1:6-7 Evil “good” & good “evil” (Isa. 5:20)Evil “good” & good “evil” (Isa. 5:20) In favor of human wisdomIn favor of human wisdom  Disobedience is rejection of God’s word (15:23; 13:13-14) Are you rebelling?Are you rebelling?

5 Building on Sand Ignorance, Eph. 5:17Ignorance, Eph. 5:17  Leads to… Error, Matt. 22:29Error, Matt. 22:29 Alienation from God, Eph. 4:18Alienation from God, Eph. 4:18 Sinful lusts, 1 Pet. 1:14Sinful lusts, 1 Pet. 1:14  No excuse (Lev. 5:17, 19)  Can be remedied, Acts 3:17, 19

6 Building on Sand ApathyApathy  Spiritual indifference is punished, Zeph. 1:12; Matt. 24:48-51  Serve Lord with diligence, Rom. 12:11; Gal. 6:9

7 Building on Sand RitualismRitualism  Lip service, Matt. 15:6-9  Hated by God, Amos 5:21-24 FeelingsFeelings  Deceptive, yet comforting, Prov. 28:26 (14:12); 19:21  Can interfere with righteousness, Jas. 1:19-20 (Acts 26:9-11)

8 Wise Man: Building on Rock Rock of obedienceRock of obedience  Hear words of Christ, Lk. 8:8, 18 (Matt. 13:16, 23) Rom. 10:17; Jno. 6:44-45; Acts 17: 11-12Rom. 10:17; Jno. 6:44-45; Acts 17: “…he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life…” (Jno. 5:24)“…he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life…” (Jno. 5:24)

9 Wise Man: Building on Rock Rock of obedienceRock of obedience  Do the words of Christ, Matt. 7:21; Heb. 5:9  Obedience = Faith + love at work 1 John 5:1-4 (Gal. 5:6)

10 Proverbs 10:25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, But the righteous has an everlasting foundation. Proverbs 12:7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, But the house of the righteous will stand.

11 James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.