Building On A Solid Foundation - MSQ
Part of Red Letter Living
July 16, 2023

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Building On A Solid Foundation - Message Study Questions

Message Summary

In concluding the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us with another illustration of the choice to follow Jesus and his teachings, or not. We must both hear and practice what Jesus says because He is the only sure foundation to build a life upon. Once the decision is made to follow Jesus, there are three key points to construct a solid spiritual foundation. First, learn the word of God. We must truly listen with an open heart and receptive mind to hear God’s word. When we immerse ourselves in His Word, in one sense our instruction manual, then we learn more about God and His ways, which enables us to discern His will for us. Second, Jesus emphasizes that those who not only hear but also put His words into practice are the wise builders. We are called to live out our faith in our thoughts, words, and actions. Thirdly, stand on the Word of God. By persevering over time, we develop endurance and maturity, enabling us to withstand any storm of life. Challenges, trials, and temptations are inevitable in this fallen world. The difference lies in the foundation upon which our lives are built. Following Jesus and his teachings brings stability. Anything else will ultimately bring collapse.

  1. Describe a time in your life when you found Christ to be a sure foundation?

  2. What makes you confident that you are building your house on the rock and not sand?

Consider This

The bible defines morals, values, and ethics. It teaches us how to love others and forgive others and to find our identity in Christ, not something or someone else. When we align our lives with God’s principles, our faith becomes visible and tangible to those around us. As a result, we experience the strength and stability that comes from building on the rock.

  1. True or false. A lot of people live frustrated lives because they don’t know what they are doing or what kind of life they are building.

  2. Read Matthew 7:24-27.

    • What makes a person wise?

    • What makes a person a fool?

    • What do the houses stand for? What are the forces of nature that assail the houses?

    • What do they stand for?

    • What happened to the wise person’s house? The fools?

  3. Why does obedience to God’s word bring security into your life?

  4. What are some sandy foundations you’ve seen people build their lives upon?

  5. Read Psalm 1:1-3. How does God’s word relate to stability in this passage? What stands out to you the most?

  6. What part(s) of your life do you clearly see God’s Word impacting? What areas of your life are more difficult to see God’s Word impacting?

  7. Read Psalm 127:1. What does it mean that “unless the Lord builds the house”, the builders labor in vain?

  8. Read Revelation 19:11-16 and Revelation 20:11-15. What do you learn about the looming day of God’s judgment? What light does this shed on what Jesus is telling us in our text this week?

Moving Forward – Application

  1. Think of one command in the Sermon on the Mount that you’ve avoided. Can you begin to obey it this week?

  2. Is there someone in your life who is building on a sandy foundation that you could warn this week? How?

    • Galatians 6:1

    • Colossians 4:2,5-6

    • James 5:16, 19-20

    • Titus 3:2

    • Ephesians 4:15

  3. Read John 1:12. Have you made the decision to believe and receive Jesus as the leader of your life yet? Will you?