“Important Choices”

Graduation Sunday 2012

Matthew 7:24-27

Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)24“Everyone then who hears

these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the

rock. 25And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the

winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall,

because it had been founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)26And everyone who hears these words of mine and

does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his

house on the sand. 27And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat

against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of

it.”

3 Truths about Life's Choices

1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL

(vs 24) …hears...does..will be like a wise man

(vs 26) …hears...does not ..will be like a foolish man

1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,

2for length of days and years of life and peace they will

add to you.

Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV

1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL

3Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write

them on the tablet of your heart. 4So you will find favor

and good success in the sight of God and man.

Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV

1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will

make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:1-6 ESV

1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL

A) Life's Choices can make you WISE

24“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his

house on the rock.

1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL

B) Life's Choices can make you FOOLISH

26And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be

like a foolish man

1) Life's choices have great POTENTIAL

C) Life's Choices are CHOICES

Joshua 24:15 (ESV) - choose this day whom you will serve,

2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPSThe wise (vs 25) - And the

rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat

on that house...

The foolish (vs 27) - And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat

on that house...

2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPSThere are certain things in

this life that are unavoidable

Family Tragedies

Tests

Trials and Tribulation

sSicknesses

Job Loss Betrayal

2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPSThe question is not...

“Will hardships everenter your life.”

The question is...“What foundation is your life building on that must endure

the hardships of life?”

2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS

A) STOCKPILE the wisdom of Christ in your heart

11I have stored up your word in my heart, that I

might not sin against you.(Psalm 119:11 ESV)

2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS

B) STAY close to Jesus each day

18The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who

call on him in truth.(Psalm 145:18 ESV)

2) Life's choices cannot avoid all HARDSHIPS

C) SEEK Godly counsel in the storms of life

20Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the

companion of fools will suffer harm.

(Proverbs 13:20 ESV)

3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES

25...but it did not fall because it had been

founded upon the rock.

27...and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES

A) Be FAR-SIGHTED in your decision making

6Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her

ways, and be wise.(Proverbs 6:6 ESV)

3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES

B) Be RESPONSIBLE for your actions

13Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who

confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.

(Proverbs 28:13 ESV)

3) Life's choices always have CONSEQUENCES

C) Be totally COMMITTED to Jesus Christ

28And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were

astonished at his teaching, 29for he was teaching them as one who

had authority, and not as their scribes.

(Matthew 7:28-29 ESV)