On This Rock I Stand Part 9

ON THIS ROCK I STAND – PART 9

The Sufficiency of Scripture

Luke 6:46–49

Introduction

When we say that Scripture is sufficient, what does that mean?

Wayne Grudem defines it this way:

“The sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contains all the words of God He intended His people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and that it now contains all the words of God we need for salvation, for trusting Him perfectly, and for obeying Him perfectly.”

In our text, Jesus asks, “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I say?” This question challenges our obedience because what He says is sufficient.

The Greek word for Lord is Kyrios, meaning master or one of higher authority. Jesus describes two builders—one wise and one foolish—to show that those who hear and act upon His words are building on a firm foundation.

I. The Wise Builder

Jesus said the one who hears and acts is like a man building a house. This is an ongoing process, not a completed task.

A Person Who Hears – The Greek word akouo means “to hear, to pay attention, understand, and obey.” It implies continual listening.

Psalm 119:11 says, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Even when we’re not reading or listening to Scripture, the Word within us reminds us how to live rightly.

A Person Who Acts – This person responds in obedience. Their actions reflect a teachable spirit and respect for the authority of God’s Word.

Just as an architect designs a house with a specific plan, Jesus—the Master Architect—has designed our lives with divine purpose. Every believer is in a different stage of construction, but all must build on the same foundation: Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 3:11 – “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

Our callings and life designs differ, but we all need the same foundation. John 1:3 and Colossians 1:16 affirm that everything was made by Him and for Him. Anyone with those credentials deserves to be followed and obeyed!

II. The Unwise Builder

Why would anyone build a house—symbolic of their life—without a proper foundation?

Like constructing a skyscraper, strong foundations require deep digging. A doghouse can sit on the ground, but a tall structure must have depth. So it is with the Christian life—our spiritual depth determines our stability.

Here are six reasons people fail to build on Christ the Rock:

Building Requires Waiting – Many seek instant gratification and take shortcuts. But Ecclesiastes 7:8 reminds us, “The end of a matter is better than its beginning.”

Building Requires Wisdom – Ecclesiastes 7:19 says, “Wisdom strengthens a wise man more than ten rulers in a city.” Without valuing wisdom, people ignore sound teaching.

Building Requires Work – Some want blessings without obedience. James 2:24 (AMP) says, “A man is justified through what he does and not alone through faith.” Building strong faith requires effort and perseverance.

Jesus said the wise builder “dug deep.” We must dig through:

Bad teaching – replacing false ideas with truth.

Bad character – removing laziness and worldliness.

Bad company – letting go of relationships that hinder spiritual growth.

In Luke 8, Jesus’ parable of the sower illustrates more reasons people fail to build rightly:

They Are Unsaved – Luke 8:12: “The devil takes away the word so they will not believe and be saved.”

They Are Uncommitted – Luke 8:13: “They receive the word with joy but have no root.”

They Are Unbelieving – Luke 8:14: “They are choked with worries and pleasures and bear no fruit.”

But those who hear and obey are unwavering:

Luke 8:15 – “They hold the word fast and bear fruit with perseverance.”

When trials come, only those built on God’s Word can stand.

III. The Guarantee of the Master Architect and Builder

The Word of God provides four assurances for every believer:

God’s Word Saves – Romans 10:8–9: “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Psalm 37:39–40 declares that the salvation of the righteous is from the Lord.

God’s Word Secures – 1 John 5:13 says, “These things I have written to you… that you may know you have eternal life.” The Word assures us of security and peace, even after the storm.

God’s Word Strengthens – Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

God’s Word Sets Apart – John 15:19 reminds us that we are chosen out of the world, and that’s why we are different.

Closing

We will all face storms in life—some caused by our own decisions, others beyond our control. But when our lives are anchored in Jesus Christ and His Word, we can stand firm through them all.

A woman once asked a pastor during a flight through a storm, “Can’t you do something about this storm?”

The pastor replied, “Madam, I’m in sales, not management.”

In other words, we can’t stop the storm, but we can offer you the One who gives peace in the midst of it.

Proverbs 12:7 – “The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.”

The Word of God is authoritative, inerrant, clear, necessary, and sufficient to guide us through this life and into eternity with Him.