Building on the Rock: Foundations of Faith
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the parable of the wise and foolish builders from Matthew 7, which serves as the climax of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. This parable emphasizes the importance of not just hearing Jesus' words but also putting them into practice. Jesus contrasts two builders: one who builds his house on a rock, representing a life grounded in His teachings, and another who builds on sand, symbolizing a life that disregards His words. The parable underscores that while both builders face the same storms, only the house built on the rock stands firm.
We all have our ways of doing things, but Jesus calls us to follow His way, which He outlines in Matthew 5, 6, and 7. These chapters cover various aspects of life, including money, possessions, loving enemies, generosity, and prayer. The essence of Jesus' teaching is that hearing and doing His words is the foundation for a stable and enduring life.
The term "house" in the parable can be interpreted in multiple ways: our individual lives, our families, our ministries, and even our societies. Building on the rock means aligning our lives, families, and endeavors with Jesus' teachings. This requires patience, intentionality, and a willingness to let go of our opinions and instant gratifications.
Jesus' way is not about avoiding life's storms but about having a stable foundation that allows us to endure them. Stability in following Jesus can be a powerful testimony to others, showing that even in the hardest moments, we remain unmoved because our foundation is in Him. The parable challenges us to make a choice: to build on the rock by hearing and doing Jesus' words or to build on sand by ignoring them.
### Key Takeaways
1. Hearing and Doing: The critical component of Jesus' teaching is not just to hear His words but to put them into practice. This principle separates mere admirers of Jesus from true followers. Hearing without doing is like building on sand, while hearing and doing is like building on a rock. [03:55]
2. Foundation of Life: The "house" in the parable represents our lives, families, and endeavors. Building on the rock means aligning every aspect of our lives with Jesus' teachings. This requires us to let go of our opinions and instant gratifications and to be intentional and patient in following His way. [05:56]
3. Stability in Storms: Jesus' teaching is not about avoiding life's storms but about having a stable foundation that allows us to endure them. Stability in following Jesus can be a powerful testimony to others, showing that even in the hardest moments, we remain unmoved because our foundation is in Him. [14:42]
4. Personal Responsibility: Building on the rock requires personal responsibility. No one can do this for us. Jesus makes His expectations clear: those who hear and do His words will have a stable foundation. This requires us to take ownership of our spiritual growth and align our lives with His teachings. [12:29]
5. Jesus as the Source: Jesus must be the source of our everything, not just a supplement. He should be the foundation of our lives, not just a footnote. Our relationship with Him should be experienced daily, one step at a time, making Him the center of our lives and decisions. [20:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to the Parable
[02:13] - Our Ways vs. Jesus' Way
[02:57] - Topics Covered in Matthew 5-7
[03:55] - Hearing and Doing
[04:52] - Practical Application
[05:56] - Definitions of "House"
[06:52] - Opinions and Social Media
[07:28] - Building a Lasting House
[08:25] - Family Values
[09:13] - Parenting and Influence
[09:58] - Building a Ministry or Business
[11:11] - Personal Responsibility in Leadership
[12:29] - Societal Impact
[13:54] - Choices and Consequences
[14:42] - Stability in Life
[15:48] - Testimony of Stability
[16:35] - Rock vs. Sand
[17:37] - Relationships and Patience
[18:37] - Life's Ups and Downs
[19:38] - Continuous Growth
[20:11] - Jesus as the Source
[21:15] - Following Jesus' Way
[22:06] - Embracing Imperfection
[22:48] - Need for Jesus
[24:03] - Making the Right Choice
[25:17] - Simplicity of Jesus' Teaching
[26:33] - Learning from Seasoned Saints
[27:32] - Hope in Jesus
[28:13] - Clear Expectations
[29:03] - Living Out Our Faith
[29:55] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 7:24-27 (Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders)
- Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount)
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two different foundations mentioned in the parable of the wise and foolish builders? How do they differ in their outcomes? ([01:10])
2. According to the sermon, what are some of the topics Jesus covers in Matthew 5-7 that outline His way of living? ([02:57])
3. What does Jesus emphasize as the critical component for a stable foundation in life? ([03:55])
4. How does the sermon define the term "house" in the context of the parable? ([05:56])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus use the analogy of building a house to describe following His teachings? How does this analogy help us understand the importance of a strong foundation? ([01:10])
2. What does it mean to "hear and do" Jesus' words, and why is this distinction important for believers? ([03:55])
3. How can personal opinions and instant gratifications interfere with building a life on Jesus' teachings? ([06:52])
4. In what ways can stability in following Jesus serve as a testimony to others, especially during life's storms? ([14:42])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you have been hearing Jesus' words but not putting them into practice? What steps can you take to change this? ([03:55])
2. Think about your family or close relationships. How can you ensure that the values you are building on align with Jesus' teachings? What specific changes might be needed? ([08:25])
3. Consider a recent storm or challenge you have faced. How did your foundation in Jesus help you endure it? If it didn't, what can you do to strengthen your foundation for future challenges? ([14:42])
4. Identify one opinion or instant gratification that often leads you away from Jesus' teachings. How can you intentionally let go of it and align more closely with His way? ([06:52])
5. Jesus must be the source of everything in our lives, not just a supplement. What practical steps can you take to make Jesus the center of your daily decisions and actions? ([20:11])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt unstable or anxious. How can building your life on Jesus' teachings provide stability and peace in similar situations in the future? ([15:48])
7. How can you use your personal testimony of stability in Jesus to encourage others who may be going through difficult times? ([15:48])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Obedience
Hearing and doing Jesus' words is the cornerstone of a stable and enduring life. Jesus emphasizes that merely listening to His teachings is not enough; we must also act on them. This principle is vividly illustrated in the parable of the wise and foolish builders. The wise builder, who hears and acts on Jesus' words, constructs his house on a rock, ensuring it stands firm against life's storms. In contrast, the foolish builder, who hears but does not act, builds on sand, leading to inevitable collapse when challenges arise. This distinction underscores the importance of integrating Jesus' teachings into our daily lives, transforming us from mere admirers into true followers. [03:55]
James 1:22-24 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like."
Reflection: Think of a specific teaching of Jesus that you have heard but not yet put into practice. What steps can you take today to begin living out this teaching in your daily life?
Day 2: Building a Solid Foundation
The "house" in the parable represents various aspects of our lives, including our personal lives, families, and endeavors. Building on the rock means aligning every part of our lives with Jesus' teachings. This alignment requires us to let go of our opinions and instant gratifications, embracing patience and intentionality. By doing so, we create a stable foundation that can withstand life's challenges. This process is not about avoiding difficulties but about ensuring that we have the resilience to endure them. When our lives are grounded in Jesus' teachings, we can face storms with confidence, knowing that our foundation is secure. [05:56]
1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV): "For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you have been building on sand (e.g., relying on your own understanding or seeking instant gratification). How can you begin to align this area with Jesus' teachings today?
Day 3: Enduring Life's Storms
Jesus' teachings do not promise a life free from storms but offer a stable foundation to endure them. Stability in following Jesus can serve as a powerful testimony to others, demonstrating that even in the hardest moments, we remain unmoved because our foundation is in Him. This stability is not about avoiding life's difficulties but about having the resilience to face them with confidence. When others see our unwavering faith during challenging times, it can inspire them to seek the same foundation in Jesus. Our ability to endure storms with grace and strength can be a testament to the transformative power of living according to Jesus' teachings. [14:42]
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: Reflect on a recent storm or challenge you faced. How did your foundation in Jesus help you endure it? If you struggled, what can you do to strengthen your foundation for future storms?
Day 4: Taking Personal Responsibility
Building on the rock requires personal responsibility. Jesus makes it clear that those who hear and do His words will have a stable foundation. This responsibility cannot be delegated; it requires each individual to take ownership of their spiritual growth. Aligning our lives with Jesus' teachings involves intentional effort and commitment. It means actively seeking to understand His words and applying them in our daily lives. By taking personal responsibility for our spiritual journey, we ensure that our foundation is strong and capable of withstanding life's challenges. This commitment to personal growth is essential for building a life that reflects Jesus' teachings. [12:29]
Galatians 6:4-5 (ESV): "But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your spiritual life where you need to take more personal responsibility? What practical steps can you take today to grow in this area?
Day 5: Making Jesus the Center
Jesus must be the source of everything in our lives, not just a supplement. He should be the foundation of our lives, not just a footnote. Our relationship with Him should be experienced daily, one step at a time, making Him the center of our lives and decisions. This means prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else and allowing His teachings to guide our actions and choices. By making Jesus the center, we ensure that our lives are built on a solid foundation that can withstand any challenge. This daily commitment to living according to His teachings transforms our lives and strengthens our faith. [20:11]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: In what ways have you been treating Jesus as a supplement rather than the center of your life? What changes can you make today to ensure that He is the foundation of your daily decisions and actions?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "What Jesus is doing here in Matthew 7 is something that he has been doing all throughout Matthew 5 and 6 as well, is teaching the listeners on the top of that mountain what is the best way for them to live. He doesn't just want them to live any normal life, he wants them to live a life that is led by the best way possible." [01:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because the thing that Jesus is pointing to in this parable is not just the longevity of our lives, here we go, but the stability of our lives. What a great testimony to an anxious and an unstable culture that you can go through the hardest moments life has to offer, and still be unmoved. Oh, you'll cry, but you won't go crazy. Oh, you'll grieve, but you won't lose your mind. You'll have disappointment, but you won't be destroyed because you've leaned in to the foundation that is who? Jesus." [14:42] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The key here is that Jesus has to be our source and not a supplement. In the world? In the time we live in? Jesus must be the source that we run to first whenever anything and everything happens. If he was good enough to be Savior, he's also good enough to be Lord. If he's good enough to be provider, he's also good enough to be healer. If he was good enough to be deliverer, he's also good enough for me to take instruction from and go, yes, sir, hear what I say and does what I say." [20:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "There's so much hope that's found in taking Jesus at his word. We're in a time now where we can't just play this thing called church. Anymore. We can't, we can't be complacent Christians. Just so we're clear. It goes beyond a Facebook post and an Instagram post and a real. You actually got to do the thing that you said you were trying to do. Love your neighbor and your enemy. Trust Jesus when everything falls down around you." [29:03] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The problem is if we want our families to reflect what God says is best, it's important that we build on the foundation that he says guarantees us to experience his best. There are those of us in here that we're also building a ministry or we're building a business. Just so we're clear, if you're a believer and follower of Jesus and you own a business, you run a company, you're a leader in an organization, your occupation is a ministry." [09:58] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus makes this possible because he expresses his expectations very clearly. He says, those who hear what I say and do what I say, they're the ones that they've built their house on a rock. But the ones who hear what I say, don't do what I say, they're the ones who build their houses on sand. It's interesting here that he uses two very distinct foundations. Both builders had a choice. Both builders made a decision. Both builders had the same scenarios and rain and winds and problems that showed up to both of their houses, but both builders had very distinct differences in what came out of the storm they went through." [12:29] (66 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The relationship with Jesus is not something that's supposed to be mastered. The relationship with Jesus is something that's supposed to be experienced. One day at a time, one next right step after another. The key here is that Jesus has to be our source and not a supplement. In the world? In the time we live in? Jesus must be the source that we run to first whenever anything and everything happens." [20:11] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if stability was the greatest testimony? Consistency of following Jesus, through every season life has to offer. What if this was one of the greatest testimonies that will compel other people to want to find out who is this Jesus you follow? Jesus. The wise person builds their house on the rock. The foolish person builds their house on the sand. Rock takes time. Sand is immediate. Rock is permanent. Sand comes and goes as the wind blows. The rock takes intentionality. The sand is just instant gratification." [15:48] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The question is, will you... Do it. This is not one of those messages where it's like, hey, I'm going to leave you really encouraged and really high and hopeful. No, this is like one of those in-your-face messages that goes, hey, you actually only have two choices. Yes or no. I'll be honest, in this room and watching online, if you're contemplating the no, you ought to talk to somebody who used to live in the no, and now they're living in the yes." [25:17] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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