INTRODUCTION
The Sermon on the Mount is abundantly clear and straightforward for those who are honestly listening. Jesus gives us very practical and specific pointers on how we are to live our lives. He does not give us rules, per se, but He does invite us to see life through His lens. This week He takes us to the foundation of it all. Foundations are not exciting and they are rarely even considered except in the case of some kind of disaster. Foundations of buildings are important while the foundation of our lives are exponentially more important. As is often the case, we need to take time to honestly evaluate (or even dig beyond the surface) to honestly evaluate our own foundations. Everything we are currently building may be in serious danger if we do not allow the Lord to help us look at the foundation of our lives. Let’s take a deep dive below the surface…
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What are your thoughts about the Super Bowl (your prediction to win it all this year, favorite snack, favorite SB memory, or best commercial)?
The foundation is the most important part of a building and also the most important part of our lives. What are some important parts of the foundation of your life the provide you stability?
Can you ever remember cutting a corner, in preparation of a recipe or another project, that you later regretting missing that step or cutting that corner?
What is an example of putting too much focus on things above the foundation to the neglect of establishing something that will pass the test of time?
Rebuilding something can be exciting and and also costly. When the original is torn down it can reveal a foundation that also needs attention. What is an area in your life that you think may need to be rebuilt, but the work may need to go deeper than you initially anticipated?
When Jesus taught about a foundation of sand and a rocky one what are examples of sand foundations in your life?
What are tests in your life that have revealed the quality (or lack of quality) of your foundation?
Pastor Cory told us that the wisest person in the room usually speaks the least and least. Not speaking is not the same as listening. What is an active step you can take to learn from those around you?
Listening is not enough. We also need to apply what we hear from wise sources. Many of us used to pay Simon Says on the playground. What is something that Jesus has been saying and it time for you to apply that wisdom to your life?
Following the teachings of Jesus is what makes us a Christian, or a Christ follower. When we first start to follow Him our understanding is limited. As we grow in our relationship with Him we gain wisdom and understanding. What is an area that you feel invited to learn more about what Jesus would want for you in your life?
What does it mean to you to have Jesus as the foundation of your life?
Most people don’t have one foundation of sand and then transition to one of solid rock. Typically we have lives build on Jesus, but there are cracks in our relationship with Him. What is a crack that you think He wants to help you strengthen for your own sake and also for the sake of those who rely on the stability of your foundation?
MOVING FORWARD
Your foundation is yours (profound- huh?). It may be flawed due to damage done by others or due to harsh circumstances, but it is yours to cover up, build upon, or to strengthen. Jesus wants us to take honest assessments based on what is true and then go from there. Your foundation is not permanent. Jesus wants to help us build our lives on Him first and then allow Him to help us strengthen our lives in every area, especially areas of weakness. Please, please, please do not continue building on areas that are flawed. Please take time to allow the Holy Spirit to point out areas that could be better and then also allow Him to help. God is never about making us feel defeated. He does, however, give us the self discipline to take time to assess, the courage to honestly evaluate, and then the resolve to make the necessary adjustments. What an amazing blessing to not be on this journey alone, but to get to do this with YOU!