Foundations in Following Jesus
Sermon Summary
In this message from Matthew 7:24-29, Pastor Zach Daniel explores Jesus’s parable of the wise and foolish builders at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. After amazing the crowds with His teaching, Jesus presented them with a crucial question through this story: Will you merely stand in awe of my words, or will you put them into practice?
Foundations of Discipleship Sermon Discussion Guide
Key Definition
Life on Life Discipleship: Life on Life Discipleship relationships are intentional relationships that are focused on growing as lifelong, obedient followers of Jesus who in turn help others to do the same.
Scripture Passage: Matthew 7:24-29
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Discussion Questions
Personal Reflection: Where do you see yourself in this parable? are you currently building on the rock or on sand? What evidence do you see in your life?
Moving Beyond Amazement: Pastor Zach mentioned that the crowds were “amazed” but Jesus wanted more than amazement. How can we move from being impressed by Jesus’s teachings to actually putting them into practice?
Storm Preparation: Jesus didn’t promise a storm-free life, but rather a firm foundation during storms. What storms are you currently facing or preparing for? How might building on Jesus’s teachings help you weather them?
Discipleship Journey: If you’ve made a decision to follow Jesus before, how has that commitment needed to be renewed in different seasons of your life? What does saying “yes” to discipleship look like in your current season?
Foundation Check: Pastor Zach asked, “How would a disciple of Jesus make this decision?” Think of a recent decision you made. How might asking this question have changed your approach?
Life Stages: The 80-year-old pastor’s story showed how discipleship looks different in every decade. What unique opportunities and challenges does discipleship present in your current life stage?
Getting Back on Track: For those who may have drifted away from following Jesus, what draws you back? What would “rebuilding on the rock” look like practically in your life?
Community Impact: How does the definition of “life on life discipleship” challenge you to be more intentional in your relationships? Who in your life could benefit from this kind of relationship?
Daily Practice: What does it mean to “put Jesus’s words into practice” in your everyday life? Give specific examples of how this might look in your work, family, or community relationships.
Legacy Perspective: Looking at the long view of your life, what kind of foundation do you want to be known for building? How do you want your discipleship to impact others?
Take Action: Join the 40 Days of Discipleship
As our church family embarks on this summer focus on life-on-life discipleship, we invite you to join the 40 Days of Discipleship devotional journey. Each morning you’ll receive:
A Scripture passage
A fresh worship song
A guided prayer
Prompts to help you listen to the Holy Spirit and abide throughout the day
Whether you’re beginning your journey with Jesus or have been walking with Him for years, these devotionals will help you build your foundation in Him and learn what it means to make disciples.
To sign up go here: https://passionandpurpose.kit.com/discipleship
Group Challenge: Consider going through these devotionals together as a small group, sharing insights and encouraging one another in your discipleship journey.
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” – Matthew 7:24