LEARN: Learning to Live

High SchoolAmplify United
Written By Amanda Hahn

Preached to: Middle & High School Students

Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn

A Tale of Two Builders

In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus told a simple but powerful story. One man built his house on the rock, and when the storms came, his house stood firm. Another man built his house on the sand, and when the storms came, his house collapsed with a crash.

The difference wasn’t in the size of the house or how it looked on the outside—it was in the foundation.

1. Learning God’s Word Builds Stability

Storms are guaranteed in life. Temptations, disappointments, stress, and even tragedy will come. When we’ve taken time to learn God’s Word, it gives us roots. Like a tree planted deep, we can bend without breaking.

2. Learning God’s Word Exposes Weak Foundations

Jesus didn’t say the foolish man never built a house—he did. But it was built on sand. That’s what life looks like when we rely on feelings, culture, or shortcuts instead of God’s truth. It may stand for a little while, but the storm always reveals the weakness.

3. Learning God’s Word Leads to Living It

Jesus didn’t just say, “Whoever hears these words…” He said, “Whoever hears these words and puts them into practice.”

Learning isn’t complete until we live it out. It’s not enough to read the Bible—we have to obey it. Forgive when it’s hard. Trust when it doesn’t make sense. Serve when it costs something.

Living It Out This Week

  • Pick one verse to memorize and live out this week.

  • Practice the S.O.A.P. method —like reading a short passage every day or praying before school.

  • Join TBQ!—memorize and grow in God’s Word.

Final Thought

Learning God’s Word isn’t about filling your head—it’s about transforming your heart and your life. When you build on the Rock, storms will come, but you will stand. And like a lighthouse, you’ll shine for others who are looking for hope.

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  • Night 1 – Building on the Rock

    Read Together: Matthew 7:24–25
    Discussion:

    • What’s the difference between building on rock and building on sand?

    • What are some “rock” choices we can make as a family (things that honor God)?

    • What are some “sand” choices that might look good now but won’t last?

    Night 2 – Standing Strong in Storms

    Read Together: Psalm 46:1–2
    Discussion:

    • What are some “storms” that people our age face (stress, peer pressure, fear, temptations)?

    • How does God promise to help us when life gets tough?

    • Can you share a time when God helped you through a hard moment?

    Night 3 – Living What We Learn

    Read Together: James 1:22
    Discussion:

    • Why is it not enough to just hear God’s Word?

    • What’s one verse we can choose as a family to memorize and practice this week?

    • How can we “shine like a lighthouse” to someone else by living out God’s Word?

  • Introduction

    • Life is like building a house—the strength of your foundation determines if it stands or falls.

    • Jesus shows us the difference between building on rock and building on sand.

    1. Learning God’s Word Builds Stability

    • The wise builder built on rock.

    • Storms came, but the house stood firm.

    • God’s Word gives us roots to withstand life’s pressures.

    2. Learning God’s Word Exposes Weak Foundations

    • The foolish builder built on sand.

    • When the storms came, his house collapsed.

    • Feelings and cultural opinions cannot hold us up in life’s storms.

    3. Learning God’s Word Leads to Living It

    • Jesus calls us not just to hear His words, but to do them.

    • Obedience is the difference between hearing and listening.

    • A life built on the Rock shines like a lighthouse, guiding others through the storm.

    Conclusion

    • The choice is clear: Will we build on sand or on the Rock?

    • Next Step: Learn a verse this week and live it out. Build habits that strengthen your foundation.

    • When we live God’s Word, we stand strong—and we shine His light for others to see.

  • Matthew 7:24–27 (NLT)

    24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
    25 Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.
    26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
    27 When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

Amanda Hahn
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LEARN: Growing In Truth