Building Life's Foundation on Christ's Wisdom
Summary
In my sermon today, I emphasized the critical importance of building our lives on the foundation of Christ and His wisdom. I began by highlighting that our strength against the devil and the temptations he brings is rooted in the Word of God, which is Christ in us, the hope of glory. I stressed that a wise person is one who is strong in the Lord, and that strength comes from the knowledge of God's Word. I urged everyone to seek wise counsel and to recognize that safety is found in a multitude of counselors.
I introduced Jesus Christ as the one who desires to be part of our lives, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. The Creator wants to help us live our lives in the best way possible. I explained that when the Scriptures instruct us on how to live, such as advising parents not to provoke their children to anger or commanding us not to steal, it is God seeking our welfare.
I encouraged everyone to live a life of total dependence on God, whether as a student, a professional, or in any other capacity. I shared the tragic reality that some people work hard to achieve educational success only to pass away before enjoying the fruits of their labor. I contrasted this with the vitality that comes from living by the Word of God, as exemplified by Joshua and Caleb, who remained strong and entered the Promised Land.
I also touched on the transformative power of the Bible, noting that even those in prison who start reading the Bible experience life changes and attitude adjustments. I concluded by referencing Proverbs 24:3-6, which teaches us that through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding, it is established. I warned against allowing the devil to remove the Word of God from our families, as this is his strategy to destroy.
I called on the congregation to commit their week into God's hands, to seek His counsel in every decision, and to pray for the church and its members to find their roots in Christ. I emphasized the need for wisdom that comes from God, not from our own intellect or the world, and I invited those who had not surrendered their lives to Christ to do so.
Finally, I spoke about the importance of having Jesus as the Lord of our lives, as He brings peace of mind and assures us of a better final destination. I urged everyone to build their lives on the wisdom from above, which is Christ Jesus, and to reject worldly wisdom that leads to destruction.
Key Takeaways:
- Our true strength in combating the devil's temptations lies in the Word of God, which is Christ within us. This strength is not merely a matter of intellectual knowledge but a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus that empowers us to live righteously and resist evil. [01:14:01]
- Wisdom in the biblical sense is not about accumulating facts or human intelligence; it is about living in alignment with God's will as revealed in Scripture. True wisdom is personified in Jesus Christ, and to live wisely is to live in obedience to His teachings and guidance. [01:15:16]
- The Bible is not just a historical document or a moral guidebook; it is a life-changing manual given by God. When we engage with Scripture, we allow God to reshape our attitudes and behaviors, leading us to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. [01:11:43]
- The foundation upon which we build our lives determines our stability and resilience in the face of life's storms. Building on Christ means establishing our decisions, actions, and very existence on His unshakeable truth and love. [01:23:48]
- Jesus is not an optional addition to our lives; He is the essential core. Without Him, our efforts are futile, and our achievements are temporary. Surrendering to Jesus fully is the key to a life of true peace, joy, and eternal significance. [38:00]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 24:3-6 - "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength. Surely you need guidance to wage war, and victory is won through many advisers."
2. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.' Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength."
3. 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."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Proverbs 24:3-6, what are the key elements needed to build and establish a house?
2. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, how does Paul describe the message of the cross to those who are perishing versus those who are being saved?
3. What does Jesus say about those who hear His words and put them into practice in Matthew 7:24-27?
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate the importance of building one's life on the foundation of Christ? [54:55]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the wisdom described in Proverbs 24:3-6 compare to the wisdom of the world mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25?
2. What does it mean to build your life on the "rock" as described in Matthew 7:24-27, and how does this relate to the sermon's emphasis on Christ as the foundation? [54:55]
3. Why is it significant that the sermon highlights the transformative power of the Bible, even for those in prison? [01:11:43]
4. How does the sermon's message about the futility of human achievements without Christ challenge our everyday priorities and goals? [36:45]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have been relying on worldly wisdom rather than the wisdom that comes from God? How can you shift your focus to build on the foundation of Christ? [54:55]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of seeking wise counsel. Who are the "counselors" in your life, and how can you ensure that their advice aligns with biblical wisdom? [01:14:42]
3. Think about a recent decision you made. Did you seek God's counsel in that decision? How can you make seeking God's wisdom a regular part of your decision-making process? [01:23:48]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of not just hearing but doing the Word of God. Identify one specific teaching of Jesus that you have heard but struggled to put into practice. What steps can you take this week to begin living out that teaching? [50:10]
5. How can you encourage and support your family members to build their lives on the foundation of Christ? Are there specific actions or conversations you can initiate to help them grow in their faith? [01:22:58]
6. The sermon mentioned the peace and assurance that comes from having Jesus as the Lord of our lives. Is there an area of your life where you need to surrender more fully to Christ? What practical steps can you take to do this? [38:00]
7. Reflect on the sermon's call to commit your week into God's hands. What specific plans or activities do you have this week that you need to entrust to God? How will you seek His guidance in these areas? [01:23:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Strength in the Living Word
The true strength to combat the devil's temptations is not found in human might or intellectual prowess, but in the living and active Word of God. This strength is a profound, life-altering relationship with Jesus Christ, who dwells within believers as the hope of glory. It is through this intimate connection that individuals are empowered to live righteously and stand firm against evil. The Word is not merely words on a page; it is the embodiment of Christ Himself, guiding, correcting, and equipping the faithful for every good work. As one internalizes Scripture, it becomes the sword of the Spirit, a defensive and offensive weapon in the spiritual battles faced daily.
"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12
Reflection: How can you actively use Scripture to confront a current temptation or challenge in your life today? [07:40]
Day 2: Living Wisely in God's Will
Wisdom, in the biblical sense, is not merely the accumulation of knowledge or the exercise of human intelligence; it is the practical application of God's will as revealed through His Word. To live wisely is to align one's life with the teachings and guidance of Jesus Christ. This wisdom is not of this world but is a divine gift that shapes how one lives, makes decisions, and interacts with others. It is through obedience to Christ's teachings that one finds the path to a fulfilling and purposeful existence, marked by the fruits of the Spirit rather than the fleeting pleasures of the world.
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." - James 3:17
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing where you can apply godly wisdom instead of worldly reasoning? [01:15:16]
Day 3: The Bible as a Life-Changing Manual
The Bible is far more than a historical record or a collection of moral guidelines; it is a transformative manual provided by God Himself. Engaging with Scripture is not a passive activity but an interactive experience where God reshapes one's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. As individuals read and meditate on the Bible, they allow the Holy Spirit to work within them, leading to genuine life changes that reflect the character of Christ. This transformation is evident in all who immerse themselves in God's Word, from those in the highest positions of power to those who find themselves in the depths of despair.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." - Romans 12:2
Reflection: In what specific way has reading the Bible recently challenged or changed your perspective on an issue? [01:11:43]
Day 4: Christ as Our Firm Foundation
The foundation upon which one builds their life is the determining factor of their stability and resilience when facing life's inevitable storms. A life built on Christ is one that is rooted in His unshakeable truth and love. This means establishing every decision, action, and aspect of existence on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings. When Christ is the cornerstone, the structure of one's life can withstand any trial or tribulation. This foundation provides not only strength but also direction, ensuring that one's life is built according to the divine blueprint.
"Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock." - Matthew 7:24
Reflection: What is one area of your life that needs to be realigned to ensure it is built on the foundation of Christ? [01:23:48]
Day 5: Jesus as the Core of Our Existence
Jesus Christ is not an optional accessory to a well-rounded life; He is the essential core of our very being. Without Him, all human efforts are ultimately in vain, and achievements are but temporary. Surrendering to Jesus fully is the key to a life characterized by true peace, joy, and eternal significance. When Jesus is Lord of one's life, He brings a peace that surpasses all understanding and assures a final destination that is far better than anything this world can offer. Embracing Jesus as Lord means rejecting the transient wisdom of the world and building one's life on the eternal wisdom from above.
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
Reflection: What does making Jesus the core of your existence look like in your daily routine, and how can you take a step towards that today? [38:00]
Quotes
1) "Your strength against the devil, against the temptations of the devil, is the Word of God, is Christ in you, the hope of glory. A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety." [01:14:01] ()
2) "It takes Jesus for our life to get better. He picked some of us from somewhere and he has brought us this far... Jesus in our life has beautified our life. He has made a lot of difference for us." [01:04:34] ()
3) "Statistics show that people who are in jail that get the Bible, who never read the Bible and start reading the Bible, their lives begin to change, their attitude begins to change. So this is a life-changing manual that God has given to us." [01:11:43] ()
4) "Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong... The devil came to Jesus trying to tempt him, and Jesus defeated him by the Word of God." [01:13:28] ()
5) "The wisdom of God is wiser than men... Christ is the wisdom that we are talking about... The wise aligns with Christ, the wise depends on Christ, the wise live their life totally dependent on Christ Jesus. He sees Christ as the foundation upon which he or she does anything." [45:00] ()
6) "If you are building on Him, He knows you. He will help you, He will uphold you, you will not fall, because your life is not based on yourself, but it is based on Christ." [57:21] ()
7) "Commit your week into God's hands, your job, your business, everything else that you have planned out for the week, commit to the Lord. Pray that this week you will take counsel from God in every step you will take, in every move you will make, in everything you will do." [01:23:48] ()
8) "Don't just exist, regardless of your age, regardless of how long you've been a Christian. The Christ factor in your life is very important. Do you know of Him, do you know some of Him, have you accepted of Him or some of Him? If you have just surrendered to Him partially, I encourage you to surrender to Him fully." [38:00] ()
9) "Everyone that wants to excel and be successful in life must learn how to operate and build as a wise person. Yes, you can be educated, yes you can have a good job... but Christ in your life will make a better difference than whatever your current achievements are." [36:45] ()
10) "Building our life, everything that we choose to do, we are building our life. But the question is, on what foundation are we doing this building? On what foundation is your life being built on? It's very important because everyone may be building, but the foundation will determine which building withstands when the storms come." [54:55] ()
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