Building on the Rock: Foundations of Faith and Love
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound teachings of Jesus from Luke 6, focusing on the metaphor of building one's life on a solid foundation. The recent Eaton Fire in Pasadena served as a poignant reminder of the importance of having a strong foundation, both physically and spiritually. As a church, we are called to support those affected by the fire, particularly through our partnership with Pasadena Covenant Church, which is actively involved in relief efforts.
Reflecting on Jesus' words, we are reminded of the human tendency to resist guidance, much like children refusing to wear a jacket on a cold day. Jesus challenges us with the question, "Why do you call me Lord, but do not do what I say?" This question highlights the disconnect between professing faith and living it out. Jesus uses the metaphor of two houses—one built on rock and the other on sand—to illustrate the difference between a life grounded in His teachings and one that is not. The storms of life will come, but only a life built on the rock of Jesus' words will stand firm.
Jesus' teachings in Luke 6 also include blessings and woes, which at first seem counterintuitive. He pronounces blessings on the poor, hungry, and persecuted, and woes on the rich, well-fed, and those who are praised by others. This reversal of expectations challenges us to see beyond the immediate and the material, to understand that true blessing comes from aligning our lives with God's eternal perspective.
The call to live a life of love, mercy, and forgiveness, even towards our enemies, is a radical departure from the world's way of reciprocal love and revenge. Jesus invites us to imitate God's character, who is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. This is the rock upon which we are to build our lives—a life of self-sacrifice and love, following the example of Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
- Foundation of Faith: Jesus emphasizes the importance of building our lives on a solid foundation, likening it to a house built on rock. This foundation is His teachings, which provide stability and resilience in the face of life's storms. Without this foundation, our lives are vulnerable to collapse. [38:04]
- True Blessings: Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed, focusing on spiritual and eternal rewards rather than material wealth and comfort. He challenges us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and recognize the deeper blessings of being aligned with God's kingdom. [47:56]
- Radical Love: The call to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us is a hallmark of Jesus' teaching. This radical love is not based on reciprocity but on the character of God, who is merciful and kind even to the ungrateful. [01:09:24]
- Eternal Perspective: Jesus invites us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing the rewards of heaven over the fleeting pleasures of this world. This perspective helps us endure suffering and persecution with hope and joy. [50:31]
- Imitating God: The foundation of a life built on the rock is the character of God. As we imitate God's mercy and kindness, we become a reflection of His love in the world, living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives. [01:10:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:31] - Responding to the Eaton Fire
[34:59] - The Challenge of Listening
[35:52] - Calling Jesus Lord
[37:01] - Building on the Rock
[38:04] - Two Houses, Two Foundations
[38:48] - The Way of the World
[39:44] - Understanding Jesus' Teachings
[40:44] - The Sermon on the Plain
[41:51] - Congratulations and Condolences
[45:03] - Blessed and Woe
[47:20] - Seeing the Bigger Picture
[49:25] - Preparing for Sacrifice
[51:13] - Rejoicing in Persecution
[52:45] - Warnings to the Comfortable
[54:32] - Living the Good Life
[58:02] - Redefining the Good Life
[01:03:50] - Being Good in a Bad World
[01:09:24] - The Character of God
[01:11:42] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Luke 6:46-49
- Luke 6:20-23
- Luke 6:27-36
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Observation Questions:
1. In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus uses the metaphor of two houses. What are the key differences between the two houses and their foundations? [38:04]
2. According to Luke 6:20-23, who does Jesus pronounce as blessed, and what reasons does He give for these blessings? [47:56]
3. How does Jesus describe the behavior of those who love only those who love them back in Luke 6:32-34? What does He say about this kind of love? [01:08:18]
4. What does Jesus say about the character of God in Luke 6:35-36, and how does this relate to the way we should live? [01:09:24]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Jesus challenge His followers with the question, "Why do you call me Lord, but do not do what I say?" How does this question relate to the metaphor of the two houses? [35:52]
2. Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed in Luke 6:20-23. How does this perspective challenge common societal views on wealth and success? [47:56]
3. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on loving enemies in Luke 6:27-36 contrast with the world's view of reciprocal love? [01:08:18]
4. How does the concept of building one's life on the rock of Jesus' teachings provide stability and resilience in the face of life's challenges? [38:04]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you call Jesus "Lord" but struggle to follow His teachings? What steps can you take to align your actions with your faith? [35:52]
2. Jesus speaks of blessings for the poor, hungry, and persecuted. How can you shift your perspective to see beyond material wealth and comfort to recognize spiritual blessings in your life? [47:56]
3. Consider a situation where you have been wronged. How can you practice radical love and forgiveness towards those who have hurt you, following Jesus' example? [01:08:18]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel your foundation is built on sand rather than rock. What practical changes can you make to strengthen your foundation in Jesus' teachings? [38:04]
5. Jesus calls us to live with an eternal perspective. How can this perspective help you endure current challenges or suffering with hope and joy? [50:31]
6. Think of someone in your life who is difficult to love. What is one tangible way you can show them kindness and mercy this week, imitating the character of God? [01:09:24]
7. Reflect on a time when you sought the praise and approval of others. How can you shift your focus to seek God's approval and live for His kingdom instead? [53:40]
Devotional
Day 1: Building on the Rock of Jesus' Teachings
In life, the foundation upon which we build is crucial. Jesus uses the metaphor of a house built on rock versus one built on sand to illustrate the importance of grounding our lives in His teachings. A life built on the rock of Jesus' words is resilient and stable, able to withstand the storms and challenges that inevitably come. Without this solid foundation, our lives are vulnerable to collapse when difficulties arise. This teaching challenges us to not only hear Jesus' words but to actively live them out, ensuring that our faith is not just professed but practiced. [38:04]
Ephesians 2:19-22 (ESV): "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord."
Reflection: What specific teachings of Jesus do you need to more actively incorporate into your daily life to ensure your foundation is strong and resilient?
Day 2: Redefining True Blessings
Jesus challenges conventional views of blessing by pronouncing blessings on the poor, hungry, and persecuted, while pronouncing woes on the rich, well-fed, and those praised by others. This reversal of expectations invites us to see beyond material wealth and comfort, recognizing that true blessing comes from aligning our lives with God's eternal perspective. Jesus calls us to focus on spiritual and eternal rewards, understanding that the deeper blessings come from being part of God's kingdom. This perspective helps us to endure life's challenges with hope and joy, knowing that our ultimate reward is not of this world. [47:56]
James 1:9-12 (ESV): "Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from seeking material blessings to recognizing and valuing the spiritual blessings in your life today?
Day 3: Embracing Radical Love
Jesus' call to love our enemies and do good to those who hate us is a radical departure from the world's way of reciprocal love and revenge. This teaching is rooted in the character of God, who is merciful and kind even to the ungrateful and wicked. By embracing this radical love, we are invited to imitate God's character, reflecting His love in the world. This love is not based on reciprocity but on self-sacrifice and mercy, challenging us to live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily interactions. [01:09:24]
Romans 12:20-21 (ESV): "To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Reflection: Who in your life do you find difficult to love, and how can you take a specific step today to show them the love and kindness of God?
Day 4: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Jesus invites us to live with an eternal perspective, valuing the rewards of heaven over the fleeting pleasures of this world. This perspective helps us endure suffering and persecution with hope and joy, knowing that our ultimate reward is not found in earthly success or comfort. By focusing on the eternal, we are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with God and align our lives with His kingdom values. This shift in perspective challenges us to see beyond our immediate circumstances and trust in God's greater plan for our lives. [50:31]
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (ESV): "For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are focused on temporary gains, and how can you shift your perspective to prioritize eternal values today?
Day 5: Imitating God's Character
The foundation of a life built on the rock is the character of God. As we imitate God's mercy and kindness, we become a reflection of His love in the world. Jesus calls us to live a life of love, mercy, and forgiveness, even towards our enemies, challenging us to depart from the world's way of reciprocal love and revenge. By embodying God's character, we live out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives, becoming a testament to His transformative power. This call to imitate God invites us to be agents of His love and grace in a world that desperately needs it. [01:10:09]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally reflect God's character in your interactions with others today, especially those who may be difficult to love?
Quotes
"As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house who dug deep and laid foundations on rock. And when a flood came, the torrent struck that house, but it could not shake it because it was well built." [00:37:41] (24 seconds)
"Jesus brings God into the picture. He brings eternity into the picture, and it changes everything. He's saying God sees you. God cares about your pain. And God will not allow you to be in pain. He's going to allow it to always be this way." [00:47:45] (19 seconds)
"Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, when they insult you, reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day. Leap for joy. Because great is your reward in heaven." [00:48:31] (14 seconds)
"He's preparing his disciples for a life of sacrifice. A life with some suffering baked in, not a health, wealth, and prosperity. A kind of life. He's not promising endless parades of victory and accolades. They should not look forward to fame and fortune in this life if they follow Jesus." [00:50:20] (23 seconds)
"Try this on for size. Verse 35, but love your enemies. Do good to them and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. The way of Jesus. A life of generosity, of self-sacrifice, of loving enemies who do not deserve it. Wow." [01:08:48] (30 seconds)
"Be merciful just as your father is merciful. That's where it all comes from. The root of this resilient goodness in the world is not us. It's the heart and character of God. God is kind even to the ungrateful wicked people. Like us." [01:09:47] (28 seconds)
"God loves you, but God also loves your neighbor. He also loves holiness and justice. And so build your life in view of that. That is rock, a foundation you can build your life on." [00:39:19] (16 seconds)
"Don't live your life for the praise and applause of men. It is fleeting. He says, better to weep in this life than to weep in the next. A life built on earthly reward is sand. God is the rock." [00:54:53] (19 seconds)
"Jesus teaches us to be good people. a bad world. Let me read that passage again. The way of Jesus life built on the rock not sand. Life built on the rock looks like this. Love your enemies and do good to those who hate." [01:03:50] (22 seconds)
"The way of the world is shifting sand. That's what we're used to, actually. That's what most people do. It's going to disappoint you. It's going to ruin you. It will not stand. But Jesus offers us a rock. Rock." [00:38:48] (17 seconds)
"Lead us, inspire us, God. Would you impart to us supernaturally your Holy Spirit that we might build our lives on you and on your love and your redemption. Oh, God, make us people of the way. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." [01:11:53] (16 seconds)
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