Building the Church on Christ's Foundation
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound metaphor of the church as a building, as described by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians and 1 Corinthians. The church is not just a physical structure but a spiritual edifice built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, and the teachings of the apostles and prophets. This foundation is crucial because it provides stability and strength to the entire structure. As members of this spiritual household, we are the living stones, being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. This calls us to be mindful of how we build upon this foundation, ensuring that our efforts align with the gospel's truth and purpose.
The world presents many challenges and temptations that can lead us astray from our true mission. We are not building a social club, a politically correct community, or merely a charitable organization. Instead, we are building the church of Jesus Christ, proclaiming the gospel that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. This requires us to be vigilant and discerning, avoiding the pitfalls of worldly wisdom and the allure of popularity or success that can lead to spiritual compromise.
We examined examples of churches and movements that have lost sight of their true purpose, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the gospel. The materials we use to build—gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw—will be tested by fire on the day of judgment. Only what is built on the truth of Christ will endure. This is a sobering reminder that our work in the church must be grounded in the eternal truths of God's Word, not in transient worldly values.
Ultimately, we are reminded that in Christ, we have everything we need. We are called to trust in Him, knowing that He will sustain us through every trial and that eternal life awaits us. This assurance should embolden us to build faithfully and wisely, relying on God's wisdom rather than the world's.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is a spiritual building with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. Our unity and purpose are found in Him, and we must be careful to build upon this foundation with truth and integrity. [04:04]
- We are not building a social club or a politically correct community; we are building the church of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to proclaim the gospel and make disciples, staying true to the teachings of Scripture. [08:54]
- The materials we use to build—gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw—will be tested by fire. Only what is built on the truth of Christ will endure, reminding us to focus on eternal values. [14:09]
- Worldly wisdom may seem appealing, but it is folly in God's eyes. We must cling to the wisdom of the cross, which is the true power of God, and avoid being swayed by the world's standards. [20:49]
- In Christ, we have everything we need. We are called to trust in Him, knowing that He will sustain us through every trial and that eternal life awaits us. This assurance should embolden us to build faithfully and wisely. [24:54]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [04:04] - The Church as a Spiritual Building
- [08:54] - Building on the Right Foundation
- [14:09] - Testing Our Building Materials
- [15:51] - The Danger of Worldly Wisdom
- [17:53] - Examples of Misguided Building
- [20:49] - The Wisdom of the Cross
- [24:54] - Assurance in Christ
- [27:18] - Trusting in God's Direction
- [29:00] - Closing Thoughts
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:19-22
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-17
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Ephesians 2:19-22, what is the significance of Jesus Christ being the cornerstone of the church?
2. In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, what does Paul mean when he says he laid a foundation, and what is that foundation?
3. What are the two categories of building materials mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, and what do they represent? [14:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of believers in the spiritual building of the church? [04:04]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for the church to be a "dwelling place for God by the Spirit," and how does this impact the way believers should live? [04:04]
2. How can the examples of churches that have lost sight of their purpose serve as warnings for us today? [08:54]
3. What is the significance of the "day" mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:13, and how should this influence the way we build the church?
4. How does the sermon illustrate the dangers of relying on worldly wisdom instead of the wisdom of the cross? [20:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal contribution to the church. Are you building with "gold, silver, and precious stones," or with "wood, hay, and straw"? What changes can you make to ensure your efforts align with the gospel's truth? [14:09]
2. The sermon warns against building a church that resembles a social club or a politically correct community. How can you help your church stay focused on its true mission of proclaiming the gospel? [08:54]
3. Consider the allure of worldly success and popularity. How can you guard against these temptations in your personal life and in your involvement with the church? [20:49]
4. In what ways can you rely more on God's wisdom rather than the world's standards in your daily decisions and interactions? [20:49]
5. How does the assurance of having everything we need in Christ embolden you to face trials and challenges in your life? [24:54]
6. Identify one area in your life where you might be tempted to compromise your faith for the sake of acceptance or success. How can you address this temptation with the truth of the gospel?
7. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually compromised. What steps can you take to realign your life with the eternal truths of God's Word?
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Building on the Cornerstone of Christ
The church is described as a spiritual building, with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. This metaphor emphasizes the importance of unity and purpose found in Him. As believers, we are called to be living stones, contributing to this spiritual edifice. Our efforts must align with the truth and integrity of the gospel, ensuring that we build upon the foundation of Christ with care and dedication. This calls for a mindful approach to our spiritual growth and community involvement, recognizing that our unity and purpose are deeply rooted in Christ. [04:04]
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: In what ways can you contribute as a "living stone" to the spiritual building of your church community this week?
Day 2: Proclaiming the Gospel, Not Popularity
The mission of the church is not to become a social club or a politically correct community but to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. This involves making disciples and staying true to the teachings of Scripture. The allure of popularity and worldly success can lead to spiritual compromise, so it is crucial to remain vigilant and discerning. By focusing on the gospel's truth, we ensure that our mission aligns with God's purpose, rather than being swayed by societal trends or pressures. [08:54]
2 Timothy 4:2-4 (ESV): "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions."
Reflection: How can you ensure that your actions and words this week reflect the true mission of the church, rather than seeking approval from the world?
Day 3: Building with Eternal Values
The materials we use to build our spiritual lives—gold, silver, precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw—will be tested by fire. This metaphor serves as a reminder that only what is built on the truth of Christ will endure. It challenges us to focus on eternal values rather than transient worldly ones. By grounding our work in the eternal truths of God's Word, we ensure that our efforts will withstand the trials and tests of life, ultimately bringing glory to God. [14:09]
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (ESV): "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done."
Reflection: What "materials" are you using to build your spiritual life, and how can you focus more on eternal values this week?
Day 4: Embracing the Wisdom of the Cross
Worldly wisdom may seem appealing, but it is considered folly in God's eyes. The true power of God is found in the wisdom of the cross, which calls us to cling to Christ's teachings and avoid being swayed by the world's standards. This requires a commitment to God's wisdom, even when it contradicts societal norms or expectations. By embracing the wisdom of the cross, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience His transformative power in our lives. [20:49]
1 Corinthians 1:18-21 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on worldly wisdom, and how can you instead embrace the wisdom of the cross?
Day 5: Trusting in Christ's Sufficiency
In Christ, we have everything we need. This assurance should embolden us to build faithfully and wisely, trusting in His sufficiency to sustain us through every trial. Eternal life awaits us, and this promise encourages us to rely on God's wisdom rather than the world's. By placing our trust in Christ, we find the strength and courage to navigate life's challenges, knowing that He is our ultimate source of hope and security. [24:54]
Colossians 2:9-10 (ESV): "For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority."
Reflection: What specific trial or challenge are you facing today, and how can you trust in Christ's sufficiency to guide you through it?
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Quotes
1. "We are all fellow members of this household or of this family. It doesn't matter your age. It doesn't matter your ethnicity. It doesn't matter your social status. It doesn't matter anything other than the fact of Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, we have commonality. In Jesus Christ, we are unified, and that's what brings us together. So we're part of the same household. Verse 20. Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone. So this household, this structure, is built on a foundation. At the very bottom of the foundation is Jesus Christ. He's the cornerstone." [04:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We are building God's temple. The Corinthians were building God's temple, and they weren't building something else. They were divided. They were following different leaders. They had a lot of problems, and this is the letter. It's addressing a lot of these problems that they have because they forgot what they were building. And in the same way, we're not building a social club, although it's fun to come to church, and it's fun to have friends, and it's fun to have a small group, but we're not building a social club. We're not building also a politically correct, inclusive community that is a place for everybody to come just to be loved." [08:54] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one's work will become manifest, for the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done. The building materials that are described here, there are two different categories. First, the gold, silver, and precious stones. These are non -flammable building materials. And then the wood, hay, and straw are the flammable ones. It's the stuff that's not going to make it when the day comes." [14:09] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Charles Spurgeon, he said this. He said that the word of God is like a lion. You don't have to defend a lion. You just open the cage and let it out. And that's what we do at the church. We proclaim the gospel, proclaim Christ. But when we get involved in the wood, hay, and straw, when we start building other things, we go down a dangerous path." [15:51] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There is a possibility, friends, that the church will be destroyed, and along with that, the person who is part of it, the person who is doing it, the person who is deceiving. And I don't know, and only God knows, where that line is, like with the three examples, I'm not going to pronounce upon them eternal damnation, or that they're not saved, I don't know. But there comes a point where false teachers come into a church, and it will destroy the church, and it will destroy themselves. And we do good to heed that warning for ourselves." [20:49] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "This is the most powerful ending to this chapter. Don't trust in men, don't trust in the world's wisdom, because you're, as a believer, all is yours in Christ. Even the power over life and death, all the leaders that are serving, they're yours. You've got everything in Christ, and Christ is in God. So why import worldly wisdom? Why build with wood, hay, and straw, when you've got everything you need in Christ Jesus?" [24:54] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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