Building a Strong Foundation on God's Word
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, River City. Today, I want to share an update on our Real Life Kids Camp. Despite the rain, our first week was a success, especially with the group of Afghan refugee children we worked with. Their hearts were more open this year, and we saw God working in their lives. Please continue to pray for Pastor Raid and the seeds planted in these children's hearts. This coming week, we have another camp in the Glenn neighborhood, and we ask for your prayers for that as well.
Now, let's dive into our series "Imagine That," focusing on the parable of the wise and foolish builders from Luke 6. We often overlook the importance of a strong foundation until problems arise. Just like a house needs a solid foundation to withstand storms, our lives need a foundation built on hearing and practicing God's Word. Jesus tells us that those who hear His words and put them into practice are like a man who built his house on rock, which stands firm against floods and storms. Conversely, those who hear but do not act are like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation, leading to its collapse when storms hit.
The foundation Jesus speaks of is not just about hearing His words but putting them into practice. This is the only way to build a life that is solid and stable. Ephesians 4:14 warns us that without this foundation, we are like infants tossed by waves and blown by every wind of teaching. God's wisdom, unlike man's wisdom, provides a stable foundation for our lives, guiding us in finances, relationships, and raising children.
To build this foundation, we need to stop making excuses for not reading God's Word, invite the Holy Spirit to apply what we hear, build accountability in our lives, and start doing what God's Word says. Reading the Bible daily, inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate our understanding, and being accountable to others are crucial steps. Accountability, in particular, helps us stay committed to applying God's Word in our lives.
Finally, we must act on what we hear. James 1:22-25 emphasizes that merely listening to the Word without doing it is self-deception. True blessing comes from hearing and doing God's Word. This requires courage, but with accountability and the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can build a life on a solid foundation that withstands life's storms.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of a Strong Foundation: Just as a house needs a solid foundation to withstand storms, our lives need a foundation built on hearing and practicing God's Word. Without this, we are vulnerable to life's pressures and challenges. [28:35]
2. Hearing and Doing God's Word: Jesus emphasizes that hearing His words and putting them into practice is the only way to build a stable life. This is not an easy task, but it is essential for a life that can withstand trials and tribulations. [33:30]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: Inviting the Holy Spirit to apply what we hear from God's Word is crucial. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, helping us to make necessary changes in our lives. [46:37]
4. Accountability in Community: Building accountability within a community of believers is vital for spiritual growth. Sharing our struggles and commitments with others helps us stay on track and provides the support we need to follow through on God's Word. [50:55]
5. Acting on God's Word: True blessing comes from not just hearing but doing God's Word. This requires courage and often goes against human wisdom, but it leads to a life built on a solid foundation that can withstand any storm. [56:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[22:41] - Real Life Kids Camp Update
[24:42] - Prayer for Seeds Planted
[25:34] - Introduction to "Imagine That" Series
[26:22] - The Importance of Foundations
[28:35] - Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
[30:11] - Jesus' Teaching on Foundations
[32:11] - Hearing and Doing God's Word
[34:18] - The Consequences of No Foundation
[36:11] - Practical Implications of a Weak Foundation
[39:17] - Building a Solid Foundation
[40:42] - Stop Making Excuses for Not Reading the Bible
[46:05] - Invite the Holy Spirit to Apply God's Word
[50:09] - Build Accountability in Your Life
[56:26] - Start Doing What God's Word Says
[01:00:22] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:09:39] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 6:46-49 - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
2. Ephesians 4:14 - Warning Against Being Tossed by Waves
3. James 1:22-25 - Doers of the Word
### Observation Questions
1. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, what are the key differences between the two builders and their houses? (Luke 6:46-49)
2. According to Ephesians 4:14, what are the consequences of not having a strong foundation in God's Word?
3. What does James 1:22-25 say about the importance of not just hearing the Word but also doing it?
4. How did the Afghan refugee children respond differently to the Real Life Kids Camp this year compared to last year? [23:56]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of both hearing and doing His words in Luke 6:46-49? How does this relate to building a strong foundation in our lives?
2. What does it mean to be "tossed back and forth by the waves" as described in Ephesians 4:14? How can this be avoided?
3. In James 1:22-25, what does it mean to be a "doer" of the Word? How does this lead to true blessing?
4. How does the role of the Holy Spirit, as described in John 16:8, help us apply God's Word in our lives? [46:37]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual foundation. Are there areas in your life where you feel "tossed by the waves"? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation in God's Word? [34:18]
2. How often do you read the Bible? What are some practical ways you can make daily Bible reading a priority in your life? [40:42]
3. Have you ever felt convicted by the Holy Spirit while reading the Bible or listening to a sermon? How did you respond, and what changes did you make in your life? [46:37]
4. Accountability is crucial for spiritual growth. Do you have someone in your life who holds you accountable in your walk with God? If not, how can you find such a person or group? [50:55]
5. Think of a time when you heard God's Word but did not act on it. What held you back, and how can you overcome such obstacles in the future? [56:26]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of community in building a strong foundation. Are you part of a small group or community that supports your spiritual growth? If not, what steps can you take to join one? [55:20]
7. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to act on God's Word. What practical steps can you take this week to start doing what God's Word says? [56:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Building a Strong Foundation
Our lives need a foundation built on hearing and practicing God's Word. Without this, we are vulnerable to life's pressures and challenges. Just as a house needs a solid foundation to withstand storms, our spiritual lives require a strong base to remain steadfast. Jesus teaches us that those who hear His words and put them into practice are like a man who built his house on rock, which stands firm against floods and storms. Conversely, those who hear but do not act are like a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation, leading to its collapse when storms hit. This principle is crucial for navigating the complexities of life with stability and resilience. [28:35]
Ephesians 4:14 (ESV): "So that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to begin building a stronger spiritual foundation in your life?
Day 2: Hearing and Doing God's Word
Jesus emphasizes that hearing His words and putting them into practice is the only way to build a stable life. This is not an easy task, but it is essential for a life that can withstand trials and tribulations. The foundation Jesus speaks of is not just about hearing His words but putting them into practice. This requires intentionality and commitment. Ephesians 4:14 warns us that without this foundation, we are like infants tossed by waves and blown by every wind of teaching. God's wisdom, unlike man's wisdom, provides a stable foundation for our lives, guiding us in finances, relationships, and raising children. [33:30]
James 1:22-25 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you have been a hearer but not a doer of God's Word. What practical steps can you take today to start putting His Word into action?
Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit
Inviting the Holy Spirit to apply what we hear from God's Word is crucial. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, helping us to make necessary changes in our lives. Without the Holy Spirit's guidance, our efforts to live out God's Word can become burdensome and ineffective. The Holy Spirit illuminates our understanding and empowers us to live in obedience to God's commands. This divine assistance is essential for building a life that is solid and stable, capable of withstanding life's storms. [46:37]
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit into your daily routine to help you apply God's Word more effectively?
Day 4: Accountability in Community
Building accountability within a community of believers is vital for spiritual growth. Sharing our struggles and commitments with others helps us stay on track and provides the support we need to follow through on God's Word. Accountability partners can offer encouragement, correction, and prayer, helping us to remain steadfast in our spiritual journey. This communal aspect of faith is essential for maintaining a strong foundation, as it provides a network of support and encouragement. [50:55]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who in your life can you ask to be an accountability partner? How can you support each other in your spiritual growth?
Day 5: Acting on God's Word
True blessing comes from not just hearing but doing God's Word. This requires courage and often goes against human wisdom, but it leads to a life built on a solid foundation that can withstand any storm. Acting on God's Word involves making intentional choices that align with His teachings, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural. This obedience is the key to experiencing the fullness of God's blessings and living a life that is resilient and steadfast. [56:26]
Luke 11:28 (ESV): "But he said, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!'"
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to live out a teaching from God's Word? How can you ensure that this becomes a consistent practice in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Hearing his words and putting them into practice is the only way to build a life that is solid and stable. Now notice I didn't say it's an easy way. It's the only way. It's not easy doing this. It's not easy hearing his words and then applying those words in our lives. But if you want a life that is stable when pressure comes, Jesus said that's the solution. Hear his word, put it into practice. Hear his word, put it into practice." [34:18] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Stop making excuses for not reading His Word. Psalms 119 verse 11 says this, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Have you hidden God's Word in your heart? Have you hidden God's Word in your heart to deal with the pressure of life? The pressure, the social pressure in our world today? Have you hidden God's Word in your heart to provide an anchor, a stable point in your life so that when people are saying crazy things, you don't feel like you're caught in a tornado?" [41:24] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you about what you're hearing so you know what to apply in your life. In John chapter 16, Jesus is talking about the role of the Spirit that He will send after He ascends to heaven. John 16 verse 8, it says, and then, I'm sorry, and He, talking about the Holy Spirit, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin and righteousness and judgment. So what's the role of the Holy Spirit? To convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment." [46:05] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Start doing what God's word says to do for you. And it will be different for every single one of us. Start doing it. In James chapter one, 22 to 25, James is talking about this very topic. And he says, do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do it, do what it says. It's like someone who looks in a mirror, looks at his face in a mirror, and afterwards, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." [56:26] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's wisdom always, even if it's 180 degrees different than man's wisdom, God's wisdom always provides a foundation, always provides a foundation that is not shaken. Man's wisdom, on the other hand, that can change. It's all a matter of perspective. See, God sees the whole picture. We only see a snapshot. And so you might have man's wisdom, but you're not going to have God's wisdom." [37:39] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Our lives are just like that. Right? Right? Right? Our lives are not built on a proper foundation. Over time, our lives will also have issues. In Luke chapter 6, we find the parable that Jesus talks about this, the wise and the foolish builders. And he gives us a little parable of these two builders who build homes. One thinks about what he's doing. The other one just builds the home. And the results are very different." [28:35] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So what is the foundation? The foundation is hearing God's word and then putting it into practice in our lives. Now, I can't imagine. I know I have. I can't imagine that there is not a person in this room who has heard God's word and then not put it into practice in our lives. The goal is to put it into practice. But how many of us have heard a message where we felt like God, I was speaking to us and we went home and didn't do anything about what we felt happened, what we felt God saying to us during that message." [32:11] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The short-term implication to this is you lack wisdom. You may have man's wisdom if you're not applying God's word in your life, but you won't have God's wisdom. God's wisdom always, even if it's 180 degrees different than man's wisdom, God's wisdom always provides a foundation, always provides a foundation that is not shaken. Man's wisdom, on the other hand, that can change. It's all a matter of perspective. See, God sees the whole picture. We only see a snapshot." [37:39] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You see, God placed in the body of Christ us, and in us He places gifts. All of us have spiritual gifts. None of us have all the gifts. No one, even very talented people, do not have all of the gifts. The purpose of the body is so that the body works together, okay? How does the body mature? The body works together. The hand can do nothing without the arm, which can do nothing without the shoulder, which can do nothing without the brain, and so on, right?" [50:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And I love Pastor Mike's message last week where he talked about we need courage, courage to follow God, okay? This takes courage. I'm just going to tell you, it takes courage. There have been moments in my life where the gulp factor was so big, I literally broke out, felt like I was breaking out in hives. When God asked me to move my family to Victoria Courts, where we were doing ministry, not just go there and do ministry, but live there and do ministry." [58:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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