Building on the Right Foundation for Life
Summary
Today is a day of new beginnings and decisions. As we kick off our summer life groups and look forward to “You Matter Week,” we’re reminded that church is not just about gathering, but about making a real difference in our community and in our own lives. From the very start, Radiate Church has been built on the foundations of authentic relationships, outreach, and serving others. But none of that matters if we don’t build our own lives on the right foundation.
We often hear the phrase “when pigs fly” to describe things we think are impossible for us—especially when it comes to living out God’s best in our finances. It’s easy to believe that God’s promises are for everyone else, but not for us. Yet, Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7 makes it clear: what we build our lives on determines whether we stand or fall when storms come. Two houses, same storm, different outcomes—the only difference is the foundation.
When it comes to money, every one of us is affected, no matter our age or stage of life. The world tells us to build on self-reliance, ownership, and control. But the Word of God calls us to something radically different: to see ourselves as stewards, not owners; to walk by faith, not by sight; to trust rather than control; to live by conviction, not compromise; and to pursue the supernatural, not just the natural. The way we handle our finances is deeply spiritual, not just practical.
God owns it all. Our jobs, our paychecks, our opportunities—they are blessings from Him, not just the result of our own effort. When we grip tightly to control, we actually limit what God can do in and through us. Trusting God means opening our hands, letting Him lead, and being generous as He calls us to be. Obedience to God’s way may not always make sense to the world, but it is the only way to build a life that stands firm.
Ultimately, we each have a choice: build on the world’s shifting sand, or on the solid rock of God’s Word. One leads to compromise and limitation; the other to conviction, freedom, and supernatural provision. God promises that if we invite Him into the process, He will build with us, and our lives will stand strong no matter what comes. Today is the day to decide—what foundation will you build on?
Key Takeaways
- The Foundation Determines the Future
Every area of life—finances, relationships, spiritual growth—rises or falls based on the foundation we choose. Building on the world’s wisdom leads to instability, but building on God’s Word brings lasting strength and resilience. The storms of life are inevitable, but the outcome is determined by what we’re anchored to. [44:30]
- Stewardship Over Ownership
God calls us to see ourselves not as owners, but as managers of everything He’s entrusted to us. This shift in perspective frees us from anxiety and pride, and invites us into a life of purpose and generosity. When we recognize that everything belongs to God, we become more intentional and faithful with our resources. [47:55]
- Trust Versus Control
The battle between trust and control is at the heart of spiritual maturity. Clinging to control leads to stress, isolation, and missed opportunities for God to move. True trust means releasing our grip, allowing God to direct our steps, and believing that His ways are higher—even when we don’t understand. [01:00:24]
- Conviction Over Compromise
Living by conviction means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions, even when it’s uncomfortable or countercultural. Compromise is easy and often justified, but it erodes our foundation and distances us from God’s best. Conviction keeps us aligned with God’s truth and positions us for His blessing. [01:02:35]
- The Supernatural Over the Natural
Our own abilities and resources are limited, but God’s provision is limitless. When we build on the supernatural—trusting God’s promises, obeying His Word, and sowing generously—we open the door for Him to do what only He can do. Our role is to remain faithful; God’s role is to bring the harvest in His time. [01:05:10]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Life Group Kickoff & Community Vision
[03:45] - You Matter Week Announcement
[06:30] - Series Introduction: When Pigs Fly
[09:20] - The Power of Belief and Limiting Mindsets
[12:00] - Why We Talk About Money
[15:40] - Money Impacts Everyone
[19:10] - The Three Little Pigs and Foundations
[23:00] - Matthew 7: Building on the Rock
[27:30] - The Importance of Foundations in Life
[32:00] - Building on the Word vs. the World
[38:10] - Stewardship: God Owns It All
[44:30] - Living by Faith, Not by Sight
[51:00] - Trusting God vs. Controlling Outcomes
[58:04] - The Danger of Control
[01:02:35] - Conviction vs. Compromise
[01:05:10] - The Supernatural Harvest
[01:08:00] - The Call to Decide and Prayer
Study Guide
Radiate Church Life Group Discussion Guide
*When Pigs Fly: Building on the Right Foundation*
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### Bible Reading
- 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.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In the story Jesus tells in Matthew 7:24-27, what is the main difference between the two houses? What does each foundation represent?
2. According to the sermon, what are some ways people try to build their lives on the world’s foundation instead of God’s? [[27:30]]
3. What does the pastor say about who really owns everything we have, including our jobs and money? [[38:10]]
4. What happens to the house built on sand when the storm comes? Why is that important for us to notice?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to use the image of a storm hitting both houses? What does this say about the challenges we all face, no matter our foundation? [[23:00]]
2. The sermon says that seeing ourselves as stewards, not owners, changes how we handle what we have. How might this shift in thinking affect someone’s daily decisions? [[38:10]]
3. The pastor talks about the battle between trust and control. Why is it so hard to let go of control, especially with our finances or future? [[58:04]]
4. What does it mean to live by conviction instead of compromise, and how does that relate to building on the rock? [[01:02:35]]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “What you build your life on determines everything else.” What is one area of your life (finances, relationships, work, etc.) where you feel you might be building on the wrong foundation? What would it look like to start building on God’s Word in that area? [[27:30]]
2. When you think about your money, do you see yourself more as an owner or a manager? How does that perspective show up in your choices this past month? [[38:10]]
3. Is there a place in your life where you’re gripping tightly for control? What would it look like to “open your hands” and trust God with that area this week? [[59:22]]
4. The sermon challenged us to live by conviction, not compromise. Can you think of a recent decision where you compromised instead of following what you knew God wanted? What would it look like to choose conviction next time? [[01:02:35]]
5. The world says, “I’ll believe it when pigs fly”—that God’s promises are for everyone else, not me. Is there a promise of God you struggle to believe is really for you? What’s one step you can take to trust Him with it? [[09:20]]
6. The pastor said, “God’s provision is limitless, but ours is limited.” Where do you need to trust God for supernatural provision instead of just relying on your own strength? [[01:05:10]]
7. Today is a day of decision. What is one practical step you can take this week to build your life more firmly on the foundation of God’s Word? Who can help keep you accountable to that step? [[01:08:00]]
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*Close in prayer, asking God to help each person build their life on His solid foundation and to trust Him in every area, especially where it’s hardest to let go.*
Devotional
Day 1: Build Your Life on the Right Foundation
The foundation you choose for your life determines everything that follows—your finances, relationships, spiritual growth, and even your response to life’s storms. Jesus teaches that it’s not enough to simply hear His words; we must act on them, building our lives on the solid rock of His truth rather than the shifting sands of worldly wisdom. When storms come, as they inevitably do, only those whose lives are anchored in Christ’s teachings will stand firm. Today, you are faced with a decision: will you build on the world or on the Word? The choice is yours, and it will shape every aspect of your future. [19:30]
Matthew 7:24-27 (ESV)
“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. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life—finances, relationships, or faith—where you need to intentionally choose to build on God’s Word instead of the world’s advice today?
Day 2: Recognize God’s Ownership and Your Role as Steward
Everything you have—your job, your resources, your very life—belongs to God. When you see yourself as the owner, you grip tightly and live with anxiety and scarcity. But when you recognize that God owns it all and you are simply a manager, you are freed to steward His blessings with open hands, generosity, and gratitude. This shift in perspective changes how you handle money, relationships, and opportunities, inviting God’s purpose and provision into every area. [44:10]
Psalm 50:10-11 (ESV)
“For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.”
Reflection: In what practical way can you act as a steward, not an owner, of something God has entrusted to you today?
Day 3: Trust God Over Your Own Control
Trust and control are always at war within us. When you insist on being in control, you end up gripping life so tightly that you miss out on God’s blessings and strain your relationships. But when you release control and trust God with every part of your life—your finances, your family, your future—you open yourself to His guidance and peace. Trusting God means acknowledging Him in all your ways and letting Him direct your path, even when it’s uncomfortable or uncertain. [01:00:24]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Reflection: What is one specific area where you need to loosen your grip and trust God’s direction instead of your own understanding today?
Day 4: Live by Faith and Conviction, Not by Sight or Compromise
Living by sight leads to reacting out of feelings and circumstances, often resulting in compromise and spiritual drift. But living by faith means holding to God’s promises and convictions, even when you can’t see the outcome. Conviction is the Holy Spirit’s nudge to choose God’s way over your own, to walk in obedience rather than rationalizing disobedience. Faith is the assurance of what you hope for and the conviction of what you cannot see, empowering you to live with integrity and purpose. [01:02:35]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Reflection: Where are you tempted to compromise today, and how can you choose to act on your convictions instead?
Day 5: Invite God to Build With You for Lasting Impact
You can work hard and build a life by your own strength, but unless God is at the center, your efforts are ultimately in vain. When you invite God to build with you—whether in your finances, relationships, or dreams—He brings supernatural strength, protection, and purpose. God’s way is not just about surviving storms but thriving through them, leaving a legacy that endures. Today, choose to submit every part of your life to Him and watch what He can do when He is the builder. [01:10:00]
Psalm 127:1 (ESV)
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to stop striving in your own strength and intentionally invite God to build with you?
Quotes
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