Be Revolutionary (Matthew 7:21-29)

08/19/24 • 17 min

In this episode, we delve into the final words of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, exploring the profound teachings found in Matthew 7:21-29. We reflect on the significance of these verses, emphasizing the importance of not just hearing but also practicing Jesus' teachings to build a strong and resilient life. The episode draws parallels between the biblical message and real-life examples, such as the experiences of Olympic athletes Steven Sabino and Alex Walsh, to illustrate the consequences of actions and the importance of a solid foundation. We discuss the warnings against false disciples and the necessity of genuine faith and actions. The episode concludes with a prayer for strength, resilience, and community support in living out these teachings.

(00:00) Introduction and Context of the Sermon on the Mount

(01:49) Warnings Against False Disciples

(04:52) Building a Strong and Resilient Life

(05:53) Olympic Anecdotes and Life Lessons

(13:29) Practical Steps for Resilience

(15:07) Conclusion and Prayer

Matthew 7:21-29
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' "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 had 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.
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(00:00) Introduction and Context of the Sermon on the Mount

(01:49) Warnings Against False Disciples

(04:52) Building a Strong and Resilient Life

(05:53) Olympic Anecdotes and Life Lessons

(13:29) Practical Steps for Resilience

(15:07) Conclusion and Prayer

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

Previous Episode

Be Self-Aware (Matthew 7:1-6)

In this episode, we delve into the concept of self-awareness through a mix of personal anecdotes and biblical teachings. Rev. Matt Sapp begins by recounting a personal story involving a family member who was unaware that her car tag had been expired for three years, using this as a segue into the importance of self-awareness. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on self-awareness, inspired by Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount that explores both sides of the self-awareness coin: recognizing our own faults and valuing the most precious parts of who we are.
Drawing from Matthew chapter 7, the he emphasizes the need to avoid hypocrisy by first addressing our own flaws before criticizing others. The episode also touches on the importance of protecting the sacred and vulnerable parts of our identity, urging listeners to nurture and honor these aspects.
He also shares a paraphrased version of the Sermon on the Mount, reimagined as a graduation speech, to illustrate the timeless relevance of these teachings. The episode concludes with reflections on living a meaningful life now, rather than waiting for some future moment of truth. Inspired by Oliver Burkeman's book, '4000 Weeks,' the host encourages listeners to embrace their flaws and sacred dreams, living fully into who they are meant to be right now.

(00:00) The Arduous Process of Car Tag Renewal in Georgia

(02:12) A Hectic Move and an Expired Car Tag

(03:38) The Importance of Self Awareness

(07:40) Reflection on Self Assessment

(11:13) Living a Provisional Life vs. Real Life

Matthew 7:1-6
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Central is proud to be a place

where all generations worship, grow, and serve together.
where women and men have equal opportunities for leadership.
where traditional worship is engaged with excellence.
and where diverse approaches to Christian faith and theology all find themselves at home under the lordship of Christ.

Central Sermon Series - Be Revolutionary (Matthew 7:21-29)

Transcript

Matt Sapp:00:00:00

I invite you to listen with me as I read the final words of the Sermon on the Mount. We've been saying all summer this is Jesus' most extended body of teaching in the new testament.

00:00:11

Three whole chapters in the gospel of Matthew, Matthew 5 through 7. We've also been saying this is the most important body of ethical teaching in the history of the world, those three chapters together are. And this is how Jesus chooses to wrap