Kingdom Wise

Introduction

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Matthew 7:24–29

The King brings His kingdom message to a close. The passage is not a new teaching, but a conclusion of all Jesus had already taught. If anything, there is an even greater emphasis for kingdom people to pay careful attention. He urges disciples to be kingdom wise, to choose correctly and to build upon the right foundation by hearing and obeying Him.

Not a New Teaching but a Recap and a Final Parable

Jesus was merely using another picture to illustrate the message of choosing wisely. Are we building on Rock or Sand? Are we choosing the Narrow Gate over the Broad Gate? These are teachings of the process of salvation.

There will be rains, floods, winds that beat against the houses. These do not represent daily challenges of life but final and divine judgment.

As the Days of Noah were in Genesis 6 & 7

It was recorded in Genesis 6:8 that Noah found grace, and in the next verse, it was mentioned that Noah was a just (righteous) man who walked with God (Genesis 6:9). God instructed Noah to build an ark. Noah heard and Noah obeyed (Genesis 6:22). He believed and he moved on to what he believed. Noah took 100 to 120 years old to build the ark, and that was how long he walked in the narrow way with God. God then instructed Noah to bring the family into the ark after it was built. Noah heard and Noah obeyed (Genesis 7:5). He believed and he moved on to what he believed.

Faith rests, faith sees, and faith moves (Hebrews 11:7). What saved Noah? Was it grace or obedience or both? Noah was a preacher of righteousness as in 2 Peter 2:5. The people heard Noah’s message of righteousness and his warnings but they did not heed and did not move.

The rainbow was a sign given by God as He promised not to destroy by flood again (Genesis 9:12-17). But judgement will come in the form of fire as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:10.

In Matthew 24:36-51 a picture is painted of the end, and then the judgment. No one knows when that Day would be. Jesus cautioned us to be Kingdom Wise, to watch, be faithful, be ready; and be rewarded (Matthew 24:42-46). Jesus warned that the evil servant will be cut in two, and cast away with hypocrites and heathen. Then there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:51).

We are to walk circumspectly, not as fools do but as wise does in the end days as cautioned in Ephesians 5:15-17. We are to choose wisely and walk the right way. We need to make use of every opportunity because time is short. We also need to understand the will of the Lord as well.

Kingdom Wise or Kingdom Foolish?

WISE in Greek is phronimos which is from phroneo meaning to think, to have a right mindset, to be prudent, to be sensible. Biblically, one who hears, heeds and walks the ways of God. To think ahead and to be prepared as in the wise and faithful servant; and wise virgins in Matthew 24:36-51. Kingdom Wise Guys are those who build their houses on the rock, and these will stand.

The Foolish, moros, meaning silly or stupid and in Biblical term is one who is stubborn, proud, rebellious, gullible, easily influenced by others. The foolish ones are those who build their houses on sand, and these will fall.

What Does it Mean to Build Houses on Rock or Sand?

The “rock’ represents those who hear and obey. There is a personal obedience (Matthew 7:24). They are living the way of the kingdom, practising righteousness (not lawlessness), and doing the Father’s will.

The “sand” represents those who hear but do nothing (Matthew 7:26). If one simply hears and does not do, it is a personal disobedience.

What this parable does Not mean (or Not refer to)
In Matthew 16:18 when Jesus used the term ‘rock’, it referred to the revelation that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus is the One who builds, not the individual. You are God’s Building (1 Corinthians 3:9), there is no other foundation that another can lay as in 1 Corinthians 3:11.

Each of us has different assignments in the Body. All are fellow workers to build the Church corporately. We are to remain faithful workers in our assignments, and its true worth will be revealed on that Day (1 Corinthians 3:12-14).

There is a switch from Corporate Exhortation to Personal Warning in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17. God will destroy the one (personal) who defiles His holy temple (corporate). His Will must be done according to His Way.

Paul continues to warn in 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 that we do not be wise in this age with worldly wisdom. Do not be impressed with men and follow them. We belong to Christ and we are to follow Christ and obey Him.

How would we know then? Jesus is the final judge, and not us (1 Corinthians 4:1-5). Our part is to be faithful as stewards. Paul even refused to judge himself before the time. God will determine and judge in the end. We have to be Kingdom Wise.

Do not Deceive Yourselves

If you hear and do not do, you deceive yourself. Be a hearer of the word and a doer of the work which is being wise (James 1:21-25). Have we been doers of the Word by living out the Sermon of the Mount? Are we the salt and light of the world? Have we dealt with issues such as lust, adultery, sexual immorality, anger, slander and gossip? Have we forgiven and loved our enemies? Are we seeking first the Kingdom of God?

Faith produces obedience, and obedience perfects faith (James 2:20-22). We are justified by both faith and works (James 2:24).

The word, though implanted, can be rejected because of man‘s filthiness, wickedness; and pride and ego. In 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Israel was given the word but rejected it. They heard but did not heed. Instead, they lusted after evil things. They were idolatrous and sexually immoral. They missed the Promised Land.

Are you building on rock or sand? What is your spiritual walk founded on? Are you obeying or not obeying the King?

Kingdom Wise: Know. Love. Hear. Obey.

The invitation is still to know our God and King, Jesus. To know Him is to love Him (1 John 4:19). In knowing and loving Him, we position ourselves to hear and obey (1 John 5:2-3). When we grow in this love and serve in obedience, we have boldness in the day of judgment (1 John 4:17). Our focus is not just how to avoid judgment, but how we can please Him because we love Him. As we move into perfect love, it casts out fear.

Conclusion

Both wise and foolish built and their houses looked alright from the outside. We can look and sound Christian. In the end, all will be revealed and tested by fire. Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. The Spirit has been given and we have no excuse. Jesus will separate the wheat and chaff. The wheat will be gathered into the barn, and the chaff will be burnt with unquenchable fire.

Do not be deceived. As disciples of Jesus, we must choose the right gate and way. We must remain vigilant and be aware of false prophets. God’s Will must always be done in the King’s Way. Hearing is good but obedience is essential. Be Kingdom Wise.