Pastor Bria Bradshaw
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV) “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And 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. 26 And 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. 27 And 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.”
A life built on the rock is a life built on what God says.
√ Hear what God Said
√ Hear what God is Saying
“If we are Bible believing people, the most natural activity that we should all lean towards is learning to listen to, discern, and hear God’s voice on a regular basis.”
- Bob Hamp, Think Differently
I. LISTEN FOR GOD'S WORDS
Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
II. PUT IT INTO PRACTICE.
Luke 11:27-28 (ESV) As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!”
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1. Looking back at Matthew 7:24–27, what stands out to you most about Jesus’ comparison of the wise and foolish builders? Why do you think He used such a vivid image?
Follow-up prompts: What do the storms represent in real life? Why do you think He talks about the foundation instead of the house itself?
2. Statistics show that Bible engagement in America is at devastating lows, even among Christians. Why do you think so many people struggle to consistently read and hear from God through His Word?
Follow-up prompts: What does hearing God speak through the Bible look like in your own life? What’s the difference between reading words on a page vs. encountering the living God?
3. Building on the rock makes us unshakable in storms. Where in your life right now do you sense God calling you to trust His Word and put it into practice, even when it’s hard?
Follow-up prompts: What “storm” are you facing (or preparing for) that requires faith? What step of obedience could you take to stand firm this week?
4. If hearing God’s Word leads to a life that's "built different", what is one intentional way you could posture yourself to listen more attentively to Him this week?
Follow-up prompts: What practice helps you quiet distractions so you can hear? What would it look like to treat God’s voice as the “foundation” under your week?
Spiritual Practice for the Week:
Daily Listening Prayer: Set aside 5–10 minutes each day to read a short passage of Scripture (maybe from the Sermon on the Mount), sit in silence, and ask: “Lord, what are You saying to me today?” Write down what comes to mind and look back at the end of the week to notice patterns.
