Building Life on the Unshakable Foundation of Jesus

Sep 28, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Building on the Unshakable Foundation of Jesus

True strength and purpose in life come from building every part of our lives on the unshakable foundation of Jesus Christ. When we trust in who Jesus is—good, loving, caring, just, and inviting us to choose Him—our faith journey is empowered and our priorities are transformed. In a world of shifting values and uncertainty, choosing Jesus as our foundation gives us hope and direction, ensuring that whatever we face, He will work all things for our good. [23:03]

1 Timothy 6:2b-5 (ESV)
"Teach and urge these things. If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to intentionally choose Jesus as your foundation today, rather than relying on your own strength or the shifting values around you?

Day 2: Contentment and Stewardship—Everything Is a Gift

Everything we have—our possessions, time, talents, and even our very lives—are gifts from God, not things we truly own. When we recognize that all we have is entrusted to us by God, our perspective shifts from self-centeredness to Christ-centered stewardship. This understanding leads us to contentment with what we have and challenges us to use our resources in ways that honor Jesus, rather than pursuing wealth or status for their own sake. [28:05]

1 Timothy 6:6-10 (ESV)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 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. 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."

Reflection: In what practical way can you show contentment and gratitude for what God has given you today, rather than striving for more?

Day 3: Pursuing Righteousness and Enduring in Faith

Following Jesus means actively pursuing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness, even when life feels like a struggle. Like an athlete running a race or fighting the good fight, we are called to endure, taking one step at a time, knowing that Jesus Himself faced choices and hardships and chose obedience for our sake. His example gives us comfort and strength to keep moving forward, trusting that His grace is sufficient for us in every challenge. [36:39]

1 Timothy 6:11-16 (ESV)
"But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 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. 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, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 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."

Reflection: What is one area where you need to endure or “fight the good fight” this week, and how can you rely on Jesus’ example and grace to do so?

Day 4: Generosity, Good Deeds, and True Treasure

When our priorities are aligned with Jesus as our foundation, we are called to be rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share whatever we have—whether it’s money, time, or talents. True life is found not in accumulating wealth or possessions, but in using what we have to bless others and correct injustice, following the example of Jesus who always did what was right. As we do this, we lay up treasure for ourselves in heaven and experience the life that is truly life. [42:16]

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
"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. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 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."

Reflection: Who is one person or group you can bless with your time, talents, or resources this week, and how will you take a concrete step to do so?

Day 5: Acting Justly, Loving Mercy, and Walking Humbly

As followers of Jesus, we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, especially in the face of injustice and brokenness in our world. This means not only repenting for past wrongs but also seeking reconciliation and making things right where we can, just as Jesus did. Whether it’s learning from others, supporting those who have been wronged, or taking steps to repair relationships, we are to model Jesus’ justice and mercy in all we do, trusting that His grace empowers us to change and to bring healing. [44:30]

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?"

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation where you need to seek reconciliation or make something right this week? What first step can you take today to act justly and walk humbly with God?

Sermon Summary

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
[1:01:31] - Worship and Giving
[1:03:04] - The Tangible Impact of Generosity
[1:07:44] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide

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

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]
What does Paul say is the true source of contentment and gain in life? [28:05]
In verses 11-12, what actions does Paul urge Timothy to pursue instead of chasing after wealth? [34:25]
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

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]
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]
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]
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

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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]

Close in prayer, asking God to help you build your life on Jesus as your unshakable foundation, to be content and generous, and to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him.

Sermon Clips

15s

#FaithShapesTrust

“Because following Jesus really depends upon trust. I have to trust him. But you see, my trust in Jesus is directly connected to what I believe about Jesus. Right? Who do I believe Jesus to be?”

41s

#GraceTransformsPriorities

“So before you start getting too condemning of yourself, don't ever do that, but rather rely on the conviction of the Holy Spirit to show you those areas in life where maybe you need to shift your priorities. Because it is so wonderful that we've been given grace. Not to abuse it, but to use the grace that has been offered to us so that when we realize that something in our priorities needs to change, we don't sit here and feel so down about it and get after ourselves, beat ourselves up. There's no point to that. But rather to realize that Christ has called us to something different.”

18s

#AlignWithJesus

“It's all by Him. It's all by His grace and His power and His love. So I must accept that grace when I mess up and change my way of thinking, alter my course, if you will. Realize my priorities need to line up better.”

37s

#FightTheGoodFight

“``See, your priorities are revealed every day in the decisions you make. But when I realize that Jesus is good, that Jesus loves us, wants good things for life, our lives, and that Jesus cares about us, when I realize that Jesus asked me to choose and I understand that Jesus is just, as in there is a right way and a wrong way, there is a choice I need to make, that's when things really get amazing. Because now I'm starting to align myself with Jesus as my foundation.”

37s

#GraceCoversAll

“He was willing to lay down his life and endure all of that for you and I. Because things in this world were not right and since Jesus is just he had to make things right. And so he died for us but he had a choice just like we face every day so I take comfort in knowing that I have a Savior who faced even greater challenges than I will ever face. But he faced them. He faced choices. He faced opportunities to show what his priorities were. And now we know that he made the right choice every single time.”

31s

#JesusFirstEverythingFalls

“That is who we serve that is the foundation that we want to build our lives on I cannot think of a better foundation I cannot think of a better foundation of the king of kings the lord of lords who alone is immortal and lives in unapproachable light who no one has seen or can see to him be honor and might forever amen that's a good one that is our God that is who we serve that is what it is all about”

56s

#GenerousWithGifts

“See once we get our priorities right when we understand that we have this foundation we must build our life on when I realize that I put Jesus first everything else falls into place everything else takes care of itself if you will see if I focus on Jesus first I will find solutions to that relationship problem I'm facing doesn't mean that it's just going to magically disappear but it means that Jesus is going to give me the wisdom to navigate it as long as I focus on him first as I put love first when I have that financial challenge if I put Jesus first it's all going to work itself out you can put whatever you want in that part of the equation whatever you're facing as long as you focus on Jesus first it's all going to work itself out amen”

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