Building on Christ: A Solid Foundation for Life

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the timeless tale of the three little pigs, drawing parallels to the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation. Just as the third pig's brick house withstood the wolf's huffing and puffing, our lives must be built on the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ. This foundation is crucial, as it determines our ability to withstand life's storms and the spiritual challenges we face. Jesus, in Matthew 7, emphasizes the importance of not just hearing His words but acting on them, likening those who do to wise builders who construct their homes on rock.

The Colossian church faced its own "big bad wolf" in the form of Gnostic heresies, which threatened to undermine the truth of Christ's divinity and sufficiency. These heresies, which claimed special knowledge and denied the incarnation, were a significant threat to early Christians. Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, passionately defends the supremacy of Christ, asserting that all things were created through Him and for Him, and that in Him all things hold together.

Paul's struggle for the Colossians, despite not knowing them personally, highlights his deep commitment to the body of Christ. His agony for their spiritual well-being is a testament to his calling and the unity of believers. This unity is essential for growth in Christ, as it fosters love and mutual edification. The mystery of Christ, once hidden, is now revealed in the person of Jesus, who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge.

As believers, we are called to build our lives on Christ, engage in community, and resist the subtle deceptions of the enemy. Our faith must be active, rooted in love for God and others, and expressed through obedience and unity. This foundation not only secures us against false teachings but also empowers us to fulfill our calling to share the gospel and live out our faith authentically.

Key Takeaways:

- The foundation of our faith is crucial. Just as the third pig's brick house withstood the wolf, our lives must be built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. This ensures that we can withstand life's storms and spiritual challenges. [43:09]

- The Colossian church faced heresies that threatened the truth of Christ's divinity. Paul passionately defends Christ's supremacy, emphasizing that all things were created through Him and for Him. This underscores the importance of understanding and holding onto the truth of who Christ is. [45:40]

- Paul's struggle for the Colossians, despite not knowing them personally, highlights the unity and love within the body of Christ. This unity is essential for spiritual growth and mutual edification, as it fosters love and support among believers. [51:50]

- The mystery of Christ, once hidden, is now revealed in Jesus, who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Our faith must be active, rooted in love for God and others, and expressed through obedience and unity. [01:05:26]

- We are called to build our lives on Christ, engage in community, and resist the subtle deceptions of the enemy. This foundation not only secures us against false teachings but also empowers us to fulfill our calling to share the gospel and live out our faith authentically. [01:12:45]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Introduction to the Three Little Pigs
[03:00] - The Importance of a Solid Foundation
[05:45] - Jesus' Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
[08:20] - The Threat of Gnostic Heresies
[12:00] - Paul's Defense of Christ's Supremacy
[15:30] - Paul's Passionate Struggle for the Colossians
[20:00] - The Unity and Love in the Body of Christ
[25:00] - The Mystery of Christ Revealed
[30:00] - Building Our Lives on Christ
[35:00] - Resisting Deception and False Teachings
[40:00] - The Call to Share the Gospel
[45:00] - Conclusion and Invitation to Respond

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 7:24-27
- Colossians 1:15-20
- Colossians 2:1-5

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Observation Questions:

1. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7, what distinguishes the wise builder from the foolish one? How does this relate to the story of the three little pigs? [43:09]

2. According to Colossians 1:15-20, what are some of the attributes and roles of Christ that Paul emphasizes to counter the Gnostic heresies? [48:26]

3. What does Paul express about his struggle for the Colossians and those at Laodicea in Colossians 2:1-5? How does this reflect his commitment to the unity and growth of the church? [51:50]

4. How does the sermon describe the subtle ways in which Satan can deceive believers, and what are some examples given? [01:10:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it important for believers to build their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, as illustrated by the parable in Matthew 7? How does this foundation help withstand life's challenges? [43:09]

2. How does Paul's description of Christ in Colossians 1:15-20 serve as a defense against the Gnostic beliefs? What does this tell us about the importance of understanding Christ's true nature? [48:26]

3. What does Paul's struggle for the Colossians, despite not knowing them personally, reveal about the nature of Christian community and leadership? [51:50]

4. How can believers discern between true teachings and the subtle deceptions of the enemy, as discussed in the sermon? What role does community play in this discernment? [01:10:18]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life. Is your foundation built on the rock-solid teachings of Jesus, or are there areas where you feel vulnerable to life's storms? What steps can you take to strengthen your foundation? [43:09]

2. In what ways can you actively engage in your community to foster unity and mutual edification, as Paul encourages in his letter to the Colossians? [51:50]

3. Consider the subtle deceptions that might be present in your life. Are there any beliefs or practices that you need to reevaluate in light of the truth of Christ's supremacy? [01:10:18]

4. How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of others in your church community, even if you don't know them personally, as Paul did for the Colossians? [51:50]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you can express your faith through obedience and unity. What practical steps can you take this week to live out this commitment? [01:05:26]

6. Think of a time when you faced a spiritual challenge. How did your understanding of Christ's divinity and sufficiency help you navigate that situation? How can this understanding empower you in future challenges? [48:26]

7. What is one specific way you can resist the subtle deceptions of the enemy in your daily life? How can your small group support you in this effort? [01:12:45]

Devotional

Day 1: Building on a Solid Foundation
Our lives, much like the third pig's brick house, must be built on a solid foundation to withstand life's storms and spiritual challenges. This foundation is Jesus Christ, who provides the strength and stability we need. In Matthew 7, Jesus emphasizes the importance of not just hearing His words but acting on them, likening those who do to wise builders who construct their homes on rock. This analogy serves as a reminder that our faith must be active and rooted in Christ to endure the trials we face. [43:09]

Isaiah 28:16 (ESV): "Therefore thus says the Lord God, 'Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: 'Whoever believes will not be in haste.'"

Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that your life is built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ?


Day 2: Defending the Truth of Christ
The Colossian church faced heresies that threatened the truth of Christ's divinity. Paul passionately defends Christ's supremacy, emphasizing that all things were created through Him and for Him. This underscores the importance of understanding and holding onto the truth of who Christ is. In a world filled with conflicting messages and beliefs, it is crucial to remain steadfast in the truth of Christ's divinity and sufficiency, as this truth is the cornerstone of our faith. [45:40]

Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: How can you actively defend and proclaim the truth of Christ's divinity in your daily interactions?


Day 3: Unity and Love in the Body of Christ
Paul's struggle for the Colossians, despite not knowing them personally, highlights the unity and love within the body of Christ. This unity is essential for spiritual growth and mutual edification, as it fosters love and support among believers. The mystery of Christ, once hidden, is now revealed in Jesus, who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. As believers, we are called to engage in community and support one another in our spiritual journeys. [51:50]

Ephesians 4:15-16 (ESV): "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the unity and love within your church community this week?


Day 4: The Mystery of Christ Revealed
The mystery of Christ, once hidden, is now revealed in Jesus, who is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Our faith must be active, rooted in love for God and others, and expressed through obedience and unity. This revelation of Christ calls us to a deeper understanding and relationship with Him, as we seek to live out our faith authentically and share the gospel with others. [01:05:26]

Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV): "That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the mystery of Christ and apply it to your life today?


Day 5: Resisting Deception and Living Authentically
We are called to build our lives on Christ, engage in community, and resist the subtle deceptions of the enemy. This foundation not only secures us against false teachings but also empowers us to fulfill our calling to share the gospel and live out our faith authentically. By remaining vigilant and rooted in Christ, we can discern truth from deception and live in a way that honors God and reflects His love to the world. [01:12:45]

1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."

Reflection: What are some subtle deceptions you face, and how can you actively resist them to live authentically in Christ?

Quotes

"At a glance, initially this passage looked like some sort of a deeply intellectual defense of the nature of the supremacy of Christ. But in reality, the simple fact and truth is, it's easily identifiable as long as and only if it's accompanied by a love for Christ and for our other believers that knit us together, the church, knit us together in love. So, the great commandment." [01:07:12] (31 seconds)


"Paul uses the word again, struggle. Agony. He is... In agony over the care and the needs and the ministry of these believers. Jackson likened it, and I'll use the same explanation as well, because agony, this word, is used about the ancient Olympics. The wrestlers who would compete hand -to -hand combat in order to subdue their opponent. They wrestled until they were exhausted in agony and just struggling to have victory." [00:52:06] (32 seconds)


"Now, similar to this story is the situation that the Colossian church is in. Because outside of their walls was a big bad wolf. It was Christian heresy. There were some heresies. There were heretical beliefs. There were people who claimed that they possessed a special knowledge about the practice of Christianity and what it took to grow in Christ. They were called Gnostics from the Greek Gnosis, silent G." [00:45:15] (32 seconds)


"Regardless of what the Gnostics were teaching, what Paul writes here, just a few verses ahead of us, or in our past, they speak powerfully against the false teaching. I don't think Paul could have made it any more clear. But I want you to... keep this in the back of your mind as we begin our passage today, starting with chapter 2. I want you to keep in mind what is it that Paul has just proclaimed, just declared about Christ and his supremacy because it has a significant impact on what we're about to engage and embark on." [00:49:56] (35 seconds)


"Christian life was never designed to be done in isolation. It has always been called a body. It has always been called a community. And that is the expectation that God has for us. To love God and to love others. The mystery of Christ is just that. It's Jesus Christ. The mystery which the Jews had been promised and had pursued throughout their religious and cultural history had now been revealed. The Messiah was no longer this idea." [01:08:24] (34 seconds)


"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. I don't want to steal anyone's thunder who's going to be preaching this in the next couple of weeks, but wow, Paul is pointing us to this is a practice that they're doing, and he's celebrating it. He's saying, keep it up. Do these things." [01:13:59] (39 seconds)


"Paul's warning and desire to protect these young believers is both simple and straightforward. Understand that Satan works in the obvious and he works in the subtle. But we have a way to combat that. We have a way to overcome that. And I'll unpack that in just a second. I'll unpack that in just a second. because Paul's proclamation in verse 5 is a celebration." [01:10:59] (21 seconds)


"Now, Paul goes back to the second person. He's now back to you instead of they. And he says to you, the believers in Colossae, I am writing this. I am struggling this. The reason I'm sending this to you, this compassion, this information, is to protect you from being deceived. Now, I think we could all agree that Satan works in some pretty odd ways. In obvious ways." [01:10:32] (27 seconds)


"Paul moves from the second person, you, to the third person pronoun, they or their. Now, the entire first chapter, he's talking specifically to the believers in Colossae, but then he changes to they, another group. This is the Laodiceans. These are the people that are living throughout the Lycus Valley where Colossae was located. This is an addition to the people that he initially started the conversation with, the letter to, the Colossian believers." [01:03:40] (28 seconds)


"Jesus actually shares a similar concern in a parable in Matthew chapter seven. Follow along as I read. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them, I will huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in. Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell and the floods came and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall because it had been founded on the rock." [00:44:04] (25 seconds)


"Father, as we begin to unpack these few verses, as Pastor Butch prayed, I reiterate that our hearts would be open and sensitive to the power of your word, that our minds would be clear in understanding what is being presented today, that our spirit would align with what God is expecting. In demanding of us, Father, that you would speak to us and that your word would not return void, but it would be powerful and moving and motivational so that we would leave from this place knowing that we have dealt with and been in the presence of God." [00:50:16] (44 seconds)


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Transcript
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