DCLM Higher Everyday 2 February 2024 — Passing The Test
Topic: Passing The Test
Text: Matthew 7:24-27
24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Key Verse: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24).
Message
King Solomon, in Proverbs 1:25, echoed God’s reason for the many sufferings of the children of Israel: “But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof.” The story of man has not changed from this point of view. Many people take delight in rejecting God’s word. The preceding verses to our Bible text present Christ’s clear message that amplifies what it takes to pass the test of all tests that God will conduct for all humans.
The Lord’s counsel to all His followers is to build their lives on the whole counsel of God that will stand the test of time. Having obtained salvation by grace, they should maintain unbroken fellowship with God; be prayerful, watchful, and demonstrate total obedience to God’s word. Such Christians will be spiritually strong to withstand the antics of the false preachers. On the contrary, Christians that build their lives on the teachings of false preachers will lose out when, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” for the final test. Be like the wise man – build on the rock.
Quote: Total obedience to God’s word
Challenge: Build on the rock and not upon the sand.
Prayer for today: Father, help me to build on the rock, in Jesus’ name.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
