Building Life on the Unshakable Foundation of Jesus

What a joy it is to gather together and lift up the powerful name of Jesus, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Jesus is good, and his goodness is not just a distant truth but a present reality in our lives. He loves us deeply, desires good things for us, cares about our daily struggles, and invites us to make a choice: will we build our lives on him as our unshakable foundation? In a world where values shift and uncertainty abounds, choosing Jesus as our foundation brings strength, purpose, and clarity to every part of life.

Reflecting on Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 6, we see the early church wrestling with issues that are still relevant today—especially the temptation to equate godliness with material gain. Paul is clear: contentment is great gain, and everything we have is a gift from God. We brought nothing into this world and can take nothing out. Our possessions, our time, our talents—none of these are truly ours; they are entrusted to us by God. The love of money, or of anything above Jesus, leads us away from the life God intends. Our priorities are revealed in the everyday choices we make, and when those priorities are misaligned, it’s not a cause for condemnation but an invitation to receive God’s grace and realign our hearts.

Paul urges us to “fight the good fight of faith,” to endure, to keep moving forward even when it feels like just one small step at a time. Jesus himself faced choices and temptations, yet he always chose what was right, even when it led him to the cross. His example is both a comfort and a challenge: we are called to follow him, not just in word but in action, modeling his justice, mercy, and humility.

As we consider our blessings, we are reminded that our hope is not in wealth or possessions, but in God who richly provides. We are called to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share. This is true life—acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. In the face of injustice, whether in our own lives or in the world around us, we are called not only to repent but to reconcile, to make things right, and to model Jesus in every situation. May we be people who remember, who learn, who act, and who love as Jesus did, building our lives on the only foundation that will never be shaken.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Jesus as Our Unshakable Foundation Choosing to build life on Jesus means trusting his goodness, love, and justice above all else. When the world’s values shift and uncertainty arises, anchoring ourselves in Christ brings stability and purpose to every area of life. Our faith is not just a belief but a daily decision to let Jesus shape our priorities and actions. [23:03]
• 2. Contentment and Stewardship Everything we possess—our time, talents, and treasures—is a gift from God, not something we own outright. True contentment comes from recognizing this and using what we have for God’s purposes, not for selfish gain. When we see ourselves as stewards rather than owners, generosity and gratitude naturally flow from our hearts. [28:05]
• 3. The Subtle Danger of Misplaced Priorities It’s not money or possessions themselves that are the problem, but the love of them—when they take precedence over Jesus in our hearts. Our daily choices, from how we spend our money to how we use our time, reveal what we truly value. The Holy Spirit gently convicts us when our priorities drift, inviting us to realign with God’s heart and receive his grace. [32:55]
• 4. Following Jesus Means Doing What Is Right, Even When It’s Hard Jesus faced real choices and real suffering, yet he always chose what was right, modeling justice, mercy, and sacrificial love. We are called to follow his example, not just in belief but in action—especially when it means correcting wrongs, seeking reconciliation, and standing for justice in our world. Grace empowers us to pursue what is right, even when it’s difficult. [38:13]
• 5. Generosity and Justice as the Fruit of a Christ-Centered Life When Jesus is our foundation, our lives become marked by generosity, good deeds, and a willingness to share. This is not just about giving money, but about using all we have to address injustice, serve others, and reflect God’s love. True life is found in acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, making a tangible difference in the world around us. [42:16]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [21:35] - Jesus Is Good: Our Foundation
• [23:03] - Choosing Whom to Serve
• [25:19] - Paul’s Challenge to Timothy
• [28:05] - Contentment and the Gift of Everything
• [29:38] - The Love of Money and Our Priorities
• [31:40] - Real Life Tests and Grace
• [32:55] - Conviction, Grace, and Realignment
• [34:25] - Aligning with Jesus’ Justice
• [36:39] - Fighting the Good Fight of Faith
• [38:13] - Jesus’ Example in Facing Choices
• [42:16] - Generosity, Good Deeds, and True Life
• [61:31] - Worship and Giving
• [63:04] - The Tangible Impact of Generosity
• [67:44] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

1 Timothy 6:6-19 (ESV) — 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Micah 6:8 (ESV) — He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Observation Questions

1. According to Paul in 1 Timothy 6, what is the difference between having money and loving money? How does he describe the dangers of loving money? [29:38]
2. What does Paul say is the true source of contentment and gain in life? [28:05]
3. In verses 11-12, what actions does Paul urge Timothy to pursue instead of chasing after wealth? [34:25]
4. How does Micah 6:8 summarize what God wants from us, and how does this connect to Paul’s instructions in 1 Timothy 6? [42:16]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes that “we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of it”? How might this perspective change the way someone views their possessions? [28:05]
2. The sermon mentioned that our daily choices reveal our true priorities. What are some subtle ways that priorities can shift away from Jesus without us noticing? [32:55]
3. Paul tells Timothy to “fight the good fight of faith.” What might this look like in everyday life, especially when it feels like progress is slow or difficult? [36:39]
4. The sermon talked about Jesus facing real choices and always choosing what was right, even when it was hard. How does Jesus’ example encourage or challenge us when we face tough decisions? [38:13]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said, “Our priorities are revealed in the everyday choices we make.” Looking at your past week, what is one choice you made that showed your priorities? Is there a choice you wish you could have made differently? [32:55]
2. Paul urges us to be “rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share.” What is one practical way you can be generous with your time, talents, or resources this week? [42:16]
3. The message talked about contentment and stewardship—seeing everything as a gift from God. Is there something you tend to hold onto tightly (money, time, abilities)? What would it look like to offer that to God? [28:05]
4. When you notice your priorities drifting away from Jesus, what helps you realign your heart? Is there a spiritual practice or habit that helps you refocus? [32:55]
5. The sermon challenged us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, especially in the face of injustice. Is there a situation in your life or community where you feel called to “make things right” or seek reconciliation? What is one step you could take? [42:16]
6. Jesus faced real temptations and hard choices, yet always chose what was right. Think of a current challenge or decision you’re facing—how might following Jesus’ example shape your response? [38:13]
7. The pastor encouraged the church to learn from others and to take steps toward reconciliation, especially regarding past injustices. Is there a relationship or situation where you need to seek forgiveness or make amends? What’s holding you back, and what could help you take the first step? [42:16]