Building Life's Foundation on God's Faithfulness
Summary
In the sermon, I began by welcoming everyone to the fifth week of our series, focusing on the attributes of God. We delved into Exodus 34:6, which describes God as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Each attribute was explored over the weeks, culminating in today's focus on God's faithfulness.
I emphasized the importance of understanding God's attributes to reconstruct our perception of Him accurately. This understanding is crucial as it shapes our response to life's challenges and our relationship with God. I shared insights into the Hebrew word "emeth," which translates to faithfulness, implying firmness, reliability, and truth. This concept of faithfulness as stability is vital, especially when facing life's inevitable turbulence.
I illustrated the practical application of God's faithfulness through the story of David, a man who, despite his imperfections, had a profound trust in God. This trust stemmed from his intimate relationship with God, developed during his solitary time as a shepherd. David's life exemplified how a deep understanding of God's character can provide stability and confidence, even in daunting circumstances.
Further, I discussed the modern challenges of aligning our lives with true faithfulness amidst a culture that often promotes relative and fluctuating truths. I stressed the dangers of basing life on unstable foundations like wealth, education, or social approval, which, unlike God's eternal nature, are susceptible to change and can lead to instability.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, inviting the congregation to reflect on what foundations their lives are built upon. I encouraged everyone to consider making God their rock, ensuring stability and peace regardless of life's storms. This was followed by an invitation for those new to faith or seeking to recommit their lives to Christ, emphasizing the transformative power of building one's life on the solid foundation of Jesus.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding God's Attributes
Recognizing and internalizing the attributes of God, such as His faithfulness, is not merely an academic exercise but a transformative experience that can stabilize our lives in turbulent times. By deeply understanding who God is, we can face life's uncertainties with confidence and peace, knowing that our foundation is unshakeable. [38:52]
2. The Power of God's Faithfulness
The Hebrew concept of faithfulness, "emeth," which means stability and truth, provides a profound insight into the character of God. This understanding encourages us to trust in God's unwavering nature, especially when we encounter life's inevitable challenges and storms. Embracing God as our rock can transform our approach to these challenges, turning fear into faith. [41:31]
3. The Danger of Misplaced Foundations
Building our lives on anything other than God leads to instability. This is vividly illustrated through the pitfalls of relying excessively on wealth, education, or social status, which are inherently unstable. Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate foundation provides a stable, enduring base for our lives, unaffected by external changes. [58:41]
4. Cultural Truths vs. Eternal Truth
In a world where truths are often subjective and fluctuating, anchoring our lives in the eternal truth of Jesus is crucial. This foundation prevents us from being swayed by the ever-changing "truths" of culture, which can lead to confusion and instability. By holding firm to Jesus as our truth, we safeguard our lives and our families from the instability of cultural shifts. [49:45]
5. Invitation to Build on the Rock
The invitation to build our lives on Jesus, the rock, is an open call to experience true stability and peace. This decision marks the beginning of a transformed life, one that is not easily shaken by the world's challenges. It's a step towards living out the truth of God's faithfulness in every aspect of our lives. [01:19:23]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [36:01] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
- [38:52] - Exploring God's Attributes
- [41:31] - Understanding "Emeth"
- [43:40] - Trust and Truth
- [47:15] - The Challenge of Cultural Truths
- [49:45] - Protecting Our Foundations
- [56:09] - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
- [01:10:58] - Deepening Our Relationship with God
- [01:19:23] - Invitation to Commit
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 34:6 - "The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."
2. Psalm 18:2 - "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
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. What are the five attributes of God mentioned in Exodus 34:6? ([38:52])
2. How does David describe God in Psalm 18:2, and what imagery does he use to convey God's faithfulness? ([53:25])
3. In Matthew 7:24-27, what are the two different foundations Jesus describes, and what are the outcomes for each? ([56:09])
4. According to the sermon, what Hebrew word is used for faithfulness, and what does it imply? ([40:32])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's attributes, particularly His faithfulness, help us face life's uncertainties with confidence and peace? ([38:52])
2. Why is it important to build our lives on the "rock" as described in Matthew 7:24-27, and what does this metaphor teach us about stability? ([56:09])
3. How does the story of David illustrate the practical application of God's faithfulness in our lives? ([52:26])
4. What are the dangers of building our lives on unstable foundations like wealth, education, or social approval, as discussed in the sermon? ([57:50])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life foundations. Are there any areas where you are relying on unstable foundations instead of God's faithfulness? How can you shift your reliance to God? ([57:50])
2. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did your understanding of God's faithfulness influence your response? If it didn't, how might it have changed your approach? ([40:32])
3. In what ways can you deepen your relationship with God to build a stronger foundation of trust and faithfulness, similar to David's relationship with God? ([52:26])
4. How can you practically apply the concept of "building on the rock" in your daily life, especially when facing cultural truths that conflict with eternal truths? ([49:45])
5. Identify one specific area in your life where you need to trust God more. What steps can you take this week to demonstrate that trust? ([12:36])
6. How can you encourage others in your community or family to build their lives on the solid foundation of Jesus? Share a personal story or example to illustrate this. ([01:04:18])
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in a tangible way. How can you use that experience to strengthen your faith and the faith of others around you? ([01:00:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing God's Unshakeable Nature
Understanding God's attributes deeply, particularly His faithfulness, is transformative. It's not just about knowing these attributes; it's about letting them anchor us in times of uncertainty. When we grasp the fullness of God's faithfulness, we realize that no matter what storms life may bring, our foundation remains solid. This realization allows us to face challenges with a calm and assured heart, knowing that our anchor holds within the veil. God's faithfulness is a firm ground upon which we can build our lives, ensuring that even in the most turbulent times, we have a steadfast hope. [38:52]
Psalm 89:1-2 (ESV): "I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations. For I said, 'Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.'"
Reflection: How can you actively rely on God's faithfulness in your current life challenges?
Day 2: Stability in God's Truth
The Hebrew word "emeth" translates to faithfulness, denoting stability and truth. This concept is crucial in understanding the character of God. By embracing God as our rock, we can face life's inevitable challenges with a newfound strength. Trusting in God's unwavering nature transforms our approach to difficulties from fear to faith. This shift is not just comforting; it's empowering, as it allows us to stand firm regardless of the circumstances surrounding us. [41:31]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's stability this week?
Day 3: The Risk of Unstable Foundations
Building our lives on anything less stable than God—such as wealth, status, or human knowledge—can lead to a shaky existence. These foundations are inherently unstable because they can change or disappear in an instant. Recognizing Jesus as the ultimate foundation provides a stable, enduring base for our lives, unaffected by external changes. This understanding is crucial for anyone seeking a life not just of temporary success, but of eternal significance. [58:41]
Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Reflection: What are the unstable foundations in your life that you need to replace with trust in God?
Day 4: Anchoring in Eternal Truth Over Cultural Shifts
In a world where truths are often subjective and fluctuating, anchoring our lives in the eternal truth of Jesus is essential. This foundation prevents us from being swayed by the ever-changing "truths" of culture, which can lead to confusion and instability. By holding firm to Jesus as our truth, we safeguard our lives and our families from the instability of cultural shifts, ensuring a legacy of faith and stability. [49:45]
2 Thessalonians 2:15-17 (ESV): "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word."
Reflection: How can you better discern and resist the shifting "truths" of today's culture?
Day 5: Building Life on the Solid Rock of Jesus
The invitation to build our lives on Jesus, the rock, is an open call to experience true stability and peace. This decision marks the beginning of a transformed life, one that is not easily shaken by the world's challenges. It's a step towards living out the truth of God's faithfulness in every aspect of our lives, providing a firm foundation that influences not only our personal peace but also our impact on others. [01:19:23]
1 Corinthians 3:10-11 (ESV): "According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your foundation in Jesus?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Culture changes, God doesn't. Today's cultural truth is not going to be tomorrow's cultural truth. And if you start hitching your way, your wagon to whatever culture's telling you, like, this is truth, and you start running down this road, guess what, there's going to be a study in five years from now going, guys, we had that one all wrong." [48:04]
2. "Your feelings are real, but they aren't necessarily right. They're broken. Your feelings are real, but they aren't necessarily truth. And when you start running in life, like these feelings that you have inside are truth, it can majorly mess your life up." [48:57]
3. "Trust is a response to truth and faith is a response to faithfulness. The reason many people don't have faith is because they don't know God. When you know God, you will have more trust in God." [50:34]
4. "When you make my words the foundation of your life, it's going to create stability for your life. Whether you believe in God or you don't believe in God. Whether you follow Jesus or you don't follow Jesus. Storms are going to happen in your life." [57:09]
5. "The truth about truth is you're building your life on something. And if it's not God. Then perhaps it's money. Maybe you're building your whole life on money. And this idea like if I just have enough. Life will be stable." [58:41]
### Quotes for Members
1. "God, help me just to be present with You in Your presence and then ask the Lord, to start showing and revealing His love for you and to help you build your life on Him. To make Him... Some of you, this... You know what this whole talk is today? It's a revelation that you have not built your life on the truth of God." [12:06]
2. "The more you build your life on God. The more steady and stable your life is going to become. And then we have. Simon Peter. The chief disciple of Jesus. And he's in this moment. Where Jesus is talking to the guys. Asking. What's my reputation? What are people saying about me?" [01:01:57]
3. "I was with the family. Whose daughter died. In the Vegas shooting. I was in the room. Right after they got the news. That she didn't make it out of the concert. And I prayed for them. And they were grieving. Don't get me wrong. They were hurting. But when I was in that room. The presence. Of God. Was so thick." [01:00:59]
4. "When you're living in this place where God is, you're faithful. So here's the head, heart, hands challenge. Write this down. Here's your head. And this is a challenge that we're doing through this entire series. And I want you to do a deep dive study. Even in your life groups this week." [01:08:19]
5. "And I scooped her up, and I was kind of like, okay, this could be like a little appetizer for these dogs. So I was holding it, and my dog was just shaking. And I grabbed her, and I was holding her. And that dog stuck her little chest out. And she started, she was like, you're lucky he's holding me." [01:08:19]
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