The Stone of Structure
Rusty Wirt   -   April 19, 2026

Sermon #2: The Stone of Structure 

Bible References: (Deuteronomy 6:1-9) 

 

Main Idea: 

Storms will come to your house. How you build your home will indicate how you weather the storms. (Matt. 7:24-27). 

 

Key Concepts 

  • Building a safe future requires action today 
  • Storms are not if/maybe concepts- but when and how hard, concepts. 

 

The “SHEMA” ( שָׁמַע shâma) 

  • This passage was written down by a recognized rabbi on  mezuzah (parchment) was and still is posted on the doorpost of Jewish homes as a reminder of this teaching (it is a physical reminder of a spiritual reality) 

 

The SHEMA is not just a list of rules. It is a foundational statement about how we are to arrange our lives. This portion of Scripture is so critical that it is often the first passage memorized by small children. For modern Jews, this passage is called the blueprint for the family structure.  

 

Sermon Outline  

  1. God’s pattern of instruction to families (6:1-2): 
    1. Commands (מִצְוָה, mitsvâh)- things that prohibited (or instructed)
    2. Decrees (חֹק, chôq)- things that are prescribed task or limits 
    3. Laws ( מִשְׁפָּט, mishpâṭ)- a clear sense of right and wrong
      1. Three M’s (Mishap/Mistake/Misbehavior
      2. Three D’s (Dishonesty/Disrespect/Disobedience 
  2. God’s commands are really about serving YOUR best interest (v. 6:2-3).
  3. God’s plan for passing on faith: 
    1. Parents must possess this faith first. (v. 6:6). 
    2. Remember the goal is for this to get below the service (get them below the surface) (6:7a) 
    3. The best way to do this introduce commands into the flow of life (6:7).
      1. Supper time is your underused secret weapon 
    4. Reminders are always needed and helpful (6:8-9) 

 

Application: 

Commit to having four meals together each week (or increase to one more meal/week together). Here’s a few more tips for D.I.N.N.E.R.: 

  • Develop a menu together 
  • Include everyone in the process (Prep, Serve, Clean Up) 
  • Nix any overly corrective or negative conversations 
  • Nix any use of technology (screens off) 
  • Energize the conversation with open ended questions 
  • Remember to pray together