Knowing and Doing

 Sabbath School

Growing in a Relationship with God 

Sin, the Gospel, and the Law 

Lesson 9 - Thursday 

Hearing and Doing the Words of Jesus

The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most powerful teachings ever given. In it, Jesus spoke about anger, lust, forgiveness, love for enemies, prayer, worry, judging others, and true righteousness. But as He came to the end of the sermon, He did not simply leave His listeners with inspiring ideas. He gave them a serious and deeply personal challenge.

In Matthew 7:21–29, Jesus makes it clear that hearing truth is not enough. What matters is whether we truly surrender to Him and live according to His words.

Jesus begins with a sobering warning:

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

These are some of the most startling words in Scripture. Jesus describes people who appear outwardly religious. They call Him “Lord.” Some even perform miracles and do mighty works in His name. Yet Jesus says to them:

“I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23).

Notice the issue was not that they lacked religious activity. The problem was that they lacked a genuine relationship with Christ and lives transformed by obedience. They knew about Jesus, but they did not truly know Him.

This is an important warning for every believer. Christianity is not merely attending church, knowing Bible verses, defending doctrines, or appearing spiritual before others. A person can be deeply involved in religious things while still resisting God in the heart.

Jesus is calling His followers to authenticity.

The Christian life is not about perfection, but it is about surrender. Real faith produces change. When Christ lives within a person, there will be evidence—not to earn salvation, but because salvation changes the heart.

Jesus then illustrates this truth with the parable of the wise and foolish builders.

“Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24).

Both builders heard the words of Jesus. Both built houses. Both experienced storms. But only one house stood firm. Why? Because one builder acted upon Christ’s words while the other merely listened.

The storms represent the trials of life, temptations, suffering, disappointment, and ultimately the final judgment. Sooner or later, every foundation is tested. Popularity cannot save us. Emotions cannot save us. Religious appearances cannot save us. Only a life anchored in Christ can endure.

The foolish builder likely thought the rock foundation was unnecessary work. Sand is easier. Faster. More comfortable. But convenience is a terrible foundation for eternity.

Many people today want the blessings of Christianity without the surrender that comes with following Christ. They admire Jesus as a teacher but resist Him as Lord. They want inspiration without repentance, grace without transformation, and heaven without obedience.

Jesus lovingly warns us that such faith cannot stand when the storms come.

The wise builder, however, digs deep. He builds on the rock even when it costs more time, effort, and sacrifice. That rock is Christ Himself and the truth of His Word. A believer who daily trusts Christ, studies His teachings, prays, repents, forgives others, and obeys God through faith is building on solid ground.

This does not mean the wise builder never struggles. Storms still come to faithful Christians. They face sickness, loss, temptation, doubt, and persecution just like everyone else. But because their lives are rooted in Christ, they are not destroyed.

At the end of the chapter, the crowds are astonished because Jesus taught “as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matthew 7:29). Jesus was not merely giving advice or philosophy. He was speaking as the Son of God who has authority over eternity itself.

That same authority confronts us today with a decision.

Will we simply admire the teachings of Jesus, or will we build our lives upon them?

The Sermon on the Mount is not meant to be read casually and forgotten. It is an invitation to a completely different way of living—a life of humility, purity, forgiveness, trust, mercy, and wholehearted obedience to God.

The challenge Jesus leaves us with is simple but life-changing: hearing is not enough. We must respond.

A person who truly belongs to Christ does not merely say “Lord” with their lips. They surrender to Him with their life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the words of Jesus and the truth He taught with such love and authority. Forgive us for the times we have heard Your Word without truly applying it to our lives. Help us not to settle for outward religion or empty profession, but to build our lives firmly upon Christ, the solid Rock. Give us hearts that obey You out of faith and love. Strengthen us when storms come, and keep us rooted in Your truth. Teach us to follow Jesus sincerely, not just with our words, but with our actions and our character. May our lives reflect that we truly know You.
In Jesus’ name, amen.

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