Foundational
Over the last three weeks, we have delved into essential concepts—Fertile Soil, The Source, and Sustaining—each pushing us deeper into the understanding of being Rooted. Today, we bring it all together with the most critical aspect: Foundation
With a Strong Foundation, You Can Reach Unthinkable Heights.
Think of an architect designing a grand, towering structure—no matter how beautiful or grand the design may be, without a solid foundation, it is destined to collapse. The strength of the arch lies in its base, the foundation that supports it. The taller the structure, the deeper the foundation must go to ensure stability. Without this firm base, the structure cannot stand.
Psalm 11:3
If the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do?
With a Strong Foundation, You Can Reach Unthinkable Heights.
Think of an architect designing a grand, towering structure—no matter how beautiful or grand the design may be, without a solid foundation, it is destined to collapse. The strength of the arch lies in its base, the foundation that supports it. The taller the structure, the deeper the foundation must go to ensure stability. Without this firm base, the structure cannot stand.
Psalm 11:3
If the foundation be destroyed what can the righteous do?
Matthew 7:24-29
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” 28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Build on the Rock
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” 28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
The Sermon on the Mount
This pivotal sermon from Jesus outlines how we are called to live—how to build a life that pleases God. It teaches us to live without hypocrisy, embracing love and grace, and walking with wisdom and discernment.
One voice calling (Jesus) but there are two types of people:
Both hear the same message. Both face storms in life. Both have the freedom to choose where to build their lives. God Lets Both Build Where They Choose!
The choice is ours: will we build on a foundation that lasts, or will we build on something that will eventually crumble?
This pivotal sermon from Jesus outlines how we are called to live—how to build a life that pleases God. It teaches us to live without hypocrisy, embracing love and grace, and walking with wisdom and discernment.
One voice calling (Jesus) but there are two types of people:
- The Wise
- The Foolish
Both hear the same message. Both face storms in life. Both have the freedom to choose where to build their lives. God Lets Both Build Where They Choose!
The choice is ours: will we build on a foundation that lasts, or will we build on something that will eventually crumble?
- Rock: To trust in Jesus and obey His words. It’s a life built on solid truth, with stability that holds up in any storm.
- Sand: To live in direct disobedience to Jesus’ teachings. It’s a life built on shifting ground, easily swept away when trials and challenges come.
Big Idea: Foundational Christians Build Upon The Rock For There Is Found The Stronghold In Life
1. Hears Jesus and Responds
Matthew 7:24
24 “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.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
James 2:14-17
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James emphasizes that true faith is more than just words—it's demonstrated through actions. He challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith by showing that faith, without action, is lifeless.
James emphasizes the importance of being doers of the Word with two vivid illustrations, one negative and one positive, both centered around the imagery of a mirror:
James 1:23–24
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
In this first example, James likens an apathetic listener of the Word to someone who looks at their reflection in a mirror but walks away without taking any action or making any changes. This person notices their image but quickly forgets what they saw, failing to let it impact their life.
This isn't just lazy listening—it's hearing without any true engagement or faith. While the Word may enter their ears, its power never reaches their heart or transforms their behavior.
In contrast, James presents a second example of a listener who hears the Word with the intent to absorb it and let it shape their life:
James 1:25
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Here, the active listener is someone who doesn’t just hear the Word and walk away unchanged. Instead, they engage with it, allowing it to penetrate their heart and transform their actions. This person perseveres, not just hearing but doing what they’ve learned, and in doing so, they receive the blessing of a life that reflects God's truth.
The difference between these two examples is clear: the true listener doesn’t just hear, they act on what they’ve heard. They listen with faith, allowing God's Word to lead them to change and action.
24 “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.
Actions Speak Louder Than Words
James 2:14-17
14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James emphasizes that true faith is more than just words—it's demonstrated through actions. He challenges us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith by showing that faith, without action, is lifeless.
James emphasizes the importance of being doers of the Word with two vivid illustrations, one negative and one positive, both centered around the imagery of a mirror:
James 1:23–24
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
In this first example, James likens an apathetic listener of the Word to someone who looks at their reflection in a mirror but walks away without taking any action or making any changes. This person notices their image but quickly forgets what they saw, failing to let it impact their life.
This isn't just lazy listening—it's hearing without any true engagement or faith. While the Word may enter their ears, its power never reaches their heart or transforms their behavior.
In contrast, James presents a second example of a listener who hears the Word with the intent to absorb it and let it shape their life:
James 1:25
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
Here, the active listener is someone who doesn’t just hear the Word and walk away unchanged. Instead, they engage with it, allowing it to penetrate their heart and transform their actions. This person perseveres, not just hearing but doing what they’ve learned, and in doing so, they receive the blessing of a life that reflects God's truth.
The difference between these two examples is clear: the true listener doesn’t just hear, they act on what they’ve heard. They listen with faith, allowing God's Word to lead them to change and action.
2. Stays The Storms of Life With Christ.
Matthew 7:25
"And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."
Storms Will Come, there will be rainy days but remember this story.
Mark 4:35-41
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Remember who put them in the boat and said, "Let’s go to the other side"? Jesus did!
Q: Did the boat sink?
Despite the storm, despite the waves crashing, the boat didn't sink. Why? Because Jesus was in it with them. He’s the one who called them to sail. Even when the storms come and everything seems uncertain, He is with us.
Q: Did the house fall?
In the storms of life, when the winds blow and the rains beat down—who allowed the storm? Jesus did. But just like the house that was built on the rock, the storm didn’t cause it to fall. Why? Because it was built on the right foundation.
What do both these stories have in common? Jesus said, "Quiet, be still."
Every storm you face in life ends with "Quiet, be still."
You may not hear it with your ears, but I can assure you, scripturally, He brings peace.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
When the storms rage, remember: with Jesus, the storm will end with peace—His peace. Hold onto that assurance.
"And the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."
Storms Will Come, there will be rainy days but remember this story.
Mark 4:35-41
37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Remember who put them in the boat and said, "Let’s go to the other side"? Jesus did!
Q: Did the boat sink?
Despite the storm, despite the waves crashing, the boat didn't sink. Why? Because Jesus was in it with them. He’s the one who called them to sail. Even when the storms come and everything seems uncertain, He is with us.
Q: Did the house fall?
In the storms of life, when the winds blow and the rains beat down—who allowed the storm? Jesus did. But just like the house that was built on the rock, the storm didn’t cause it to fall. Why? Because it was built on the right foundation.
What do both these stories have in common? Jesus said, "Quiet, be still."
Every storm you face in life ends with "Quiet, be still."
You may not hear it with your ears, but I can assure you, scripturally, He brings peace.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
When the storms rage, remember: with Jesus, the storm will end with peace—His peace. Hold onto that assurance.
3. Effect The World With Gods Authority
Matthew 7:28-29
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Jesus spoke with authority, a divine authority that left the people in awe. His words carried weight, for they came directly from the Father. Paul encouraged Titus to teach with the same boldness and authority.
Titus 2:15
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority.
As believers, we are called to serve and speak with the confidence that comes from knowing we are doing God’s work, and we must do so with the authority He grants us.
1 Peter 4:11
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen”
The authority of the believer comes directly from God and His Word.
We Are God’s Ambassadors
2 Corinthians 5:20
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Ephesians 6:17
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
As believers, we are empowered by God to speak and act with His authority, knowing that we are His representatives, His ambassadors, His messengers. Let's impact the world with the power and truth He has entrusted to us.
28 And so it was, when Jesus had ended these sayings, that the people were astonished at His teaching, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.
Jesus spoke with authority, a divine authority that left the people in awe. His words carried weight, for they came directly from the Father. Paul encouraged Titus to teach with the same boldness and authority.
Titus 2:15
15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority.
As believers, we are called to serve and speak with the confidence that comes from knowing we are doing God’s work, and we must do so with the authority He grants us.
1 Peter 4:11
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen”
The authority of the believer comes directly from God and His Word.
We Are God’s Ambassadors
2 Corinthians 5:20
20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.
Ephesians 6:17
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
As believers, we are empowered by God to speak and act with His authority, knowing that we are His representatives, His ambassadors, His messengers. Let's impact the world with the power and truth He has entrusted to us.
Next Step:
Are you ready to build your life on the Rock of Ages, the eternal and unshakable foundation? Jesus has withstood the test of time, and He is the only foundation that will never fail. Let us commit to building our lives upon Him, trusting His Word, and standing firm through every storm that comes our way.
Are you ready to build your life on the Rock of Ages, the eternal and unshakable foundation? Jesus has withstood the test of time, and He is the only foundation that will never fail. Let us commit to building our lives upon Him, trusting His Word, and standing firm through every storm that comes our way.
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