510. MAT 7:24-27. THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS
Mat_7:24-27. The Wise and Foolish Builders
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock," &c.’97Mat_7:24-27.
The Redeemer had just finished his inimitable Sermon on the Mount. He had been opening, in a comprehensive and distinct manner, the spiritual nature of his kingdom, and the true practical character of saving religion. His auditory had doubtless listened with fixed attention, but he, knowing their hearts, perceived that many would be satisfied with hearing, without obeying the truths which they had heard.
He therefore concluded his address with the parable of the builders, which could not fail to remind his hearers that the great end of his teaching was the practical improvement of those who listened to his words. Observe,
I. What is commendable even in the conduct of the foolish builder.
II. Those things which he neglected as contrasted with the wise builder. And,
III. The final results in reference to both. Observe,
I. What is commendable even in the foolish builder.
(1.) He was not a neglecter of religious things altogether.
(2.) He heard the sayings of the great teacher: Mat_7:26.
(3.) It is clear also that he heard with sufficient attention to understand.
(4.) He was also greatly influenced by what he heard.
(5.) He felt the importance of making provision for the future. Of building a house to protect himself from the inclemency of the approaching season.
(6.) He actually selected a site, commenced the building, and stayed not until it was finished.
(7.) There is nothing said disparagingly respecting the external appearance of the house. He expended sufficient time and toil in its erection.
It is obvious that the foolish builder, in plain terms, heard, understood, was interested, and was greatly influenced by the teaching of the Saviour, and all these were features worthy of commendation. But observe,
II. Those things which he neglected as contrasted with the wise builder. He did not,
1. Duly calculate the trials his house would have to endure. He thought only of the present and fine weather. He was solicitous only for its present convenience and comfort. Palestine, as a land of hills and brooks, was peculiarly liable to inundations, and hence it was of the utmost importance to select a site sheltered from the storm, and where the base would not suffer from the teeming rain. Many are satisfied with the present forms of religion, they feel their need of nothing more, and they neglect to prepare for times of temptation, afflictions, and death. They reckon not on the solemn concerns of judgment and eternity. He did not,
2. Select a sure and safe foundation. The sand, in the dry season, might appear solid Hud firm; but who that knew its fragile texture, its movable character, would select it for a foundation. The wise builder knew the value of a firm, immovable basis, and selected the hard, unyielding rock. That which wind could not scatter, nor waves remove. The sandy foundation may represent,
(1.) Our own righteousness, in opposition to the sacrifice and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ.
(2.) Or the union of our works with those of the Redeemer, as the ground of our hopes.
(3.) Or the mere assumption of the name and forms of religion, without an acquaintance with its spirit and power.
(4.) Or the public profession of religion, without regard to a practical obedience to the Saviour. The rock on which the wise man built, is the Lord Jesus Christ. The elect, precious, sure, and immutable foundation, which God has laid in Zion. To build on this foundation implies,
(1.) A knowledge of Christ’s character, person, offices, and work.
(2.) A rejection of all things else as the basis of hope. "God forbid that I should glory," &c. "Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss," &c.
(3.) An implicit resting of the soul on Christ for pardon, acceptance, and eternal life. "No man cometh unto the Father but by me." "Other foundation can no man lay," &c.
(4.) Believing, conformity, and obedience to Christ’s authority. Not only hearing, but doing the things which he commandeth. Observe,
III. The results in reference to both builders. The foolish builder,
1. Experienced storms which he had not anticipated. He had thought only of summer, and its sunshine and calm. He had not prudently calculated on approaching winter, with its winds and tempests. But, alas! these all came. "The rain descended," &c. So affliction, death, and judgment, will try every man’s work.
2. He was overwhelmed in ruin which he had not feared. It is briefly recorded of his house, "that it fell." Its basis was swept away, and nothing was left to sustain it. Hence it became one heap of ruins. Its beauteous form, its elevated walls, its commodious rooms, were all lost in one utter desolation. So must it be with every kind of religion which rests not on Christ Jesus.
3. The builder perished with the vain fabric he had reared. Hence it is recorded,
"And great was the fall of it." Infatuated expectations and aerial prospects were all swept away, and the ruin of the builder was entire’97irremediable, and eternal. Of the wise builder it is recorded,
1. That his house also was tried by the storm, Mat_7:25. No exemption even to pure, sincere, and evangelical piety, from the trials and afflictions of life, the solemnities of death, or the decisions of the judgment day. "Every man’s work shall be tried with fire." "God will judge every man," &c.
2. But his hopes were fully realized. His house withstood the fury of the blast. The rains fell, and the winds blew upon his house in vain. "It fell not." Blessed, joyous declaration for the builder. He was sheltered, happy, and secure. His expectations were not cut off, but his soul’s desire was granted. "He knew whom he had believed," &c. "An abundant entrance was administered," &c. Learn,
1. The wisdom of experimental true piety.
2. The peculiar character of evangelical religion. Christ the basis.
3. The folly of all other schemes to save the perishing sinner.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS