Message Notes

“From Confusion to Clarity” Part 3
Mount of Olives | September 27, 2026 | Matthew 7:24-28
Pastor John Steward

Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father, all of our generations are bombarded with confusing messages regarding how to find satisfaction in this world. At times it is overwhelming and we fear for our children and our peers. Please grant us spiritual clarity as we seek to discover Your true plan for our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture Reading
Matthew 7:24-28
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!" Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching.

Message Notes
Malachi 3:6
For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished.

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Luke 11:28
But he said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!"

John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

Study Questions – Read Matthew 7:24-28

ICEBREAKER – Getting started:
1. What is one thing in your life that you consider a solid foundation—something you know you can depend on?
2. Why do you think people sometimes ignore good advice even when they know the advice is right?
3. If you could give one piece of advice to someone building a strong and meaningful life, what would you tell them?
Based on Matthew 7:24-28, answer the following questions:
OBSERVATION – What does the text say?
1.  As you read Matthew 7:24-28, what comes to mind? What stands out? What is interesting to you and why?
2. In one sentence, how would you summarize this text?
3. What lesson or message do you think the author is trying to convey?
INTERPRETATION – What does the text mean?
1. In verse 24, Jesus says, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them…” What two things does Jesus connect together? Why are both important?
What does Jesus mean by comparing the person who hears and obeys His words to “a wise man who built his house on the rock”? What does the rock represent?
2. Both houses experienced rain, floods, and winds. What does this teach us about the reality of difficulties in the Christian life?
3. What is significant about the fact that the wise and foolish builders both faced the same storm? What might this tell us about the difference between having faith and simply having an easy life?
4. What is the difference between hearing Jesus’ words and actually doing what Jesus says? Can someone hear God's Word regularly without allowing it to change their life?
5. Why do you think the foolish man's house collapsed when the storm came? What does this reveal about a foundation that is not strong enough?
6. According to verses 28–29, how did the crowds respond to Jesus’ teaching?
7. What was different about Jesus’ authority compared with the teachers they were accustomed to hearing?
APPLICATION – How can you apply the text?
1. What are some specific teachings of Jesus that you know but find difficult to actually put into practice?
2. When the “storms” of life come—loss, disappointment, uncertainty, conflict, failure, or change—what tends to reveal the strength or weakness of your spiritual foundation?
3. What are some things people today are tempted to build their lives on instead of Christ—success, money, relationships, career, possessions, reputation, comfort, or something else?
4. Is there an area of your life where you have been more of a “hearer” of God's Word than a “doer”? What would taking one practical step of obedience look like?
5. How can prayer, Scripture, worship, Christian community, and obedience help us continually strengthen our foundation in Christ?
6. Think about a storm you have already experienced in your life. Looking back, what helped you remain standing? What did that experience teach you about your relationship with Jesus?
7. If someone looked at your life—not just what you say you believe, but how you actually live—what evidence would they see that your life is built on the words of Jesus?