Building a Life on Christ's Unshakeable Foundation
Summary
Building a life that endures the storms of this world requires more than simply knowing about Jesus or agreeing with his teachings. It means actively shaping our lives around his priorities and values, making his kingdom and righteousness our first pursuit. Jesus makes it clear that the wise person is not the one who merely hears his words, but the one who puts them into practice—who builds daily habits and patterns of living that reflect love for God and love for neighbor. This is the foundation that stands firm when the inevitable challenges and trials of life come.
We are all tempted to be the boss of our own lives, to set our own agendas and chase after what feels good or seems urgent. Yet, Jesus calls us to surrender that impulse and instead seek first what matters to him. The priorities of the kingdom are not complicated: love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. These two are inseparable; you cannot truly love God without loving your neighbor, and your love for neighbor is the true measure of your love for God.
But shared priorities are not enough—they must translate into daily actions. Wisdom is not simply knowing the right answers or having the right theology; it is demonstrated in the choices we make, the way we spend our time, energy, abilities, and resources. Our lives leave a wake, impacting those around us, especially those closest to us. The true test of our foundation is not what we say we believe, but what our lives reveal about our deepest commitments.
It is easy to deceive ourselves, thinking that knowledge equals transformation. But Jesus and the apostles warn us: do not merely listen to the word, but do what it says. The call is to honest self-examination—does my life reflect the priorities of Jesus? Am I building on the rock, or am I content with a foundation of sand? God’s grace is available for us when we fall short, and his Spirit empowers us to get back up and keep building our lives on the only foundation that will last.
Key Takeaways
- Building on the rock means adopting Jesus’ priorities as our own. It is not enough to mentally agree with his teachings; we must let his values—seeking his kingdom and righteousness—shape our decisions and direction each day. This requires surrendering our desire to be in charge and trusting Jesus as both Savior and Lord. [26:03]
- Love for God and love for neighbor are inseparable. Jesus unites these commands, teaching that our love for God is measured by our love for others. True spiritual maturity is not found in private devotion alone, but in the way our faith overflows into relationships, service, and compassion for those around us. [28:37]
- Wisdom is demonstrated, not just understood. In a culture that prizes knowledge, we can easily mistake information for transformation. Jesus calls us to be doers of the word, forming habits and patterns of life that reflect his priorities, rather than settling for intellectual agreement or good intentions. [35:16]
- Our true priorities are revealed by how we spend our time, energy, abilities, and money. Regardless of what we claim matters most, our calendars, checkbooks, and emotional investments tell the real story. Honest self-examination in these areas helps us see whether we are truly building on the rock or simply giving lip service to Jesus’ lordship. [42:29]
- God’s grace meets us in our failures and empowers us to keep building. None of us live this out perfectly, but the invitation is to return again and again to the foundation of Christ, seeking his forgiveness, strength, and transformation. The Spirit enables us to live out what we know, so that our lives become a testimony to the reality of God’s kingdom. [48:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:29] - Opening Worship: Beholding God’s Majesty
[07:48] - Psalm 27:1 and God as Our Refuge
[08:40] - The Father’s Love: God Is For Us
[12:18] - Good, Good Father: God’s Perfect Ways
[16:17] - Prayer of Thanksgiving and Grace
[17:01] - Easter Recap and Church Family Updates
[18:32] - Youth Ministry and Mother’s Day Bake Sale
[20:02] - Building Your Life on the Rock: Introduction
[21:43] - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
[22:34] - Shared Priorities: Seeking God’s Kingdom
[27:38] - The Greatest Command: Love God and Neighbor
[30:25] - Priorities in Action: Making Hard Decisions Simple
[33:21] - Wisdom: More Than Knowledge
[38:42] - Self-Examination: Does My Life Reflect Jesus’ Priorities?
[41:14] - The Wake of Our Lives: Legacy and Influence
[42:29] - Measuring Priorities: Time, Energy, Abilities, Money
[44:13] - Knowledge vs. Transformation
[46:20] - Living Out the Foundation: Daily Choices
[46:40] - Closing Prayer: Grace to Build on the Rock
[50:09] - Closing Worship: Jesus Changes Everything
[54:38] - Partner Prayer: Ministry in Mexico, Cuba, and Egypt
[58:25] - Prayer for Partners and Global Mission
[01:01:30] - Announcements: New Staff, Youth, and Upcoming Events
[01:08:02] - Final Song and Benediction
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Building a Life That Endures
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 7:24-27
“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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
- Matthew 6:33
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
- Mark 12:30-31
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, what is the main difference between the two people Jesus describes? ([21:43])
2. According to Matthew 6:33, what does Jesus say should be our first priority in life? ([24:42])
3. When Jesus is asked about the greatest commandment in Mark 12, what two commands does he unite together? ([28:37])
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the real test of our foundation—what we say we believe, or what our lives reveal? ([41:51])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize not just hearing his words, but putting them into practice? What does this say about the difference between knowledge and wisdom? ([35:16])
2. The sermon says that love for God and love for neighbor are inseparable. Why do you think Jesus connects these two commands so closely? ([28:37])
3. The pastor mentions that our true priorities are shown by how we spend our time, energy, abilities, and money. Why do you think these areas are such accurate indicators of what matters most to us? ([42:29])
4. The sermon warns against self-deception—thinking that knowing the right answers is the same as living them out. Why is it easy to fall into this trap, and what are some signs that we might be doing this? ([38:02])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to honestly examine our lives: Does your daily routine reflect Jesus’ priorities, or your own? What is one area where you notice a gap between what you say you value and how you actually live? ([41:51])
2. Think about your calendar, your spending, and your emotional energy over the past month. What do these reveal about your true priorities? Is there a specific change you feel prompted to make? ([42:29])
3. The pastor shared about the temptation to be “the boss” of our own lives. In what situations do you find it hardest to surrender control to Jesus? What would it look like to “seek first his kingdom” in those areas? ([26:03])
4. Jesus says that loving God and loving your neighbor go hand in hand. Who is one “neighbor” God might be calling you to love more intentionally this week? What is a practical step you can take? ([28:37])
5. The sermon points out that wisdom is demonstrated, not just understood. What is one habit or pattern you could start (or stop) this week to better align your life with Jesus’ teachings? ([35:16])
6. When you fall short or realize you’ve been building on “sand,” how do you usually respond? How can you lean into God’s grace and the Spirit’s power to get back up and keep building on the rock? ([48:00])
7. Imagine someone close to you describing your “wake”—the impact your life has on others. What do you hope they would say? What is one thing you can do this week to move closer to that legacy? ([41:51])
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Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering Control to Embrace Kingdom Priorities
Building a life that endures begins with more than intellectual agreement with Jesus’ teachings; it requires adopting His priorities as the foundation of every decision. This means surrendering the natural impulse to be the boss of your own life and instead trusting Jesus as both Savior and Lord. When you make seeking His kingdom and righteousness your daily pursuit, your choices align with what truly matters, shaping your direction and giving your life unshakable stability. This surrender is not a one-time event but a continual posture of trust and obedience that transforms how you live each day. [26:03]
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you are still trying to be in control rather than surrendering to Jesus’ lordship? How can you practically begin to entrust that area to Him today?
Day 2: Love for God Expressed Through Neighborly Compassion
True love for God cannot be separated from love for others; these two commands are inseparable and mutually defining. Spiritual maturity is not measured by private devotion alone but by how your faith overflows into relationships, service, and compassion for those around you. When you love your neighbor as yourself, you reveal the depth of your love for God. This means that your daily interactions, your willingness to serve, and your heart for others become the true evidence of your devotion. The call is to live a faith that is active and visible, reflecting God’s love in tangible ways. [28:37]
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7)
Reflection: Identify one person in your daily life who needs to experience God’s love through you. What is one concrete way you can show love to them this week?
Day 3: Wisdom as Active Obedience, Not Mere Knowledge
Wisdom is demonstrated through the choices you make and the habits you form, not just by what you know or believe intellectually. In a culture that prizes information, it is easy to mistake knowledge for transformation. Jesus calls you to be a doer of the word, allowing His priorities to shape your daily life. This means forming consistent patterns that reflect love for God and neighbor, rather than settling for good intentions or theological agreement. True wisdom is lived out in the practical decisions that reveal your deepest commitments. [35:16]
“The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly. The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” (Proverbs 15:14-15)
Reflection: What is one habit or daily practice you can develop that would help you live out Jesus’ priorities more consistently? How will you begin this habit starting today?
Day 4: Revealing Priorities Through Time, Energy, and Resources
Your true priorities are revealed not by what you say but by how you spend your time, energy, abilities, and money. Regardless of your claims, your calendar, checkbook, and emotional investments tell the real story of what matters most to you. Honest self-examination in these areas helps you discern whether you are truly building your life on the rock of Jesus’ lordship or merely giving lip service. This reflection invites you to align your daily stewardship with the kingdom values you profess, making your life a consistent testimony of your faith. [42:29]
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Reflection: Take a close look at your schedule and spending this past week. What do they reveal about your true priorities? What is one adjustment you can make to better align your resources with Jesus’ kingdom?
Day 5: Grace Empowers Renewal and Persistent Building
No one lives perfectly according to Jesus’ priorities, but God’s grace meets you in your failures and empowers you to keep building on the foundation of Christ. When you fall short, the invitation is to return again and again to seek His forgiveness, strength, and transformation. The Spirit enables you to live out what you know, turning your life into a testimony of God’s kingdom reality. This ongoing process of repentance and renewal is essential for a life that endures, reminding you that grace is not only the starting point but the sustaining power for spiritual growth. [48:00]
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lamentations 3:22-24)
Reflection: When you face setbacks in living out your faith, how do you typically respond? What is one way you can intentionally rely on God’s grace and Spirit to renew your commitment today?
Quotes
Jesus is the rock to build and structure your life around. And so we saw basically that you either build your life on Jesus or you trip over him. Jesus does not give us this kind of middle ground of him being a good teacher. Him being someone's got, you know, some good stuff. You should a little Jesus is good for your life. Jesus comes as the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the father except through him. [00:20:40]
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. The rain came down, the steam, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house. Yet it did not fall. Why? Because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [00:21:35]
If we say that we are building our life upon Christ, it means that we share the values or the priorities of the rock, it's not just the the mental kind of affirmation of yes, I believe in Jesus. Instead, it's it's this idea that if I'm going to build my life on something, the very reason I'm building my life upon it is because it's trustworthy. It is reliable. And therefore the the values and the priorities of the rock should be our shared priorities. [00:23:10]
When we talk about building our life upon something reliable, something that withstands the test of time and the storms that inevitably arise in life, what we're talking about is not the mental agreement that Jesus is reliable. We're talking about our life, the house being built on the rock. It is sharing the same values and foundation what the rock values we value. [00:23:59]
Matthew 6:33 he says this that you are to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness. Most of us are familiar with the Lord's prayer. Our father who art in heaven hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come and your will be done. What does it look like for God's kingdom to come to earth? What does it look like for us to live in the kingdom of God? [00:24:39]
So when it talks here about seeking first his kingdom, we're really talking about whose priorities are we seeking to implement. What matters today? Who's in charge? And here Jesus says that we are to seek first of first priority that what God wants done is what occurs in our life. To seek first the kingdom is to pursue the values of Jesus in our lives. [00:26:13]
The idea of righteousness is um what is right in the eyes of God. Now we live in a world where we kind of make up our own set of values as we go. We have the if it feels good, do it. We have that as long as you don't hurt anybody, it's okay. And we have rejected culturally the idea that there is any sense of right or wrong absolutes. Well, to seek first his kingdom is to seek first his righteousness. [00:26:52]
Mark 12:30 and 31, Jesus is asked, "What's the most important command?" And his answer is, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." Now, every Jewish person would have been expecting that exact answer. This is the shama. The Lord our God is one, and you will love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. [00:27:48]
But the surprise came when he says, "The second is this. Love your neighbor as yourself." That was the change. That was the the surprise. And then their minds were blown when he said this. There is no commandment greater than these. What Jesus does here is he takes the command to love God and the command to love your neighbor and he puts them together. He says there's only one command. You can't do one without the other. [00:28:16]
You see, the king invites us into his kingdom. And what does it look like when the kingdom of God comes in your home and in your life? And what will it ultimately look like when God's kingdom is fulfilled here on earth? What you see on the screen is what it will look like. You will love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and you will love your neighbor as yourself. [00:28:41]
We should never speak of our love for God without also connecting it to our love of neighbor. You see, we've made a mistake in Christianity. We've separated these commands and Jesus put them together. We've said we can love God but not love our neighbor. We can grow in love for God while not growing in love for neighbor. And Jesus says they're combined. You can't separate them. They go together. One proves the other. [00:29:22]
So we see here that what God the king wants in his kingdom is love for him and love for our neighbor. So these are the priorities when we talk about building our life on the rock. What we're saying is that we are we are going to shape our lives around the priorities and the values of Jesus Christ. But shared priorities are not enough. [00:29:50]
Shared priorities produce daily actions. This uh last week I was having some conversations and and someone said something that caught my eye as I was preparing for this sermon series. They said, "Pastor, it was a tough decision, but it was an easy decision." I thought, "Well, how could that be? How can you have a tough decision, but also an easy decision? And here's how there were priorities and those priorities while hard made the decision simple..." [00:30:21]
I fear that the way our American Christian culture reads this parable is like this. Matthew 7:24. Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and understands the importance of building on the rock is a wise man. You see, we live in a world where we have so much knowledge available to us that we have confused being smart with being wise. Being smart is getting the right answer on the test. Being wise is knowing how to live your life. [00:32:10]
See values and priorities are meant to be lived and practiced. Jesus does not say that it just because you understand it is wise to build your life on the rock does not mean that you are wise. You see Jesus said that it is the one who hears his words and puts them into practice. He is the one who is a wise man. It is the habits of our life that determine whether or not we are wise. [00:34:10]
Wisdom, wisdom is knowing what to do next. Given an understanding of the facts and the circumstances. You see, in the Bible, very seldom are young people ever considered to be wise. And here's why. because they are too young to have developed a pattern of life that someone could look at and see how they live, see how they make decisions. Now, don't get me wrong, just because you're old, that does not make you wise. [00:36:39]
But being young, just because you know the right answer is not what wisdom is. Wisdom is living your life and building your life upon the rock. And we see this in James 1 22 where the apostle says, "Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself. Do what it says." You see, he is referring to the same idea that Jesus presented that the wise man, it's not that he knows to build his life on the rock. [00:37:09]
It's that the wise man has built his life on the rock has chosen and created patterns of living built around the priorities and the values of Jesus Christ. James here says that we deceive ourselves when we know what we know the right answer but we refuse to implement the right answer. We refuse to practice it. And the only solution to selfdeception, the only solution to selfdeception is to do what it says. [00:37:51]
So how do we build our life on the rock? Well, we first recognize the values and the priorities of Jesus. What matters? Jesus made it very clear. We like to complicate it, but it's really clear. Love God and love others. And then we develop a way of living, a pattern of life, habits where we implement those priorities and those values into our lives. [00:38:31]
One of the saddest statements I ever heard was Steve Jobs as before he died he was working with an autobiographer to write his story and he says this. My hope is that my son can get to know me through this book. I thought, "My hope is that my kids will not need to read a book to get to know their dad." You see, often in our society, we are looking straight ahead. And straight ahead is the size of the retirement account and the house that we own and the career and the corner office and the success and the popularity. [00:39:53]
Will they speak of my accomplishments and the money I made and the success and how popular I was witty and creative? Or will they share how I loved God and loved them and my love impacted their life? That is what it means to have your life reflect the greatest command. It is not to live for what the world considers to be success or popularity. It is to live a life where we are influencing others in the way of Jesus so that they see in us God's kingdom has come and his will is being done in our life. [00:41:30]
How much of what you know is demonstrated through how you live? So often in Christianity, we must deconstruct the false ideas that we have about God in following Jesus. You see, in Christianity, we have equated knowledge and information with transformation. If we could just have everybody learn more about God, then everything would be okay. But that's not the case. Followers of Jesus are typically educated well beyond their level of obedience. [00:43:59]
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