L3 SERMON | JULY 5, 2026

Build on the Rock – Mike Breaux

Key Passage: “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.”
Matthew 7:24

OPENING QUESTION

What is something you’ve built or invested a lot of time into? What made it worth building on a strong foundation?

GROW

Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount with a simple but life-changing picture: two people build houses that look similar from the outside. Both experience the same storms. The difference isn’t the storm. It’s the foundation.

Throughout Matthew 5–7, Jesus describes a way of life that is often countercultural. He teaches us to love our enemies, forgive freely, seek God’s kingdom first, reject hypocrisy, trust the Father instead of worrying, and serve rather than seek status. His invitation isn’t merely to admire these teachings but to build our lives upon them.

Many people unintentionally build their lives on what everyone else values. We chase success, approval, comfort, possessions, or personal achievement because those foundations seem normal. Jesus offers something better. He invites us onto the narrow path where obedience becomes the foundation for a life that can withstand any storm.

  • What is something from Sunday’s sermon that stood out and challenged you the most?

  • What are some foundations our culture encourages people to build their lives upon? Go beneath the surface and identify some not-so-obvious things.

  • What does it practically look like to “hear” Jesus’ words and put them into practice?

PRAY

One of the greatest barriers to following Jesus is fear.

Sometimes we’re afraid of what obedience might cost us. We worry that following Jesus will limit our freedom, change our plans, or require more than we’re willing to give. Yet Jesus continually invites us to trust that His way leads to life, not restriction.

Prayer helps us surrender those fears and place our confidence in God’s goodness. As we spend time with Him, our trust grows stronger than our fears.

  • What fears most often keep you from fully trusting or obeying God?

  • Is there one area of your life where God is inviting you to take a step of faith?

  • How can our group pray for one another as we seek to trust Jesus more completely?

CONNECT

Following Jesus was never intended to be a solo journey.

We need people who encourage us to stay on the narrow path when the broad road seems easier. God often uses Christian community to remind us of truth, strengthen our faith, and help us keep building our lives on Christ rather than drifting with culture.

Storms also reveal the strength of our foundation. Walking through difficult seasons alongside other believers reminds us that we are not alone.

  • Who has helped strengthen your faith during a difficult season?

  • What storms are you facing today? How can this group encourage one another to keep following Jesus instead through it rather than simply following culture?

  • Where have you seen someone’s faith remain steady during a storm, and what did that teach you?

SHARE

A life built on Jesus becomes a testimony to others.

People notice when someone experiences hardship with peace, hope, and confidence that cannot be explained by circumstances alone. As we build our lives on Christ, we naturally point others toward the only foundation that lasts.

Sharing isn’t simply telling people about Jesus. It’s living in such a way that others see the difference He makes.

  • How has your own walk with Jesus encouraged someone else?

  • Who in your life may need to hear about the hope you’ve found in Christ?

  • What is one practical way you can demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus this week?

NEXT STEP

Choose one action for this week in one of the Be The Church rhythms:

Grow: Read Matthew 5–7 this week and ask God to show you one teaching He wants you to intentionally obey.
Pray: Spend time asking God to reveal any unstable foundations you’ve been trusting more than Him.
Connect: Reach out to another believer this week and encourage one another to stay faithful on the narrow path.
Share: Look for one opportunity to encourage someone facing a storm by pointing them to the hope and security found in Jesus.