Our Foundation
Building a Life on Solid Ground: Reflections on True Discipleship
In our journey of faith, we often encounter passages of scripture that challenge us, confuse us, or even frighten us. One such passage is found in Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus declares:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
At first glance, these words can shake our confidence and make us question our salvation. However, it's crucial to understand the context and true meaning behind Jesus' words.
This passage follows Jesus' warning about false teachers, suggesting that He is addressing those who twist God's word for their own gain. It's a stern caution against using the name of Jesus for personal benefit rather than genuinely seeking to do God's will.
The repetition of "Lord, Lord" is significant. It's not a reverent calling out to God, but more akin to a child repeatedly saying "Mom, mom, mom" to draw attention to themselves. Jesus is highlighting the superficiality of their faith – it's all talk and no substance.
This passage isn't meant to instill fear in genuine believers but to warn against complacency and self-deception. If our faith is merely a prayer we said years ago with no transformation in our lives, or if we're living to please ourselves while holding onto a "Jesus card" for judgment day, we may need to reevaluate our relationship with God.
The good news is that for those who have truly invited Jesus into their hearts, salvation is secure in Christ. Our salvation doesn't depend on our behavior or good works, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. The question we should ask ourselves is not "Am I going to be saved?" but rather, "Am I living my life to honor the name of Jesus every day?"
Jesus then transitions to a powerful parable about two builders – one wise and one foolish. This parable beautifully illustrates the difference between hearing God's word and actually putting it into practice.
"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." (Matthew 7:24-27)
In the Middle East, where flash floods can be devastating, the importance of a solid foundation would have been well understood by Jesus' audience. The wise builder digs deep to reach bedrock, while the foolish one builds on the surface. To casual observers, both houses might look the same – the crucial difference lies hidden beneath.
It's only when the storms of life hit that the true nature of our foundation is revealed. This parable isn't necessarily contrasting Christians with non-Christians, but rather, those who hear God's word and obey it versus those who hear but don't apply it to their lives.
We can attend church regularly, participate in Bible studies, and accumulate knowledge about God, but unless we obey His word and put it into practice, our foundation remains weak. True faith is distinguished from its counterfeit when it faces trials.
This doesn't mean that salvation is earned through obedience. Scripture is clear that salvation is by grace, a gift from God. However, those who truly hear and profess the gospel will naturally live it out in obedience to Christ.
The apostles understood this teaching well. James exhorts us: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22). John reminds us that our actions should align with our professed beliefs: "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth" (1 John 1:6).
Being a follower of Jesus is not for the faint of heart. It often means embracing counter-cultural teachings and facing difficult challenges. But this is part of the journey of faith – translating what we know and say into what we do.
As we reflect on these teachings, we must ask ourselves: Are we wise or foolish builders? Are we merely accumulating knowledge, or are we allowing God's word to transform our lives and actions?
The original hearers of the Sermon on the Mount were struck not just by the content of Jesus' teaching, but by His authority. Matthew records their reaction: "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 7:28-29).
Jesus spoke with quiet, humble assurance, presenting a clear picture of what it means to be a citizen of God's kingdom. His words weren't tentative or apologetic, nor were they overbearing or flamboyant. They carried the weight of divine authority, leaving the crowds dumbfounded.
As we encounter Jesus' teachings today, we too should be in awe of His authority. These aren't just good ideas or helpful suggestions – they're the words of the One to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given.
The challenge for us is to respond. We cannot simply be hearers of the word; we must be doers. Whether it's Jesus' teachings on worry, loving our enemies, giving to the needy, or prayer, we're called to live them out in our daily lives.
Building our lives on the solid rock of Christ and His teachings isn't always easy. It requires intentionality, perseverance, and often, a willingness to go against the grain of our culture. But the promise is clear – when the storms of life come (and they will), we will stand firm.
As we go forward, let's commit to being wise builders. Let's not just accumulate knowledge about God, but allow His word to transform us from the inside out. May we be known not just for what we say we believe, but for how we live out those beliefs in tangible, Christ-honoring ways.
In doing so, we build our lives on an unshakeable foundation – one that will withstand any storm and bring glory to our Father in heaven.
In our journey of faith, we often encounter passages of scripture that challenge us, confuse us, or even frighten us. One such passage is found in Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus declares:
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
At first glance, these words can shake our confidence and make us question our salvation. However, it's crucial to understand the context and true meaning behind Jesus' words.
This passage follows Jesus' warning about false teachers, suggesting that He is addressing those who twist God's word for their own gain. It's a stern caution against using the name of Jesus for personal benefit rather than genuinely seeking to do God's will.
The repetition of "Lord, Lord" is significant. It's not a reverent calling out to God, but more akin to a child repeatedly saying "Mom, mom, mom" to draw attention to themselves. Jesus is highlighting the superficiality of their faith – it's all talk and no substance.
This passage isn't meant to instill fear in genuine believers but to warn against complacency and self-deception. If our faith is merely a prayer we said years ago with no transformation in our lives, or if we're living to please ourselves while holding onto a "Jesus card" for judgment day, we may need to reevaluate our relationship with God.
The good news is that for those who have truly invited Jesus into their hearts, salvation is secure in Christ. Our salvation doesn't depend on our behavior or good works, but on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. The question we should ask ourselves is not "Am I going to be saved?" but rather, "Am I living my life to honor the name of Jesus every day?"
Jesus then transitions to a powerful parable about two builders – one wise and one foolish. This parable beautifully illustrates the difference between hearing God's word and actually putting it into practice.
"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." (Matthew 7:24-27)
In the Middle East, where flash floods can be devastating, the importance of a solid foundation would have been well understood by Jesus' audience. The wise builder digs deep to reach bedrock, while the foolish one builds on the surface. To casual observers, both houses might look the same – the crucial difference lies hidden beneath.
It's only when the storms of life hit that the true nature of our foundation is revealed. This parable isn't necessarily contrasting Christians with non-Christians, but rather, those who hear God's word and obey it versus those who hear but don't apply it to their lives.
We can attend church regularly, participate in Bible studies, and accumulate knowledge about God, but unless we obey His word and put it into practice, our foundation remains weak. True faith is distinguished from its counterfeit when it faces trials.
This doesn't mean that salvation is earned through obedience. Scripture is clear that salvation is by grace, a gift from God. However, those who truly hear and profess the gospel will naturally live it out in obedience to Christ.
The apostles understood this teaching well. James exhorts us: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22). John reminds us that our actions should align with our professed beliefs: "If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth" (1 John 1:6).
Being a follower of Jesus is not for the faint of heart. It often means embracing counter-cultural teachings and facing difficult challenges. But this is part of the journey of faith – translating what we know and say into what we do.
As we reflect on these teachings, we must ask ourselves: Are we wise or foolish builders? Are we merely accumulating knowledge, or are we allowing God's word to transform our lives and actions?
The original hearers of the Sermon on the Mount were struck not just by the content of Jesus' teaching, but by His authority. Matthew records their reaction: "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 7:28-29).
Jesus spoke with quiet, humble assurance, presenting a clear picture of what it means to be a citizen of God's kingdom. His words weren't tentative or apologetic, nor were they overbearing or flamboyant. They carried the weight of divine authority, leaving the crowds dumbfounded.
As we encounter Jesus' teachings today, we too should be in awe of His authority. These aren't just good ideas or helpful suggestions – they're the words of the One to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given.
The challenge for us is to respond. We cannot simply be hearers of the word; we must be doers. Whether it's Jesus' teachings on worry, loving our enemies, giving to the needy, or prayer, we're called to live them out in our daily lives.
Building our lives on the solid rock of Christ and His teachings isn't always easy. It requires intentionality, perseverance, and often, a willingness to go against the grain of our culture. But the promise is clear – when the storms of life come (and they will), we will stand firm.
As we go forward, let's commit to being wise builders. Let's not just accumulate knowledge about God, but allow His word to transform us from the inside out. May we be known not just for what we say we believe, but for how we live out those beliefs in tangible, Christ-honoring ways.
In doing so, we build our lives on an unshakeable foundation – one that will withstand any storm and bring glory to our Father in heaven.
Recent
Archive
2025
August
No Comments