Opening Monologue
Welcome AVC Church Family, new subscribers & friends! Let’s grow together under the power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
We are in a Series as many of you may know: Supernaturally Transformed. We have seen multitudes, and many individuals seek out Jesus to be freed from pain, and serious crisis in their lives. One thing is for certain, Jesus never fails … he meets people on the road of life we are all traveling on; he doesn’t judge or condemn… he touches their lives, and they are supernaturally transformed.
One crucial aspect of becoming or receiving transformation (Especially Christians) is to establish a firm foundation on Jesus Christ. (Luke 6:46-49) We dive into this teaching in this week’s sermon.
Transformation requires action on our part. We must go to Jesus… we must seek Jesus. There is no time to play games with our souls. Quite frankly, there are too many lackadaisical Christians playing Russian Roulette… this is exactly what the Enemy wants.
We will see a Roman Centurion (a pagan) go find Jesus and his life and his servant’s life would never be the same again; this is what happens when we invite Jesus into our lives and situations. Jesus responded: “I tell you; I have not found such great faith in all of Israel” Luke 7:9b. Wow! Where is your faith… and are you looking for Jesus?
Be sure to engage in the commentary and the devotional questions below in the APP. The Lord bless you and your family in all that you do!
Blessings in Christ!
Rev. Brad Standfest
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Key Sermon Text
Ephesians 6:12-13a
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A12-13a&version=NIV
Luke 6:47-49
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A47-49&version=NIV
Luke 7:1-10
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+7%3A1-10&version=NIV
Summary of Jesus Christ’s Supernatural Power
Supernatural Transformation requires Action on our parts as Christians
Building our foundation in Christ is akin to the wise builder who built his house upon the rock. As Jesus taught in Luke 6:46-49 & Matthew 7:24-27, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
To build our foundation in Christ means to hear His words and put them into action in our lives. This involves not just a superficial acknowledgment of His teachings but a deep, committed practice of living according to His commandments and examples. Christ’s teachings encompass love, forgiveness, service, humility, and trust in God among many others.
By embodying these teachings, we prepare ourselves to withstand the challenges and storms of life, secure in the strength and stability that come from a foundation in Christ. It’s a journey of faith, requiring us to trust in God’s promises and to rely on His grace. Through prayer, studying the Scriptures, fellowship with other believers, and living out our faith in daily actions, we solidify this foundation, ensuring that our lives are built on the rock that is Christ Jesus.
Keys to Transformation
Being transformed by Jesus Christ involves a profound internal change that reflects in our external actions, aligning our lives more closely with God’s will. Here are key aspects of undergoing this transformation:
1.Renewal of Mind - Romans 12:2 instructs, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” A significant part of transformation involves changing how we think. This means actively filling our minds with God’s Word, seeking His wisdom, and rejecting worldly values that conflict with God’s kingdom.
2. Faith and Trust in Jesus - Ephesians 2:8 says, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Faith is essential for transformation. Believing in Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins is the starting point. Trusting in Him for our daily needs, guidance, and for our future cultivates a relationship that transforms us from the inside out.
3. Obedience to God’s Word - John 14:23 Jesus states, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” Transformation is evidenced by a change in behavior. Obedience to God’s commands is a natural outcome of our love for Him and a desire to live in a way that pleases Him. This means turning away from sin and striving to live a holy life.
4. Prayer and Communion with God - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 encourages, “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Regular prayer and worship deepen our relationship with God and open our hearts to His transforming power. It’s through communion with God that we receive the strength, guidance, and comfort needed to navigate life’s challenges.
5. Fellowship with Other Believers - Hebrews 10:24-25 advises, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Being part of a community of faith provides encouragement, accountability, and support as we grow in Christ. Through fellowship, we learn from each other and are reminded that we are not alone in our journey of transformation.
Transformation in Christ is a lifelong process, marked by continual growth and deepening faith. Through these keys, believers can navigate the path of transformation, drawing ever closer to the image of Christ.
Commentary
JESUS TEACHES ABOUT THOSE WHO BUILD HOUSES ON ROCK AND SAND / 6:46–49
The Sermon on the Plain ends with a clear warning from Jesus to put his words into action. Jesus was not content with letting his audience ponder his profound thoughts. His teaching is not meant for academic discussion and debate. Instead Christians should build their entire lives around his teachings, applying them to every facet of life. If they don’t, they will not be able to withstand the pressures and temptations of this world and will be swept away to their destruction. Jesus calls believers to take the time they have now—before the floodwaters come—to reevaluate the way they live in light of his teachings.
6:46–47 “So why do you call me ‘Lord,’ when you won’t obey me? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then obeys me.” People who choose to follow Jesus will find a change in their attitudes and behavior, as Jesus has just described. Those who are false followers will be found out by the “fruit” they produce (6:43–45). To call Jesus Lord means to have committed oneself to following him and his teaching. Why would someone call Jesus “Lord” and then refuse to obey his teachings? Jesus’ true followers not only hear his words, but they act on his words, allowing his message to make a difference in their lives. The following parable will show Jesus’ listeners what it’s like when a person comes, listens, and then obeys.
COME, LISTEN, OBEY
You go to the doctor. She diagnoses your problem and gives you a prescription, telling you to take the medication daily and check in with her in a week. The week passes; you go in for the follow-up appointment. “Have you been taking the medication?” she asks.
“No,” you say, “I decided I didn’t really need to.”
“Then why are you coming to me for treatment?” she asks, reasonably enough. “Why ask my advice? Why bother having a doctor at all?”
It’s doubtful that anyone would do that. And yet how often do we Christians profess Jesus as our Lord, then ignore his clear commands? We call him Lord, yet do not do what he tells us to do. It’s as foolish as seeing a doctor and then disregarding her instructions. The Lord’s commands are clear and relatively few: Love God. Love one another. Treat others as you want to be treated. Be forgiving with the offender and compassionate with the weak and oppressed. Are there areas of your life that need to be brought under his lordship? Ask him to enable you to do so by his grace today.
6:48 “It is like a person who builds a house on a strong foundation laid upon the underlying rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built.” Jesus explained that his true followers, by coming, listening, and obeying (6:46–47) were like a person who builds a house on a strong foundation laid upon the underlying rock. The one who builds “on rock” is a hearing, responding disciple, not a superficial one. Practicing obedience builds on the solid foundation of Jesus’ words to weather the storms of life. Jesus pictured Palestine’s climate in these words. There were few rainfalls all year, but during the rainy season, heavy rains with excessive flooding could wash away poorly grounded homes. But those houses with their foundations on solid rock would be unaffected by the rising waters and beating winds—when the floodwaters rise and break against the house, it stands firm because it is well built. When the “storms of life” come (perhaps the hatred and persecution Jesus warned his followers to expect) only the person who builds his or her life on the “strong foundation” of Jesus Christ will be able to “stand firm.” When life is calm, the foundation doesn’t seem to matter. But when crises come, the foundation is tested. Be sure your life is built on the solid foundation of knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.
6:49 “But anyone who listens 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 crumble into a heap of ruins.” In contrast to the one who comes, listens, and obeys is the person who listens and doesn’t obey. While both of these people may have built houses that looked identical, the crucial difference was in the foundation. The person who won’t listen to Jesus will be like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floodwaters sweep down against that house, it cannot stand firm. The sand beneath the house will be driven away, and the house will crumble into a heap of ruins. As character is revealed by fruit (6:43–45), so faith is revealed by storms. The wise person, seeking to act upon God’s Word, builds to withstand anything. It will be the foundation, not the house, that will determine what happens on the Day of judgment.
SETTLING FOR SAND
Why would people build a house without a foundation? Perhaps they want to save time and avoid the hard work of preparing a stone foundation. Possibly because the waterfront scenery is more attractive or because beach houses have higher social status than cliff houses. Perhaps because they want to join their friends who have already settled in sandy areas. For some reason people who build their lives on weak foundations assume that disaster can’t happen to them. When God judges each person’s life, only those who have built on Jesus and his teaching will stand the test. Obedience is the only flood insurance you need.
Luke 7
A ROMAN CENTURION DEMONSTRATES FAITH / 7:1–10
The story of the centurion’s extraordinary faith in Jesus reiterates a dominant theme in Luke’s writings (this Gospel and the book of Acts): the inclusion of the Gentiles in the family of faith. One of Luke’s major purposes for writing was to demonstrate to Theophilus, a Gentile convert to Christianity (1:1; Acts 1:1), that Jesus had come to save both the Jews and the Gentiles. This theme can be seen in this Gospel in the fact that Luke traced Jesus’ genealogy back to Adam (3:38), that he recorded the songs of Mary and Simeon, which both allude to the extension of salvation to the Gentiles (1:50; 2:32), and that he emphasized Jesus’ association with the Samaritans (a group held in contempt by Jews because they were a “mixed race” contaminated by Gentile blood, see 10:33; 17:16). This passage tells of Jesus extending his healing ministry to a Gentile and commending the centurion for his genuine faith (which rivaled the faith of Israelites). In the first sermon that Luke records, Jesus had already compared the faith of Gentiles to the unbelief of the Israelites (in the time of Elijah and Elisha, see 4:24–26). The faith of this centurion foreshadows the faith of another centurion, Cornelius, the first Gentile convert to Christianity (see Acts 10).
For those connected to a predominantly Gentile church, these distinctions between Jew and Gentile appear antiquated, a part of a church debate that has no relevance. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus excludes no one. He has commissioned believers to proclaim the Good News to all—from the people of a remote village to the “annoying” neighbor next door (24:46–49; Matthew 28:18–20).
7:1 When Jesus had finished saying all this, he went back to Capernaum. Capernaum had become Jesus’ “home base” while he was in Galilee. Located on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum was the largest of the many cities surrounding the lake. Far more than just a fishing village, it was the economic center of Galilee and sat near a major trade route and thus was a wealthy city. The city housed a contingent of Roman soldiers even though Galilee was not under Roman occupation until after the death of Herod Agrippa in A.D. 44. Because Capernaum had the headquarters for Roman troops, the city was filled with heathen influences from all over the Roman Empire. The Gospels do not explain why Jesus chose this city, although it must have offered good possibilities for ministry such as (1) it was farther away from the intense opposition of the Pharisees in Nazareth; (2) it was a busy place, so Jesus’ message could reach many people and spread quickly; and (3) it was home to several of the disciples and could provide extra resources and support for his ministry.
7:2–3 A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his servant. A centurion was a Roman army officer in charge of one hundred men. Often the sons of Roman senators or powerful figures would begin their careers at this level.
This centurion had a slave whom he valued highly and whom he wanted to be healed. Why so much concern about a slave? The Jewish historian Josephus wrote that Roman soldiers had many slaves who actually trained and fought with them. So this slave may have been the centurion’s personal attendant with whom he felt a close bond. Thus, this centurion made an appeal on behalf of his servant who was ill and close to death. (Matthew 8:6 tells us that the servant was paralyzed and suffering terribly.)
The centurion had heard about Jesus, so he certainly knew of Jesus’ healing power. So he sent a request for healing to Jesus apparently because he believed Jesus was sent from God. He may have known about the healing of the Roman official’s son (which probably occurred earlier, see John 4:46–54). He knew that Jesus had the power to heal his slave.
Matthew 8:5 says the Roman centurion visited Jesus himself, while Luke says he sent Jewish elders to present his request to Jesus. In those days, dealing with a person’s messengers was considered the same as dealing with the one who had sent them. Thus, in dealing with the messengers, Jesus was dealing with the centurion. For his Jewish audience, Matthew emphasized the man’s faith. For his Gentile audience, Luke highlighted the good relationship between the Jewish elders and the Roman centurion. As an army captain, he daily delegated work and sent groups on missions, so this was how he chose to get his message to Jesus.
7:4–5 When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” The animosity between the Jews and the Romans was no secret. The Jews hated the occupation army; the Romans, in turn, hated the Jews. Yet in this story we find a different sort of Roman soldier—a man who seems to have been a God-fearing man. He loved the Jewish people, and he built their synagogue (meaning that he funded it and certainly had genuine interest in it and the God worshiped there). That this centurion could request a favor of these Jewish elders and have them respond so willingly would normally come as a surprise. That the elders appealed to [Jesus] earnestly on behalf of this centurion was even more out of character with normal Jewish/Roman relations. The elders appealed to Jesus, saying that this centurion was worthy of having Jesus heal his slave.
A WORD FROM JESUS
It’s difficult to find people who can be taken absolutely at their word. In spite of good intentions, many people are not completely reliable and trustworthy. What a treasure when we meet reliable people! We respect and admire them. The centurion who sent for Jesus’ help somehow knew that Jesus was completely dependable. And, what’s more, he knew Jesus was capable of doing what he said he would do. Hence the soldier’s confession of faith: “Say the word, and my servant will be healed.” His trust in Jesus serves as an excellent model for ours. We should strive to obey Jesus and take him at his word.
7:6–7 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus responded to the request brought by the Jewish elders and went with them to the centurion’s home. Surely the centurion knew of the Jewish policy of not entering Gentile homes and may have realized, on second thought, his presumption in asking this Jewish teacher to come. So when Jesus and the Jewish elders were not far from the house, the centurion sent another message by way of some friends: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.” He understood that since he was a Gentile, he was considered unclean by the Jews. He may also have felt himself unworthy to have Jesus enter his home, and he did not even consider [himself] worthy to come to meet Jesus. The centurion showed that he had the true attitude of a disciple (see Peter’s response in 5:8). He called Jesus “Lord,” indicating his respect for Jesus. This Gentile understood more than most of the Jews of Jesus’ day; he saw Jesus’ superiority. He saw that Jesus’ authority was greater than his own and that Jesus did not have to personally visit his home. The centurion understood that Jesus needed only to say the word to heal the servant (see Psalm 107:20). Most of the people who came to Jesus sought to get close enough to touch him in order to be healed, but this centurion knew that Jesus could also heal without touch. His word would be enough.
AUTHORITY
A private does not ponder the wisdom of his sergeant’s orders before carrying them out. A captain doesn’t debate with a colonel the merits of his decisions. Soldiers respond to and obey orders from their commanding officers. Otherwise, the military would collapse in chaos and never be able to defend itself against another army. Any good military person, like this centurion, understands this implicitly. That is probably why the centurion was able to grasp so profoundly the authority that Jesus possessed over even diseases. When you read God’s commands in the Bible, or sense his leading in prayer, do you respond as automatically as a soldier under someone else’s authority? Do you carry out the Lord’s instructions as faithfully and unquestioningly as this centurion? Do you regard yourself as a person under God’s authority?
7:8 “For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” The centurion had authority by virtue of his position. He had soldiers under him who had been trained to respond unquestioningly. He was a man set under authority because final authority rested with the Roman emperor. The emperor delegated responsibility to various officials such as this centurion. The centurion was accustomed both to obeying and to being obeyed. He may have understood that Jesus’ power and authority came from God. When Jesus spoke, God spoke. Jesus did not need rituals or medicines or even his touch or presence to accomplish a healing. The centurion applied his understanding of authority to Jesus. Just as this officer did not need to be present to have his orders carried out, so Jesus didn’t need to be present to heal. The centurion had absolutely no doubt that Jesus could merely speak the word and heal the servant.
FAITH LIKE THIS
Everybody loves to see the underdog come through. It’s become a movie cliché—the poor kid with nothing going for him except his own heart and determination wins against the wealthy, privileged kid whose parents and trainers have given him every material advantage. There’s something about a man or woman who achieves against the odds and overcomes the obstacles. Spiritually, the Jews had every advantage: they had Abraham as their father, Moses had given them God’s law, and they had the great written record of the kings and the prophets to instruct and inspire them. In spite of all that, they were still lacking something: courageous, unquestioning faith. This Gentile, on the other hand, this Roman centurion—who had none of the advantages God’s people had enjoyed for hundreds and hundreds of years—had such a faith, and it astonished Jesus and, presumably, gave him great joy. The faith present in many who have been in church for many years would hardly astonish Jesus. Believers must keep their trust in Christ at full strength. Reading Christ’s words and studying his amazing life will fortify your faith.
7:9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to the crowd, he said, “I tell you, I haven’t seen faith like this in all the land of Israel!” This Roman centurion grasped the “big picture” about Jesus’ authority. The Jews who had been looking for Jesus couldn’t see him for who he was, yet this Gentile did. That’s why Jesus was amazed and exclaimed to the crowd that he had not seen faith like this in all the land of Israel. This did not mean that no one in Israel had faith, but many did not accept the Good News (Romans 10:16). Without the benefit of growing up memorizing the Old Testament Scriptures and learning from esteemed Jewish leaders, this Gentile man understood the need to depend totally on Jesus’ power. He knew, without a doubt, that Jesus could do what seemed impossible. Such faith both astonished and pleased Jesus.
7:10 And when the captain’s friends returned to his house, they found the slave completely healed. Luke did not even record another word spoken by Jesus but emphasized that the centurion’s faith had been well placed. The captain’s friends returned to his house and found the slave completely healed. Matthew wrote that “his servant was healed at that very hour” (Matthew 8:13 NIV), meaning he was healed immediately.
Resources: Rev. Brad Standfest, Bruce B. Barton, Luke, Life Application Bible Commentary
Sermon Notes:
We are spending time with Jesus.
Right out the gate I am going to challenge you with a soul searching question:
When is the last time you spent time with Jesus?
Don’t think for a moment that this world won’t try to knock you down… And when you’re trying to get up…It will push you backwards.
Let me take that a step farther… This world wants to knock you out- Cold… and keep you out
Satan & his Demons want total destruction for our lives… We wrestle not against what… Flesh & Blood
Read Ephesians 6:12-13a
There is no time for us to play games with our souls.
When we are talking about Having or Experiencing Supernatural Transformation in our lives… It involves more than just Jesus
Jesus is the Supernatural Transformer… But we must be willing to GO to him…
There must be Action, Attitude, and Desire in us to be Transformed…
In the Gospels thus far… we have seen Multitudes of people Go to Him…
We have seen Individuals who tried everything else to get cures—spent all they had etc…
As Christians part of Being & Experiencing Supernatural Transformation starts with building a Firm Foundation on Jesus Christ…
[Beach Story]
Recently I built a Beach on our pond… Well we’ve had substantial rainfall in the last couple of weeks
Guess what happened to some of my Beach sand- Washed away…
So I recently lined it with Rocks…And with the last rain fall it withstood great…!!
It’s the same way if you go to the Beach and Build a Sandcastle to close to the waves… What Happens? (Crushed and Washed away)
Let’s turn to God’s Word today to dive deeper into Supernatural Transformation…
Read Luke 6:47-49
Theologian Barton Comments on this:
“The person who won’t listen to Jesus will be like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floodwaters sweep down against that house, it cannot stand firm. The sand beneath the house will be driven away, and the house will crumble into a heap of ruins. As character is revealed by fruit (6:43-45), so faith is revealed by storms. The wise person, seeking to act upon God’s upon God’s Word, builds to withstand anything. It will be the foundation, not the house, that will determine what happens to the whole structure.” (LABC)
We must Go to Jesus!
After Jesus talked about establishing a Firm Foundation he shows what Supernatural Transformation looks like:
Read Luke 7:1-10
Here are some Closing Spiritual Applications
• We must build a Firm Foundation on Jesus Christ
• A Firm Foundation in Christ leads to Supernatural Blessings & Favor in our lives
• We have to boldly go forward… Go to Jesus with your trials, tribulations and hardships
• Fight… Don’t allow Satan & his demons to keep you oppressed. “Put on the Full Armor of God…and stand your ground.” (Eph. 6:13)
• Get & Receive prayer over your battles
Devotional Questions
Read Luke 6:46-49 & engage in the following questions:
1. Reflection on Obedience: “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Reflect on your own life and consider the areas where you may be acknowledging Jesus as Lord in word but not in action. What specific steps can you take to align your actions more closely with Jesus’ teachings and commands?
2. Assessing Foundations: Jesus contrasts the person who builds a house on a solid foundation with one who does not (Luke 6:47-49). Evaluate the foundation of your spiritual life: Is it built on the solid rock of Jesus’ words and obedience to them, or is it based on something less stable? What does having a solid foundation in Christ mean to you, and how can you strengthen it?
3. Facing Storms: Jesus mentions that both houses faced storms, indicating that challenges come to everyone, regardless of their foundation (Luke 6:48-49). Reflect on how your faith in Christ and obedience to His words have equipped you to face life’s storms. Can you identify a situation where having a solid foundation in Christ made a difference in how you weathered a difficult time?
Read Luke 7:1-10 and answer the following questions:
1. Understanding Authority and Faith: The centurion believed that Jesus had authority to heal with just a word, likening it to his own authority over soldiers (Luke 7:6-8). Reflect on your own perception of Jesus’ authority in your life. How does the centurion’s recognition of Jesus’ authority challenge or affirm your own faith? In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in Jesus’ authority and power?
2. Humility Before Christ: Despite his status and power, the centurion approached Jesus with humility, acknowledging his unworthiness for Jesus to enter his house (Luke 7:6-7). How does the centurion’s humility before Jesus inspire your own approach to God? Reflect on the importance of humility in prayer and faith. Are there areas in your life where you need to humble yourself and recognize your need for Jesus’ intervention?