Built to Last

SERIES: THE STORIES OF JESUS

MESSAGE: Built to Last

TEXT: Matthew 7:13-27

DATE: August 3, 2025

MESSAGE BY: Pastor Tim Lewis

1. Two pathways. (Vv. 13–14)

   1. The broad way.

   2. The narrow way.

      (Ps. 1:1–6; Prov. 12:15, 14:12; Prov. 2:6–8, 9–15, 20–22; 15:9)

Questions:

What pathway are you on?

Is the pathway difficult or easy?

Is it popular? Is it crowded?

Where does it end?

(John 14:6)

1. Two trees. (Vv. 15–23)

   1. Good tree.

      1. Bears good fruit.

         (Gal. 5:22–23; Eph. 5:9; James 3:17)

   2. Bad tree.

      1. Bears bad fruit.

         (Dt. 32:32; Hosea 10:13)

Questions:

How do I know I am a Christian?

How do I know if the teaching and the message is from the Lord?

You discern by the fruit of their lives.

Do their lives promote obedience or disobedience?

The Lord examines your works not only your words.

What is the end of two trees?

(Matt. 3:10; Heb. 6:8; Gal. 5:19–21; Ps. 92:12–13)

1. Two houses. (Vv. 24–27)

   1. House built on rock.

   2. House built on sand.

Questions:

What made the difference between the two houses?

Why did both houses experience the storm?

How did they weather the storm?

Why does Jesus call the one builder wise?

Why does Jesus call the other builder foolish?

Are you hearing God’s word?

Most importantly, are you obeying God’s word?

        (Luke 6:46; James 2:14, 17, 26; 1 John 3:4–6; Matt. 13:41–43)

Take-Away Questions:

1. What pathway are you on?

2. Where does your pathway take you?

3. What kind of fruit are you bearing?

4. Is it the fruit of righteousness or unrighteousness?

5. Are you living a life of obedience or disobedience?

6. What will the storms of life reveal about your life?

7. Are you obeying and applying God’s word to your life?