1. “Important Choices” Graduation Sunday 2012 Matthew 7:24-27

2. Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.

3. Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) 26 And 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. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

4. 3 Truths about Life's Choices

5. 1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL (vs 24) …hears...does..will be like a wise man (vs 26) …hears...does not..will be like a foolish man

6. 1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV

7. 1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL 3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV

8. 1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV

9. 1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL A) Life's Choices can make you WISE 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

10. 1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL B) Life's Choices can make you FOOLISH 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man

11. 1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL C) Life's Choices are CHOICES Joshua 24:15 (ESV) - choose this day whom you will serve,

12. 2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS The wise (vs 25) - And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house... The foolish (vs 27) - And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house...

13. 2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS There are certain things in this life that are unavoidable Family Tragedies Tests Trials and Tribulation s Sicknesses Job Loss Betrayal

14. 2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS The question is not... “Will hardships ever enter your life.” The question is... “What foundation is your life building on that must endure the hardships of life?”

15. 2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS A) STOCKPILE the wisdom of Christ in your heart 11 I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 ESV)

16. 2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS B) STAY close to Jesus each day 18 The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18 ESV)

17. 2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS C) SEEK Godly counsel in the storms of life 20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20 ESV)

18. 3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES 25...but it did not fall because it had been founded upon the rock. 27...and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

19. 3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES A) Be FAR-SIGHTED in your decision making 6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. (Proverbs 6:6 ESV)

20. 3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES B) Be RESPONSIBLE for your actions 13 Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. (Proverbs 28:13 ESV)

21. 3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES C) Be totally COMMITTED to Jesus Christ 28 And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, 29 for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29 ESV)