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

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Building On A Solid Foundation

Jesus concluded his message by emphasizing there are only two choices…

  • Two roads, Two Gates
    (Matthew 7:13-14)

  • Two kinds of trees, Two kinds of fruit
    (Matthew 7:15-20)

  • Two kinds of foundation, Two kinds of builders
    (Matthew 7:24-27)

How easy it to build something when you don’t have instructions, and you don’t know what you are building?

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.”
Matthew 7:24-29

1. Learn the Word of God

The first step toward building a firm foundation is actively listening to the Word of God. It is not enough to merely hear the teachings of Jesus; we must truly listen with an open heart and receptive mind.

Through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s truth. By immersing ourselves in His Word, we lay the groundwork for a solid spiritual foundation.

The Bible is a Christians manual for living.
You find wisdom in how to deal with others, how to manage your own life, and how to connect with God on a deeper level. The Bible is the living Word of God.

It’s one thing to hear the Word of God, it’s another thing to actually listen to it.
Every day we are bombarded with information and opportunities where someone or some company is trying to get us to buy something or think a certain way.

When you study God’s Word you are focusing in learning more about God, His ways and in learning more about his ways you will be able to discern His will for you.

How does one raise a family or hold a marriage together without any solid wisdom?
You have the Word of God.

2. Apply the Word of God.

Jesus emphasizes that those who not only hear but also put His words into practice are wise builders. The practical application of His teachings is essential for constructing a solid life. We are called to live out our faith in our thoughts, words, and actions.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:22

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.

3. Stand on the Word of God.

Jesus concludes His teaching by illustrating the significance of a firm foundation when the storms of life come crashing against us. He shares the parable of the house built on sand, which represents a life built on a weak foundation. When the winds and floods assail that house, it collapses, great is its fall. In contrast, the house built on the rock, symbolizing a life anchored in God’s truth, remains unshaken.

It is not a matter of if storms will come, but when they will come.
Challenges, trials, and temptations are inevitable in this fallen world. The difference lies in the foundation upon which our lives are built. The foolish builder faces devastation when the storm hits because their foundation is weak. However, the wise builder remains steadfast because they have built their life upon the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

Your structure is always revealed in your storms.
Practicing obedience to Jesus teachings forms that solid foundation enabling you and I to weather the storms of life. We learn how to do this by following God’s Word so we can learn his ways and discern his will.

In Summary:

Hear the Word of God, learn it and know it.

Apply the Word of God.

Stand on the Word of God throughout your life.