Two Ways to Live: The King’s Sermon on Obedience
Two Ways to Live: The King’s Sermon on Obedience
In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus concludes His “King’s Sermon” with a stark contrast between two ways of life: obedience to Him or disobedience, leading to eternal security or ruin. This final passage, part of the Sermon on the Mount, challenges hearers to examine their faith through their actions. Salvation comes by faith in Christ’s finished work, not works, but true faith produces fruit—obedience to Jesus’ commands. As Charles Spurgeon noted, this sermon doesn’t explain how to be saved but reveals the marks of those who are.
Jesus begins with a piercing question: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46). All hear His words—disciples, Pharisees, even Judas—but hearing isn’t enough. Calling Jesus “Lord” (Greek kyrios, meaning master or ruler) implies allegiance, yet many fail to obey. Jesus defines love for Him through obedience: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Claiming “Lord” while ignoring His commands exposes hypocrisy. As James 2:17 states, “Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” True faith acts.
Jesus illustrates two types of hearers as builders (Luke 6:47-49). The first, who hears and obeys, is like a man building a house on bedrock. Digging deep through sand to reach rock is laborious, unseen work—likened to daily choices to honor Christ through prayer, scripture, and self-denial. This wise builder (Matthew 7:24) reflects the “blessed” from Luke 6:20-22, who recognize their spiritual poverty and trust Jesus. Their obedience, rooted in gratitude for salvation, ensures their “house” stands firm.
The second builder, who hears but doesn’t obey, constructs on sand without a foundation. It’s easier—no digging, no sacrifice—but unstable. This foolish builder mirrors the “cursed” (Luke 6:24-26), self-satisfied and unrepentant. When storms hit, their house collapses. Jesus’ analogy points beyond life’s trials (like cancer or loss) to the ultimate storm: God’s final judgment. Obedience to Christ secures eternal life; disobedience leads to “great ruin” (Luke 6:49).
Daily choices shape these outcomes. Every thought, word, and deed builds toward pleasing God or self. Obeying Jesus, like resisting temptation (e.g., pornography), is hard but builds godly habits, strengthening faith (2 Peter 1:5-10). Disobedience, though easier, forms destructive habits, hardening the heart (Proverbs 13:15). Romans 1:20 declares all hear God’s truth through creation, leaving no excuse. The question is whether we act on it.
Consider a modern example: facing temptation, you choose to obey Christ, saying “no” to sin. It’s tough, requiring self-denial (Luke 9:23), but each choice strengthens resolve, like concrete pillars in bedrock. Conversely, yielding to sin is easy but enslaves, eroding your foundation. Habits form through repeated choices, determining whether you stand or fall when judgment comes.
The sermon’s opening (Luke 6:20-26) contrasts the blessed—humble, repentant believers—with the cursed—self-reliant rejecters. Here, Jesus clarifies their ends: the obedient endure, the disobedient perish. Hebrews 10:26-29 warns that persistent, deliberate sin after knowing the truth invites judgment, trampling Christ’s sacrifice. C.S. Lewis frames the choice: Is Jesus a liar, lunatic, or Lord? If Lord, obedience is the only rational response.
Who are the saved? Those who hear and obey Jesus, building on His commands. The unsaved hear but prioritize self, building on sand. Examine your fruit: Do your actions reflect Christ’s lordship? Daily, choose to deny self, obey His word, and trust His grace. The storm of judgment is coming. Build on the rock of Christ to stand secure, or risk eternal ruin on the sand of disobedience. The choice is yours—will you call Him “Lord” and live it?
