Building on the Rock: True Obedience to Christ
Summary
In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus draws a clear line between those who merely call Him “Lord” and those who actually do what He says. The difference is not in what they profess, but in the foundation they build their lives upon. Just as a fitness influencer’s results are visible proof of his discipline and methods, so too the fruits of a life built on Christ’s words are evident when storms come. The call is not to a shallow, name-only Christianity, but to a deep, obedient relationship with Jesus—one that stands firm when life’s inevitable storms hit.
Our culture is obsessed with redefining words and seeking outcomes that favor personal comfort, often at the expense of truth and responsibility. The concept of “equity” has shifted from fairness to a subjective sense of deservedness, determined by whoever is most vocal. This same attitude can creep into our spiritual lives, tempting us to treat Jesus as a means to an easy life or material gain. But Jesus never promised a storm-free existence; He promised a foundation that would hold when the storms come.
Both the wise and the foolish builders in Jesus’ parable experience the same storms. The difference is not in the severity of their trials, but in the foundation beneath them. Building on sand—on fleeting pleasures, worldly wisdom, or self-centered desires—may seem easier and more immediately gratifying, but it leads to ruin when tested. Building on the rock—on obedience to Christ’s teachings—requires patience, humility, and foresight, but it alone endures.
Obedience to Jesus is not about earning His love, but about aligning our lives with the truth that sets us free. He calls us to love God with all our heart, to love our neighbors and even our enemies, to forgive, to judge ourselves before judging others, to pray persistently, and to lay up treasures in heaven through serving others. The fruits of such a life—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the visible evidence of a solid foundation. When others see us standing firm through trials, it becomes a powerful testimony to the reality of Christ in us.
The invitation is open: if you want the fruits of a life anchored in Christ, do what He says. The storms will come, but your life will not collapse, because it is built on the unshakable rock of Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Obedience Is the True Foundation
Merely calling Jesus “Lord” is not enough; the real test is whether His words shape our actions and decisions. Obedience is not a burdensome requirement, but the very foundation that enables us to withstand life’s storms. When we build our lives on Christ’s teachings, we are not promised an easier life, but a life that endures. [03:41]
- Cultural Redefinitions Can Distort Spiritual Truths
Our generation’s tendency to redefine words like “equity” and “privilege” reflects a deeper spiritual danger: the temptation to reshape God’s truth to fit our desires. When we treat Jesus as a means to personal comfort or material gain, we miss the heart of the gospel. True discipleship means submitting to God’s definitions, not our own. [08:21]
- Storms Are Inevitable, but Collapse Is Not
Both the wise and foolish face the same storms—trials, losses, and hardships are part of life for everyone. The difference is not in what we face, but in what we’ve built our lives upon. A foundation of obedience to Christ’s words is the only guarantee that we will stand when everything else is shaken. [16:44]
- Foolishness Is Living for the Moment, Wisdom Is Living for Eternity
The fool is not ignorant, but short-sighted—living only for immediate gratification, whether in finances, relationships, or spiritual life. Wisdom is found in delaying gratification, investing in what lasts, and building with eternity in view. The world’s cliches and self-help mantras cannot sustain us; only the words of Jesus can. [22:49]
- The Fruits of the Spirit Are Evidence of a Solid Foundation
A life built on Christ’s words will bear visible fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more. These are not self-generated, but the result of abiding in Jesus and doing what He says. When others see us standing firm through adversity, it opens doors for the gospel and points them to the reality of Christ. [34:59]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - The Fitness Analogy: “Want These? Do These”
[03:41] - Jesus’ Call to Obedience in Luke 6
[07:12] - Redefining Words in Our Culture
[08:21] - The New Meaning of “Equity”
[10:08] - Treating Jesus Like a Genie
[12:00] - The Parachute Illustration: Why We Need Christ
[16:44] - The Storms of Life: What’s Your Foundation?
[19:52] - The Fool: Living Without Foresight
[22:49] - The Cost of Building on Sand
[25:45] - Real-Life Cliffside Houses: Ignoring the Foundation
[27:14] - The Metaphor: Your Life as a House
[29:51] - Worldly Wisdom vs. God’s Word
[30:42] - The Wise Builder: Obedience and Its Fruits
[34:59] - The Fruits of the Spirit and Miraculous Signs
[36:32] - Miraculous Signs: Context and Application
[37:43] - Standing Firm as a Testimony
[39:29] - Invitation to Salvation and Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Want These? Do These”
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### Bible Reading
Luke 6:46-49 (ESV)
> “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Jesus’ parable, what is the main difference between the two builders and their houses? ([03:41])
2. According to the sermon, do both the wise and foolish builders experience storms? What does this tell us about following Jesus? ([16:44])
3. What are some examples from the sermon of things people might build their lives on instead of Jesus’ words? ([27:14])
4. What visible evidence does the sermon say will show if someone’s life is built on Christ’s foundation? ([34:59])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize doing what He says, not just calling Him “Lord”? What does this reveal about the kind of relationship He wants with us? ([03:41])
2. The sermon talks about our culture redefining words like “equity” and “privilege.” How can this attitude affect the way we approach Jesus and His teachings? ([08:21])
3. The foolish builder is described as someone who lives for the moment and ignores the future. What are some ways Christians might fall into this trap today? ([22:49])
4. The sermon lists the fruits of the Spirit as evidence of a solid foundation. Why do you think these qualities are so important for showing others the reality of Christ in us? ([34:59])
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### Application Questions
1. Jesus says the wise builder “hears my words and does them.” Is there a specific teaching of Jesus you’ve been hearing but not putting into practice? What’s holding you back? ([03:41])
2. The sermon warns against treating Jesus like a “genie” for comfort or material gain. Have you ever found yourself approaching God mainly for what He can give you? How can you shift your focus to obedience and relationship? ([10:08])
3. Both builders face storms. Think about a recent “storm” in your life. What did you rely on most during that time—your own wisdom, comfort, or Christ’s words? ([16:44])
4. The sermon describes foolishness as living for immediate gratification. Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to take shortcuts or avoid the hard work of building a strong foundation? What’s one step you can take to choose wisdom instead? ([22:49])
5. The fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are described as evidence of a life built on Christ. Which of these do you most want to see grow in your life? What’s a practical way you can pursue it this week? ([34:59])
6. The sermon mentions that standing firm through trials can be a powerful testimony to others. Can you think of someone who has noticed your faith during a hard time? How might you use that as an opportunity to share about Jesus? ([37:43])
7. The invitation is open: “If you want the fruits of a life anchored in Christ, do what He says.” What is one area where you sense God inviting you to deeper obedience right now? How can your small group support you in this? ([39:29])
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Devotional
Day 1: Building on the Solid Rock: Obedience to Jesus
A life built on hearing and doing the words of Jesus stands firm through every storm, while a life built on anything else is destined to collapse. Jesus makes it clear that simply calling Him “Lord” is not enough; true discipleship is demonstrated by obedience. When the inevitable storms of life—trials, losses, disappointments—come, only those who have dug deep and laid their foundation on Christ’s teachings will remain unshaken. The storms are not a matter of “if” but “when,” and the difference between ruin and resilience is whether you have put Jesus’ words into practice. [03:41]
Luke 6:46-49 (NLT)
“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”
Reflection: What is one specific teaching of Jesus you’ve heard but not yet put into practice? What would it look like to start obeying Him in that area today?
Day 2: The Foolishness of Ignoring God’s Wisdom
Ignoring the words of Jesus and building your life on worldly wisdom, fleeting pleasures, or self-centered desires is the path of a fool. The foolish builder is short-sighted, caring only for immediate gratification and neglecting the future consequences of their choices. This lack of foresight leads to disaster when life’s storms hit, as there is no solid foundation to hold them up. True wisdom is found in valuing what lasts and investing in what cannot be swept away by trouble or temptation. [20:38]
Matthew 7:26-27 (NLT)
“But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
Reflection: Where in your life are you settling for quick fixes or temporary pleasures instead of building on God’s wisdom? What step can you take today to choose lasting foundations?
Day 3: The Heart Revealed by Treasure
What you value most is revealed by where you invest your time, energy, and resources. Jesus teaches that your heart follows your treasure, and if your priorities are set on earthly gain, fleeting trends, or self-indulgence, your life will reflect that. But if you invest in God’s kingdom—serving others, loving sacrificially, and obeying Christ—your heart will be anchored in what truly matters. Examine your spending, your calendar, and your attention: they are windows into your soul’s foundation. [21:16]
Matthew 6:21 (NLT)
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Reflection: Look at your recent spending or how you use your free time. What does it reveal about your true priorities, and how might God be calling you to realign your heart?
Day 4: The Fruits of Obedience: Living Out the Teachings of Jesus
Obedience to Jesus produces a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit and the evidence of God’s power. Loving God with all your heart, loving your neighbor, forgiving others, showing mercy, and laying up treasures in heaven are not just ideals—they are commands that, when lived out, transform you and those around you. As you do what Jesus says, your life becomes a testimony of His faithfulness, and you become a channel for His love, joy, peace, and even miraculous signs. [34:59]
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you most desire to see grow in your life? What is one way you can intentionally practice that fruit today?
Day 5: The Invitation to Salvation and Restoration
No matter your past or present, Jesus offers forgiveness, salvation, and a new foundation for your life. He invites you to confess Him as Lord, believe in His resurrection, and receive the gift of eternal life. Even if you have wandered far or feel unworthy, God’s love is waiting for you—ready to welcome you home and restore you. The foundation of a relationship with Jesus is available to all who will turn to Him in faith and repentance. [39:29]
Romans 10:9 (NLT)
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Reflection: Have you truly made Jesus the foundation of your life? If not, what is holding you back from surrendering to Him and receiving His forgiveness and new life today?
Quotes
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