In this series of ‘case studies’ we’ll discuss a variety of biblical topics and relevant issues, and seek to shed light on them through careful biblical interpretation and suggestions for proper application. This should be edifying, encouraging and practical.
The Text:
'Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.' (NASB)
Key question:
What is the ‘rock’ on which the wise man built his house so it could withstand the storms?
Preliminary questions
What is the ‘rock’? Is it the Lord, our Rock from the psalms, so often mentioned (e.g., Psalm 18:2, 31; 19:2; 28:1; 31:3; 62:2, 6; 71:3 92:15; 94:22; 95:1)? Is it the rock onto which the Lord placed the psalmist (Psalm 40:2), a solid foundation in troubled times? Or the rock from which we were cut out—even Abraham (Isaiah 51:1–2)? Or the rock Moses spoke of (Deuteronomy 32:4, 31)? God, the Rock, who begot Israel, but was forgotten by them (Deuteronomy 32:18)? Or the rock which brought forth honey (Deuteronomy 32:13; Psalm 81:16)? Or the rock which brought forth water (Exodus 17:5–7), even Christ, because Paul says, ‘the rock was Christ’ (1 Corinthians 10:4; cf., Isaiah 48:21; Psalm 78:16)? There is no rock like our God, Hannah proclaimed after miraculously conceiving a child—is it God? (1 Samuel 2:2; cf., 2 Samuel 22:2, 3). Isaiah knew no Rock except God (Isaiah 44:8), the ‘everlasting Rock’ (26:4). Is Christ the rock, as the foundation that cannot be replaced (1 Corinthians 3:11)? Is it Christ or, perhaps, Peter (Matthew 16:17–18)? Or is the ‘rock’ in Matthew 7 something else? If so, what is it and why? Whatever it is in this specific context, we can say at the outset from the above verses of Scripture that it speaks of something or someone stable and reliable, a protection from trouble and a source of strength.
A Closer Look and more Questions
Let’s take a closer look at the text under discussion. Kids’ Bibles illustrate it so well: the issue is of two men who built a house each, yet on two different foundations: one built on ‘the rock’ (v 24-25), the other ‘on the sand’ (v 26). Both ‘houses’ faced ‘storms,’ yet only one house ‘did not fall’ (v 25), while the other house ‘fell—and great was its fall’ (v 27). One may think Jesus was giving a basic lecture on how to build a house! Perhaps He did… or was He using this as an illustration for real life? Elsewhere, He also gave lectures on agriculture (e.g., Mark 4), yet it was to illustrate life and how to live properly and guard against that which is harmful. So, this issue, too, seems to relate to how one is to build one’s life the right way in an environment with ‘storms,’ that is, anything that can cause collapse or destruction. Jesus even said that there would be ‘tribulation’ in this world, yet assured us that He has overcome the world (John 16:33). So how can we overcome the ‘storms’ of life? Where is the ability we need?
What is clear from the illustration is that both men built, yet only one of them in a stable manner or, rather, on a stable foundation—the ‘rock.’ Luke adds, that he ‘dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock’ and states that the house ‘had been well built’ (Luke 6:48). In contrast, the other man built ‘without any foundation’ at all (v 49)! There is a slight difference here, which we shall refer to again. Back to Matthew’s version.
Cause and Outcome
What is ‘the rock’ on which the ‘wise man’ built? Why was he ‘wise’? The ‘rock’ contrasts the ‘sand,’ speaking of the different foundations they built on. Every house is built on a foundation (except tree houses or boat houses, of course, yet in some sense the tree and water is a foundation). The issue, it seems, was one of foundation and its stability or lack of it. So, the two foundations were different. Why? What was the difference in approach that caused the difference in outcome? What else was different about the two builders? The differing descriptions of the two men is the key; the wider context, too.
Both men had things in common and things in which they differed. Both built, yet only one succeeded in surviving the storms. There’s a marked difference and strong contrast. The Kids’ Bible I used to read this story from to my kids focused on the houses and their foundations—it makes for nice illustrations. This is important, but it signifies only the outcome of what they did or didn’t do, respectively. But what was the cause? What is the other element that differentiates these two men that caused the different outcomes?
One was called ‘wise man’ (v 24), the other a ‘foolish man’ (v 26). Why? This is a very strong contrast! One is reminded of the parable where ‘foolish’ and ‘wise’ (NKJV) or ‘prudent’ (NASB) women were contrasted (Matthew 25:1–13). In Jesus’ illustration, the wise person built on the ‘rock,’ the foolish person on the ‘sand.’ What is the difference? The key lies in the words of Jesus describing their approach, the action and inaction that caused the different outcomes:
V 24, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them…
V 26, everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them…
Where’s the difference? It should be obvious by now: both heard (in common), but only one acted (difference)! What caused the stability (outcome) in the storms was the obedience to or application of (cause) Christ’s words. Therefore, obedience to the words of Christ—or application, if you will, is the key. The ‘rock,’ or solid foundation for life, is in obeying the words of Christ! This specific context uses 'rock' as an illustration for stability, not a personification for God as in most cases elsewhere in Scripture. The ‘rock’ in Matthew 7:24–27, therefore, is obedienceto the words of Jesus Christ.
Lordship, Obedience and Consequences
Jesus' words in Luke’s comment (Luke 6:46) before He refers to this illustration further underlines the point advocated here:
‘Why do you call Me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say?’
Lordship cannot be in words without action; it requires obedience! In response to this penetrating question (v 46) Jesus told them the illustrative story (vv 47–49). The house well-built is one of obedience to the words of the Lord, having the issue of Lordship firmly established in one’s heart.
We obey what governs us—be it religions, philosophies or ideologies. The believer in God cannot have other gods (Exodus 20:3) or two masters (Matthew 6:24). We all have beliefs, laws and principles that guide and govern us. We should reflect on these and have moral clarity on what guides and governs us, and choose wisely what we follow and obey. This is so because actions have consequences and we are never free from these consequnces. Both men in the illustration had to live with the consequences of their decisions to hear and to act or not act. ‘To do or not to do—that is the question!’ Indeed =;-)
We advocate for the words of Christ. Obedience to the words of Christ is stability in life and its storms and challenges.
Wisdom and Stability
In Matthew’s account Jesus compares the obedient person to ‘a wise man’ (7:24). There is both stability and wisdom in obeying the words of Christ! God has a way for us to handle every challenge in life. Truly, life is full of challenges, even suffering, yet wisdom minimises suffering and lets us overcome it, and even makes us stable in these trying circumstances. According to James, there is even great benefit in life’s trials (see James 1:1–12) and God provides wisdom in them (v 5). Obedience, therefore, makes us wise and stable and guards from deception. The ‘way of escape’ in times of temptation is being faithful to our faithful God and His Word (1 Corinthians 10:13). Obedience makes us overcome any attack, challenge or pain. Stay faithful to God and His Word in your obedience—there’s wisdom, stability and protection in obedience.
‘Sand’ as weak foundation (Matthew) or having ‘no foundation at all’ (Luke) is disobedience or lack of applying His words. The storms are the problems we face in life—and we all do! Yet obedience to His words will keep us strong no matter what we might face; obedience speaks of wisdom and stability, and therefore prevents collapse and destruction. It is unwise not to prepare for troubles. It truly is wise to have a house well built. The ‘rock’ is stable and reliable—obedience to the words of Christ will keep us safe no matter what ‘storm’ comes our way. His words are a source of wisdom and strength when all else fails—obeying them gives safety and protection. Therefore, let the Word of Christ richly dwell in you (Colossians 3:16)!
His Word contains the wisdom to withstand and endure storms. Storms pass, but we need to know how to endure until they do! The ‘days are evil’; we live in difficult times. And therefore wisdom is crucial! Paul admonishes the believers to ‘be careful how you walk... as wise, making the most of your time’ (Ephesians 5:15-16, emphasis added). Paul says we should be ‘wise’ and not ‘foolish’ (v 17), just as Jesus classified the two men. Obedience is wisdom and stability, disobedience is foolishness and brings ruin. Wisdom is indispensable. His Word contains His wisdom and the revelation of His will. Therefore Paul says we should ‘understand what the will of the Lord is’ (v 17). His Word reveals His wisdom and His will. Obey it once you know it.
Wisdom is the principle thing in life (Proverbs 4:7) and builds a house well (Proverbs 9:1); and the starting point of widom is the fear of God (Proverbs 9:10). Applying our hearts to ‘the words of the wise’ is pleasant and will lead us to trust the Lord (Proverbs 22:17–19), our Rock! The fear of the Lord is to heed and obey His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14). The greatest commandment is to love God (Matthew 22:37–38), and to love Him is to obey Him (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). Jesus’ audience knew that there is blessing in obedience, yet curse on disobedience (see Deuteronomy 28). Disobedience has the opposite outcome of obedience and leads to lawlessness.
James strongly emphasised that believers must be ‘doers of the word,’ and not be ‘hearers only,’ because there is deception in this (James 1:22–23). Obedience keeps us from deception. The perfect law of liberty is the guide we must not forget but apply (v 25). Hearing only or even having knowledge of God’s Word without applying it, is self-deception. Only truth protects from lies and obedience from deception.
Protection against Deception
Matthew’s context sheds light on another issue related to obedience. Luke’s reference to ‘Lord, Lord’ in confession only (Luke 6:46) is also used by Jesus in Matthew’s account—twice even!
‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter’ (v 21).
‘Many will say to Me [Jesus] on that day [judgment day], “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?” (v 22).
Jesus’ response points to the issue of obedience from another angle: ‘And then I will declare to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness”’ (v 23). Confession of ‘Lord, Lord’ in words only, yet practicing lawlessness (v 23) and not doing the will of God (v 21), despite doing what seems good, even powerful, supernatural deeds (v 22), will not grant access to heaven! Doing the will of God is key, not any good-sounding confession, or supernatural work outside God’s will, or praising God with lips while the heart is far removed from God, and also abolishing God’s Word for the sake of tradition (Matthew 15:1–9; cf., Isaiah 29:13), or any other thing for what matter, is wrong! There is no substitute for obedience. Performing even miracles outside the will of God while practicing lawlessness (a rejection of God’s Law) is false. So, who were these ‘ministers’? The context makes it clear.
Jesus warned of ‘false prophets,’ externally appearing as sheep (only in clothing), yet internally being ‘ravenous wolves’ (Matthew 7:15). They have an appearance of being part of God’s ‘flock,’ yet it is external only; the internal, that which really matters, is the complete opposite! Their clothing is deceptive; their works destructive. Wolves come to destroy the flock by false teaching and/or deceptive miracles (cf., John 10:10; Acts 20:28–30). Jesus goes on to speak of fruit that will reveal the truth of the internal condition (Matthew 7:16–20), similarly also Luke in context (6:39–45). These false prophets don’t do the will of God and commit lawlessness, and that’s what makes them false (Matthew 7:21, 23).
Choose to do the will of God—nothing less, nothing more, and nothing else. Choose God’s will (Hebrews 10:35–39) as Christ chose God’s will (Hebrews 10:5–7; Matthew 26:39; John 4:34; 5:30–31; 6:38). Only those who do the will of God will endure forever (1 John 2:17), not those who fall for the things of this world (vv 15–16) or the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10ff) or any other ‘weed’ that will corrupt the good ‘soil’ of our hearts (Mark 4:1–20). The good man brings forth good from his heart (Luke 6:45); the good tree brings forth good fruit because the tree is healthy (Matthew 7:17). Test those who makes claims (1 John 4:1–4; Revelation 2:2). Don’t be fooled by outward appearance; look for purity of heart and obedience to God and His Word. Jesus’ use of ‘everyone who hears’ means that it applies to anyone—your response to His words will determine the outcome.
God is not moved by the external appearance; He discerns the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). The new king of Israel, David, would be a man after His own heart (Acts 13:22), who would serve his generation according to the purpose/will of God (v 36), and not be like the disobedient Saul, who was rejected by God because he had rejected God’s word (1 Samuel 15:22–23) and sought his own will and honour (vv 12, 30)! He thought he had obeyed God (v 13), but actually didn’t (v 19)! He was in deception due to disobedience, blinded by his quest for his own honour (as was Abshalom, cf., 2 Samuel 18:18). Despising the word of God and His commandments leads to destruction (Proverbs 13:13). Failing to be a doer of the Word leads to deception. Obedience is of the essence—always was and always will be.
The ancient Israelites who came out of Egyptian slavery failed to enter the Promised Land because of their disobedience—they lost what God had in store for them; they didn’t enter His rest in His promise and their inheritance, because of unbelief and disobedience due to their hardened hearts (Hebrews 3—4). Hardened hearts cause people to miss God’s original intention regarding marriage (Matthew 19:8), and, by extension, all else, too! Don’t harden your hearts like they did in the wilderness, and fell into all kinds of sin and idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:1–12). Jesus wants to give us rest—true rest (Matthew 11:28–30), ‘rest for your souls’ by walking in the ways of God (Jeremiah 6:16). Jesus' words reveal the ways and will of God. His approach to Scripture is the guideline to us of how to read, interpret and apply the whole of Scripture. We advocate a Christo-centric hermeneutic. This simply means that Christ is the centre of our theology—His words and the way He interpreted and applied the Word of God.
Look what the ‘therefore’ is there for!
The use of ‘therefore’ (Matthew 7:24) is important. As they say, if you see a ‘therefore,’ look what it’s there for =;-) The ‘therefore’ serves as a final conclusion of the whole section of Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 5—7), be it on the attributes that attract God’s blessing (vv 3–12), the call to take up responsibility in the world around us and shine God’s light in a dark, suffering world by doing good works for His glory (vv 13–16), the right understanding and application of God’s moral Law (vv 17–47), culminating in the imitation of God Himself (v 48), the right way to ‘do religion’ free of hypocrisy (6:1–18), having the right priorities regarding finances and living a worry-free life in God’s will (vv 19–34), or doing the right things the right way from the heart (7:1–14). The final section (vv 15–23) is to discern false prophets and guard yourself from falling into their deceptions! People were amazed at Christ’s teaching (vv 27–28), to say the least! Who wouldn’t be?!
In the narrow context, the ‘therefore’ (of 7:24) serves to introduce this brilliant short illustration about the crucial importance of obedience (7:24–27) and connects it to the warning against false prophets (7:15–23). The only way to ‘do religion’ the right way (5:3—7:14) and not fall prey to the deceptions of false prophets and their heresies and fake ‘service’ in the Name of God (7:15–23), is by obeying the words of Christ (7:24–27)! Not the words or revelations or prophecies or traditions of men, but the words of Christ. Prophecy and revelation ect. has its place, but the ‘rock’ in the ‘storms’ is obedience to Christ’s words. Obey His words—no matter what! Don’t compromise your obedience to Christ and His words—remember, ‘great was its fall.’ Stick to the will of God—nothing less, nothing more, and nothing else!
The false Ministers
The false ministers, appearing even as angels of light like the devil himself (2 Corinthians 11:2–15), will seek to deceive many (Matthew 24:11), even the elect if possible (v 24). The first warning of Jesus about the End Times, was one against deception (v 4). Lawlessness will make love grow cold (v 12), lawlessness being the hallmark of false prophets (7:23). Deception feeds lawlessness and advances it because it diverts from the Law of God and therefore from the will of God. Heresies and deceptions also bring divisions, the false teachers seeking to make people ‘fall away,’ ‘betray one another’ and even cause hatred among them (Matthew 24:10). This is the ultimate expression of lawlessness, of going against the Word of God of which love, truth and holiness are the most important. The false ministers as wolves in sheep clothing seek to bring destruction and draw people after themselves (Acts 20:29–30). They are self-centred and seek their own benefit at the expense of those they should be protecting (cf., Jeremiah 23; Ezekiel 34).
So the question should not be, ‘How come great men of God who fell into sin can still operate in the supernatural power of God?’, but rather, ‘How can I recognise false prophets and not be deceived by their lying miracles done by a demonic source?’ Jesus never knew these false prophets and workers of lawlessness (7:23).
Being sheep in the midst of wolves requires wisdom and shrewdness, while keeping a pure heart (Matthew 10:16). The divisions and hatred cause by heresy and deception will be tough at times (vv 17–21), but enduring all this will secure salvation (v 22). ‘Evil men and impostors’ will seek to deceive others as they themselves are deceived (2 Timothy 3:13). Being faithful to the Scriptures is the key against deception, for sound doctrine and healthy living and ministry (vv 14–17). In the face of heresy and dealing with false teachers, we must be clear in our hearts what place the Word of God has in our lives. We need to know the Word, but also know how to interpret it rightly and apply it accurately (2 Timothy 2:15). Confusion in our minds can hinder faith in our hearts, which ultimately hinders our obedience to His word that keeps us safe. James warned of deception due to disobedience (lack of application), and taught how obedience is our protection—look into the perfect Law of liberty and do it! The hearer forgets, the wise person applies and is safe.
Heresy causes confusion; the truth brings clarity. God is not the author of confusion, but the God of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). Stand for the truth or you will fall for heresy. When faced with wolves in sheep clothing (Matthew 7:15), we must discern their fruit (7:16-20), leave the judgment to God (7:21-23) and stick to the words of Jesus (7:24-27). Only the truth will keep us from deception; applying it keeps us safe.
Don’t allow anything to divert you away from the purity and simplicity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). The same devil that was in the snake and deceived Adam and Eve in the garden (Genesis 3) is now roaming around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour whoever he can (1 Peter 5:8). It’s powerful how these two animals, snake and lion, are also referred to in some way to Christ: He is the Lion from the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5; cf., Genesis 49:9), and Christ, in His crucifixion, was to be lifted up like Moses had lifted up the snake in the wilderness—for salvation and healing! (John 3:14–15). The counterfeit often appears as the real thing, but it is deception (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). If there is any one spiritual gift we are most in need of in the End Times, it’s discernment. Discern everything by the truth.
The Importance of the Truth
Don’t fall for the false prophets (Matthew 7:15), false teachers (2 Peter 2:1ff; Jude 5–16), false apostles (Revelation 2:2), or false Christs (Matthew 24:24; cf., 1 John 2:18–24) who will seek to mislead by deception, heresy, lawlessness and lying miracles. Don’t follow a different gospel which is a distortion (Galatians 1:6–9). The different gospel preaches another Jesus and brings a false spirit with it (2 Corinthians 11:4–15). Trust those who share and teach the word of God and the gospel of grace, and whose conduct is proven and known (Hebrews 13:7–9). Trust those who preach Christ and not themselves (2 Corinthians 4:5). Trust those who ‘preach the word’ and stick to ‘sound doctrine’ and ‘truth’ in the midst of deception and heresy, myths and fables (1 Timothy 4:1ff; 2 Timothy 4:1ff). Follow those who follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1), but make sure you are following Christ! Never follow anyone blindly. Abide in His word of truth (John 8:31–36). Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). Truth is in Jesus (Ephesians 4:21). Receiving the ‘love of the truth’ will keep us from the deceptions of the anti-Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:1–10). Love the truth and obey it, even when it hurts.
Don’t be fooled by external appearance or impressive words. Christ and Christ crucified is the Message (1 Corinthians 2:2). Let your faith be built on the words of the Gospel, not human wisdom or nice talk (vv 4–5). The Kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power (1 Corinthians 4:20) and the Gospel is the power of God (Romans 1:16–17). We don’t need another Gospel (Galatians 1:5–9), nor another Jesus or a different spirit (2 Corinthians 11:4). Don’t fall for misleading philosophies (Colossians 2:8); focus on Christ (2:9; 3:1–4). Some people really make things more complicated than necessary. We get so easily side-tracked from ‘the straight and narrow’ (Matthew 7:13–14). Jesus must remain the centre of our lives and our doctrine. If He is not your centre, adjust quickly. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Message; spreading it is the Mission; living in love (John 13:35), loving God and loving people (Matthew 22:37–40), treating one another with love (Romans 13:8–10; Colossians 3:12–14), expressing faith through love (Galatians 5:6), loving the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10), knowing the truth from His words (John 8:31–36), and speaking the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) is the Movement. If it doesn’t have the mark of Christ on it, have nothing to do with it!
Conclusion
Stick with simple and uncompromising obedience to the words of Christ and you’ll be wise and stable and protected in life’s storms and winds of doctrine that seek to divert or even drown us (Ephesians 4:14). Grow into Christ, the Head (v 15) and be obedient to His words. His words are ‘the truth that sets you free’ (John 8:32) and the words we must obey and teach others to obey (Matthew 28:18–20). His words are Spirit and life (John 6:63), never depart from them (v 68).
Obedience to the words of Christ is the ‘rock’ that will make us wise, keep us stable and protects us from deception. Obedience is powerful, it’s wisdom and saftey! It keeps us in the will of God as revealed by the Word of God. Stay faithful to the truth of Christ. Build your house on the 'rock' of obedience to His words and be safe the in storms of life. Endure to the end and you will be saved (Matthew 24:13).
Brilliant!