In Matthew 7:24-27 Jesus tells us that it is not just outward conformity, not just mere intellectual consent, but applying truth that is transformative. Let us examine this section:
1.) Both of these men build. All people are building houses in their lives; there is not a person today who is not building their houses of life. They are building the shelters of life—those things that they retreat into to find shelter and comfort in. It is a fact that all people are doing this.
2.) Both use the same material. The material of construction is the same. The fabric of construction material is the same: a job, a family, a community. These are not evil; they are simply the places where we live and certain substances that enable us to live.
3.) Both were built in the same area. Jesus is speaking here to them in the area of Israel. In fact, this area in the summer was hard and dry, very solid to build upon. Thus, each house looked the same from the outside, built in the same area with the same materials.
Yet with this said, one man’s house stood, the other collapsed. Notice that the true test of their construction came when trials hit. Folks, trials will come; it is only then that you will truly know whether or not you built upon the sure foundation of Christ.
A.) The one who builds his house upon the Rock is the one who hears the words of the Lord and does them.
B.) The one who builds his house upon the sand is the one who heard the word of the Lord and did not do it.
A lot of people go to church or listen to biblical teaching and agree, yet they don’t take action.
The only difference between these two men is in the foundation. 1 Cor. 3:11 says, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We cannot just be hearers of the word; we must be doers of the word (James 1:22).