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We arrive at these concluding verses in what has been called, “The Sermon on the Mount”, and we have read, over these past thirty weeks, of what might be called “The Secret of Holiness”.

This is the secret of being different, and the practical implications are profound and immense, spiritually and physically, and even materially. We come to Matthew Chapter 7 verses 24 to 29. Some of you may recall that I started here for a very specific reason, but let us study this passage one final time.

Just the other day, I was reading that the big word “Sanctification” simply means, being more like Jesus. If you are preaching or teaching The Word of God, aim to keep to keep it as simple and as practical as you can.

Jesus gives us an illustration from His building days. Remember, He was in the building trade for around 18 years.

Jesus says - I will show you two men - they look alike - they might even wear the same labels - but there is one important difference between them. Whoever comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what kind of man he is.

For some 18 years Jesus had been acquainted with methods used in the building trade.

This man, described as being wise, has dug deep, until he is able to lay his foundation upon the rock.

It is costly to excavate. If we are going to build something that will last, and ride out the storms, then, it will have to be built on rock-like foundations.

The second man, described as foolish, just throws up the house, without adequately preparing the foundations.

Then there is a crisis - a storm - a flood - and the house, or life, which is built upon the sand crashes and crumbles, while the house on the rock is not even shaken.

Two houses - two lives - they look the same from the outside - but one man has spent time and money digging and excavating. He works harder - for longer hours - his costs are higher - and his progress is probably slower.

He is removing all the dirt and rubbish that separates him from the rock! Remove anything which separates you from the rock.

When the winds and rains and storms come, whose house would you rather be in?

Men going to the moon were preparing the site for the launch pad and digging a large hole. Observers shouted to the workmen, “Where are you going?” “To the moon!” And the retort came, “Is that not the wrong direction?”

Jesus is speaking about long term service here.

There is a shaking going on in the world today. Everything is being shaken that can be shaken. There are so many pressures. Circumstances are very different from when I first came into the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That is why the foundation is so vital.

These disciples became committed to the Jesus Christ of the Bible. That may seem a strange thing to say, but there are many pictures of Jesus going the rounds.

In Acts Chapter 6, Stephen forgave those stoning him to death. Saul of Tarsus was the ringleader of that gang of persecutors, and within a very short time Saul was confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ and was forgiven and ‘born again’.

Having believed in Jesus, Saul repented of his sin, was baptised in water, and received the Holy Spirit. He never moved away from that sound solid foundation. His later testimonies indicate that reality.

Holy living and daily obedience would be an intolerable burden, if that was all that was involved. We would fail and fall if that was all the Sermon on the Mount was.

The Sermon points us to the Preacher, because we are aware of our weakness. We need the whole of the Sermon on the Mount for holy and godly living, which is also highly practical. We expect the best, but we prepare for the worst and that is why we lay solid foundations.

Jesus has fulfilled all that is demanded of us, and He gives us the power and the desire and the ability to live like this, and no matter how often we fail and fall He comes and lifts us up. Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.

Do we ever think, “Can I ever be any different?” The answer that comes from this word is “Yes”. It is a promise.

We see a portrait of our Saviour who says, “Follow Me”. Make me a captive Lord, and then I shall be free.

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

A World of One