Building on the Rock: Foundations of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we conclude our sermon series on the Sermon on the Mount, focusing on Matthew 7:24-27. Jesus uses the analogy of two builders to emphasize the importance of not just hearing His words but putting them into practice. The wise builder constructs his house on the rock, symbolizing a life built on Jesus, while the foolish builder constructs his house on sand, representing a life built on anything other than Jesus. Both houses face storms, illustrating that trials and tribulations are inevitable for everyone, but only the house on the rock stands firm.
Jesus consistently presents choices in pairs throughout His sermon: two gates, two prophets, two disciples, and now, two builders. This duality underscores the necessity of making a conscious decision about how we live our lives. Building on the rock means anchoring our lives in Jesus, which equips us to endure life's storms with resilience and faith. Conversely, building on sand leads to inevitable collapse when trials come.
The storms represent both the trials of life and the ultimate judgment from God. Jesus' authority in teaching is evident, and He makes it clear that the foundation of our lives determines our eternal destiny. The wise builder's life, built on Jesus, withstands the storms, while the foolish builder's life, built on anything else, collapses.
As we reflect on this teaching, we must examine our own lives. Are we building on the solid rock of Jesus, or are we constructing our lives on the shifting sands of worldly values? Jesus calls us to a life of obedience and faith, ensuring that our foundation is secure in Him. This week, let's take inventory of our heart posture and make any necessary adjustments to align our lives with Christ.
### Key Takeaways
1. Foundation Matters: The foundation of our lives determines our ability to withstand life's storms. Building on Jesus, the solid rock, ensures stability and resilience, while building on anything else leads to collapse. This choice is crucial for both our present life and eternal destiny. [41:16]
2. Inevitable Trials: Jesus makes it clear that trials and tribulations are a part of life for everyone, regardless of their foundation. However, those who build their lives on His teachings are equipped to endure and suffer well, finding strength and hope in Him. [49:58]
3. Daily Decisions: Every decision we make contributes to the construction of our life's foundation. Whether it's our relationships, career choices, or daily habits, each action either strengthens our foundation in Christ or weakens it by relying on worldly values. [46:41]
4. Faith in Suffering: True faith is not just about believing for miracles but also about enduring hardships with grace and trust in God. A life built on Jesus allows us to suffer well, maintaining our witness and pointing others to Him even in difficult times. [51:17]
5. Eternal Perspective: The ultimate storm is the judgment of God, and only those whose lives are built on Jesus will stand. This eternal perspective should motivate us to live faithfully, ensuring that our lives reflect His teachings and bring glory to Him. [01:03:22]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:08] - Introduction and Reading of Matthew 7:24-27
[40:19] - The Importance of Foundation
[41:16] - Two Builders, Two Foundations
[42:12] - Jesus' Use of Pairs
[42:58] - Two Gates, Two Prophets, Two Disciples
[43:39] - The Symbolism of the House and the Rock
[44:56] - The Dangers of Building on Sand
[46:41] - Daily Decisions and Building
[48:03] - Two Types of Men, Two Outcomes
[49:07] - The Storms of Life
[49:58] - Suffering Well
[51:17] - Faith in Hardships
[52:02] - Personal Testimony
[55:38] - Anchoring in Christ
[56:55] - Joy in Trials
[59:47] - Jesus' Authority and Final Judgment
[01:03:22] - Eternal Perspective and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 7:24-27
- James 1:2-5
- 1 Corinthians 3:11
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two types of builders Jesus describes in Matthew 7:24-27, and what do their foundations represent? ([39:08])
2. According to the sermon, what do the storms in Jesus' parable symbolize? ([49:07])
3. How does James 1:2-5 describe the purpose of trials in a believer's life?
4. What does Paul say about the foundation of the church in 1 Corinthians 3:11?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of putting His words into practice rather than just hearing them? ([41:16])
2. How does the concept of building on the rock versus sand apply to daily decisions and actions in a believer's life? ([46:41])
3. What does it mean to "suffer well" according to the sermon, and how does this concept relate to having a foundation in Christ? ([51:17])
4. How does the ultimate storm of God's judgment influence the way we should live our lives according to the sermon? ([01:03:22])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life foundation. Are there areas where you are building on sand instead of the rock of Jesus? What steps can you take to shift your foundation to Christ? ([55:38])
2. Think about a recent trial or hardship you faced. How did your faith in Jesus help you endure it? If it didn't, what could you do differently next time to "suffer well"? ([51:17])
3. Daily decisions contribute to our life's foundation. Identify one daily habit that either strengthens or weakens your foundation in Christ. How can you improve or change this habit? ([46:41])
4. Jesus calls us to live with an eternal perspective. How does the knowledge of God's ultimate judgment affect your priorities and actions today? ([01:03:22])
5. Consider a specific area of your life where you feel unstable or easily shaken. What practical steps can you take to anchor this area more firmly in Jesus? ([44:56])
6. How can you ensure that your faith remains strong and resilient even when life is going well, so that you are prepared for future storms? ([56:22])
7. Identify one person in your life who may be building on sand. How can you lovingly encourage them to build their life on the solid rock of Jesus? ([01:06:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Building on a Solid Foundation
The foundation of our lives determines our ability to withstand life's storms. Building on Jesus, the solid rock, ensures stability and resilience, while building on anything else leads to collapse. This choice is crucial for both our present life and eternal destiny. [41:16]
Matthew 7:24-27 describes two builders: one wise, who builds his house on the rock, and one foolish, who builds on sand. The rock represents Jesus and His teachings, while the sand symbolizes anything else we might rely on. When storms come, only the house on the rock stands firm. This analogy emphasizes the importance of not just hearing Jesus' words but putting them into practice. Our foundation in life is critical; it determines our ability to endure trials and our eternal destiny. Building on Jesus means anchoring our lives in His teachings, ensuring that we are resilient and steadfast in the face of life's challenges.
The wise builder's house stands because it is built on a solid foundation. This foundation is not just about intellectual agreement with Jesus' teachings but involves active obedience and application. Conversely, the foolish builder's house collapses because it lacks a solid foundation. This collapse is inevitable when trials come, illustrating the futility of relying on anything other than Jesus. As we reflect on this teaching, we must examine our own lives and ensure that we are building on the solid rock of Jesus.
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 this week to ensure that your life is built on the solid foundation of Jesus' teachings?
Day 2: Embracing Inevitable Trials
Jesus makes it clear that trials and tribulations are a part of life for everyone, regardless of their foundation. However, those who build their lives on His teachings are equipped to endure and suffer well, finding strength and hope in Him. [49:58]
Trials and tribulations are an inevitable part of life. Jesus does not promise a life free from difficulties but assures us that those who build their lives on His teachings will be able to endure and suffer well. The storms in the analogy represent both the challenges we face in life and the ultimate judgment from God. While everyone faces storms, only those with a foundation in Jesus can withstand them. This resilience comes from a deep-rooted faith and trust in Jesus, who provides strength and hope in the midst of suffering.
Building on Jesus equips us to handle life's difficulties with grace and perseverance. It means that we are not easily shaken by the trials we encounter because our foundation is secure. This does not mean that we will not experience pain or hardship, but it does mean that we have a source of strength and hope that sustains us. As we navigate the storms of life, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus is our rock and refuge.
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: How can you find strength and hope in Jesus during a current trial or difficulty you are facing?
Day 3: Daily Decisions and Building
Every decision we make contributes to the construction of our life's foundation. Whether it's our relationships, career choices, or daily habits, each action either strengthens our foundation in Christ or weakens it by relying on worldly values. [46:41]
Our daily decisions play a crucial role in building the foundation of our lives. Each choice we make, whether in our relationships, career, or daily habits, either strengthens our foundation in Christ or weakens it by relying on worldly values. Building on Jesus requires intentionality and consistency in aligning our actions with His teachings. It means making conscious decisions that reflect our commitment to Him and His ways. This daily practice of obedience and faithfulness ensures that our foundation remains strong and secure.
The analogy of the two builders highlights the importance of daily decisions in constructing our life's foundation. The wise builder's house stands firm because of the consistent and intentional choices made to build on the rock. In contrast, the foolish builder's house collapses due to neglect and reliance on unstable foundations. As we go about our daily lives, we must be mindful of the choices we make and their impact on our spiritual foundation. By prioritizing Jesus and His teachings in our decisions, we can ensure that our lives are built on a solid and enduring foundation.
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 daily habit or decision can you change to better align your life with Jesus' teachings?
Day 4: Faith in Suffering
True faith is not just about believing for miracles but also about enduring hardships with grace and trust in God. A life built on Jesus allows us to suffer well, maintaining our witness and pointing others to Him even in difficult times. [51:17]
True faith encompasses more than just believing for miracles; it involves enduring hardships with grace and trust in God. A life built on Jesus equips us to suffer well, maintaining our witness and pointing others to Him even in difficult times. The analogy of the two builders illustrates that both houses face storms, but only the house built on the rock stands firm. This resilience in suffering is a testament to the strength and stability that comes from a foundation in Jesus. It allows us to navigate challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that our faith is anchored in Him.
Enduring hardships with grace and trust in God is a powerful witness to those around us. It demonstrates the depth and authenticity of our faith, showing that we rely on Jesus not just in good times but also in the midst of trials. This kind of faith is transformative, both for ourselves and for those who observe our response to suffering. By maintaining our witness and pointing others to Jesus, we can bring hope and encouragement to those who may be struggling. Our faith in suffering becomes a beacon of light, reflecting the love and strength of Christ.
1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you maintain your witness and point others to Jesus in the midst of a current hardship or challenge?
Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
The ultimate storm is the judgment of God, and only those whose lives are built on Jesus will stand. This eternal perspective should motivate us to live faithfully, ensuring that our lives reflect His teachings and bring glory to Him. [01:03:22]
Living with an eternal perspective means recognizing that the ultimate storm is the judgment of God. Only those whose lives are built on Jesus will stand firm in the face of this final judgment. This understanding should motivate us to live faithfully, ensuring that our lives reflect His teachings and bring glory to Him. The analogy of the two builders serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of our foundation. While both houses face storms, only the house built on the rock endures. This eternal perspective calls us to examine our lives and make sure that we are building on the solid foundation of Jesus.
An eternal perspective shifts our focus from temporary, worldly concerns to the lasting significance of our relationship with Jesus. It encourages us to prioritize our spiritual growth and obedience to His teachings. By living with this perspective, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. This mindset also inspires us to share the message of Jesus with others, helping them to build their lives on the solid rock and prepare for the ultimate storm of God's judgment.
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: How can you shift your focus from temporary concerns to living with an eternal perspective in your daily life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The joy of the Lord is our strength this morning. My name is James. I am the associate pastor. Here at the Bridge Church, it is my absolute honor. I don't know who messed up the scheduling, Pastor Eric, but I get to close out this sermon series, this amazing sermon series that we've been in, the Sermon on the Mount, the greatest of all times, and I am excited about that." [39:08] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "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 fall, it does not fall." [40:19] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As long as we're breathing, we're building. So we look at verse 26 again. 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." [46:41] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus makes it so clear here that storms don't discriminate against anyone. Think about it. Jesus is preaching this sermon. This is the great prophet with all wisdom. He could have gone anywhere else in the imagery of how he lands this. And he decides to land it with letting you and I know. That no matter if you're a foolish builder or a wise builder. No matter if you're saved or if you're unsaved. There will be storms that beat against your life." [49:07] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We fixate our faith. On a lot of things. Jesus says in this moment. Because the rain will come. The winds will come. The streams will rise. Can you operate in this well? And to be honest with you guys for a moment. God really challenged me this week. So I'm looking at this text. And I'm processing. And I'm studying. I experienced a moment this week where Ash and I. It's not a secret to you guys. My wife and I. Ashley. We're trying to have a child right now." [52:02] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "He's done the preaching. He has covered everything that he's wanted. And now we get here and Jesus says whoever puts them into practice. This is everything that I just preached to you. Into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down. The streams rose. The winds blew and beat against the 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. The winds blew and beat against that house. And it fell with a great crash." [41:16] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I would submit to you this morning that sand represents anything else that isn't Jesus Christ or points back to Jesus Christ. I would submit to you this morning that sand is anything that contradicts the beatitudes. That sand is anything that looks like your life losing your saltiness or dimming the light that Jesus calls us to be in this world. I would submit to you that sand is anything that points back to Jesus Christ. Is living your life trying to obtain a work based righteousness." [44:56] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We fixate our faith. On faith that can move mountains. A lot of times we fixate our faith. On faith the size of a mustard seed. We fixate our faith. On faith that activates a miracle. Faith that produces results. Faith that has God come and do something that we're begging. That we're petitioning for. That we're fasting for. That we're praying for. And we fixate our faith on that. But how often do we pray. To God that our faith would be so entrenched. In the foundation of Jesus Christ. That we would just be able to suffer well." [50:41] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Are you in a position. Where God. Can trust the life that you're building. To narrate his story. And manifest his glory. In a way. That still ministers to others. You get a revelation. Of the larger picture. When you are rooted. When you are built on the foundation of Christ. Then you understand that these storms will come. That the discouragement will take place. That things will move slower than you want. But it will be a foundation that is never broken." [54:46] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus preached this sermon on the mount with so much authority because he knew that it was only through his own life that we would be able to be made and covered as righteousness Jesus stood and preached this with so much authority because he understood that he is the only way to God he understood that he is the way the truth and the life no one gets to the father except through him he stood there with so much authority because he understands who he was in the deity." [01:04:50] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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