Key Text: Matthew 7:24 KJV - 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:

It is a wise decision to build your house upon a rock because that house will be protected in the face of adverse weather conditions. Likewise, you are blessed when you obey the words of Jesus Christ because you will be protected from the attacks of the devil. Those who hear God's word but do not obey it are only deceiving themselves. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, ... - James 1:22.

The doctrine of Christ is captured in the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) and believers are expected to build their lives upon the sayings of the Lord. There were several instances where he said: "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, ... but I say unto you ...". The righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees was rejected by the Lord because it was derived from what was said by them of old time - Matthew 5:20.

Jesus said that the gates of hell shall not prevail against his church because it is built upon the rock (the revelation of Jesus as the Christ) - Matthew 16:18. Following this pattern, the early believers built their lives upon the truth of Christ and the devil could not prevail against them whether they were troubled, perplexed, persecuted or cast down - 2 Corinthians 4:8,9. 

Prayer: O Lord, help me to always obey your word, even when it's not convenient to do so, in Jesus' name. Amen.

Reflection: And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free - John 8:32.