LAYING THE FOUNDATION
Hebrews 5:12-14; 6:1-3
Matthew 7:21-24
For our scriptures this morning let us consider Hebrews 5:12-14.
We will also consider this morning a few background passages or should I say supportive scriptures from Hebrews 6:1-3 and Matthew 7:21-24.
But for are immediate text let us turn to Hebrews 5:12-14 -- When you find it please say Amen. And it reads:
(v.12) For when the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. (v.13) For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. (v.14) But solid food belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
I to use as theme or title this morning: Laying the Foundation (repeat)
Turn to your neighbor and say: Neighbor -- is your foundation sure? [Repeat]
We are going to pick up a magnifying glass this morning and examine our foundations in great detail. So I ask your forbearance this morning as I give you a brief introduction as to what is taking place here in the fifth chapter of Hebrews.
You see -- The writer of Hebrews recognized that there was something wrong in the lives of the people to whom he has ministering. You see -- they were not growing and developing, as they should. Read it for yourself and you will discover that, he did not scold them or bring them under condemnation; he just simply appealed and warned them and showed them a way out. The writer instructed them and his words are now preserved for you and for me. Let us consider our scripture again which reads:
(v.12) For when the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. (v.13) For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe. (v.14) But solid food belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
Well -- what are you talking about preacher -- you see, the writer is addressing a people very near and dear to his own heart. He wants them to develop in the things of the Holy Spirit so that they can be happy and enjoy life in God to the fullest. But they are not enjoying their inheritance in the Lord. So we find the writer of Hebrews taking inventory of their lives to determine what is needed.
Well -- what did the writer discover about his people. He discovered that they were spiritually immature because of their lack of disciplined study. He told them that by this time -- they each should be able to teach. In other words, he is saying that they ought to be able to communicate the gospel to others around them. But such was not the case.
Instead of being in the place of maturity -- where they could teach and help others, they still needed all the help they could get themselves. Yeah, read it for yourselves, and you will discover that the writer told them that they needed to have someone teach them again the first principles of Christian living.
What’s your point preacher -- well, I hesitate to say this, but the problems that the writer of Hebrews faced with the church back in 68 AD are still prevalent today. You see -- the average black church in America is filled with people who have been there for many years but who cannot communicate to others the most basic truths of the gospel.
If you ask them to teach a Sunday School Class, they are horrified. They insist, “No, No, superintendent, I can’t do that.” The reason they feel they cannot make positive contributions within and outside the church is that they have never been properly schooled, properly planted, and given a solid foundation. They have never been given systematic instructions in the primary truths of God’s Word.
The writer is in essence saying that -- those who have never mastered the fundamentals cannot really grasp more advanced truths. Brothers and sisters - I think that we would all agree that “MILK DOES THE BODY GOOD,” so the writer is saying that since they insisted on continually being fed milk, they cannot handle the meat of God’s Word.
Monument of Love -- I stopped by to tell you this morning that yes, “MILK DOES DO THE BODY GOOD” and that milk is fine for babies, but you cannot go through your whole life without adding more substance to your diet. You must advance to other spiritual foods.
Now I know that we would all agree that we love babies while they are babies -- but if we find one the same size at the age of ten we would have reason for concern. So is it spirituality. Whereby those who fail to grow up -- will become problems to themselves and to everyone around them.
Brothers and sisters -- we find out what the writer to the Hebrews was talking about right there in our Church. When he wrote:
(v.12) For when the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food. (v.13) For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness; for he is a babe.
You see -- God has favored us with quite an outstanding ministry. In fact, He has given us a church with more than enough space. A church that did not cost us one red penny. I know that there is somebody else out there who would agree that God has been good to Monument of Love. He has favored us with quite an outstanding ministry. He has favored us with Prison Ministry whereby we have to beg brothers to attend. He has favored with a Hope Center ministry, whereby we have to beg Sunday School Class to participate. He has favored us with Wednesday Night Fellowship Diners, whereby we have to beg member to attend. He has favored us with Wednesday Night Prayer and Bible Study session -- whereby the one who need it the most just flat out refuse to attend.
But Watch this
(v.12) For when the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and are become such as have need of milk, and not of solid food.
Well -- we see this immaturity thing, which happen way back in 68 AD happening today in black church. In fact, we have classes here in this church in dire need of Sunday school teachers; but no one is willing to answer the call to service the Lord.
Well -- I stopped by to tell you this morning that we need to take inventory and inspect our foundation.
You see -- a spiritual foundation is much like getting foundational information set straight in your head when you are in elementary school. When the writer of Hebrews speaks of “first principles” in verse 12 he is talking about the elementary truths of salvation.
Let’s take mathematics for an example. We know that it is impossible to go on to higher mathematics -- until you have a good grasp of simple arithmetic. You cannot learn algebra, geometry, calculus, trigonometry, and lo-ga-rithms before you have mastered simple operations like addition and subtraction. You must first get the “first principles” or the elementary structure straight.
Well -- this is the way it is -- in the kingdom of God. You see -- many people do not have the faintest idea about principles of the New Testament because they have never been taught the elementary truths. These are the things that we should have been taught well in Sunday School.
But of course, the Sunday School. In many people’s eyes the Sunday school has become nothing more than a very unrealistic forty-five minutes. The Sunday School is a time in which may of our church leaders parlay in late -- 10 minutes before the final bell ring.
Oh yeah -- back to the Sunday School -- you see -- it is kind of hard to teach anybody anything of substance in a forty-five minute period once a week. Especially, when many of the people do not even attend but once a month, they attend only sporadically.
But I have a question this morning to those truancies -- How do you ever expect to get -- a solid foundation [repeat]?
Enough of this introduction -- let go to the word. Lets see what other truths we can discover from the writer of Hebrews to help us on this Promotion Sunday.
Drop down with me to Chapter 6:1-3 where you will finds these words:
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.”
The writer of Hebrews is telling his newly converted Jewish audience that certain elementary teachings are essential for all believers to understand. The basics of those teachings include: the importance of faith, the foolishness of trying to be saved by good deeds, the meaning of baptism and spiritual gifts, and the facts of resurrection and eternal life.
Read it for yourself -- and you will discover that the writer is encouraging them to go on to maturity in their understanding. You see -- the lesson that we can draw from this -- is that we need to move beyond (but not away from) [repeat] the elementary teachings to a more complete understanding of the Faith.
What do you mean preacher -- well, I don’t know everything but I think that we ought to have a whole lot folk around here, who would be willing to get excited about what God is doing in this church -- and be willing to wean themselves from their bottles of Simalac, and step out on faith and teach new Christians the basics of religion.
You see -- when the mature Christian, put down their bottles and pacifiers and act on what he or she already knows -- then God opens up the doors of knowledge and wisdom and allows the mature Christian to understand Him better by the power of His Holy Spirit.
Laying the Foundation
We find the writer of Hebrews 6:1-3 -- telling his listeners -- that before they are allowed to mature. Before they are given their building permit, they must first understand that Jesus is better than the law, they must understand that Christianity is superior to Judaism, he wants them to know and believe in their heart that Christ is supreme and completely sufficient for salvation -- and not good works. He is telling them about the important of a solid foundation.
The term foundation has been borrowed from the language of building and architecture. It refers to the very first thing a builder does before erecting the building -- he prepares a solid and stable support structure. Since the foundation bears the weight of the entire structure, it must be done well. More than one building has later sagged or even fallen because of a faulty foundation, the taller the building the deeper the foundation.
Spiritually speaking, the foundation is the basis of Christian doctrine and experience, and the two are never separate. Yes the foundation is the basis of Christian doctrine and experience, which all future development depends. Its like the instruction in the ABCs -- without which reading and writing would not be possible.
We are built upon the foundation, which is Christ by the Holy Spirit and through the ministry of those who labor with God. Paul reminds us of this fact in 1 Corinthians 3:9-11 where we find:
(v.9) For we are labourers together with God; ye are God’s cultivated field, ye are God’s building. (v.10) According to the grace of God, which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth on it. But let every man take heed how he buildeth upon it. (v.11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Church -- I just want you to know -- this promotion Sunday that when you allow God to become your foundation [repeat] -- you will be able to worship and find a place -- in His Church.
When the writer of the letter to the Hebrews tells us to leave the principals of the doctrine of Christ, he is literally telling us to go on from the beginning. We are not to stop and constantly review the first elementary truths we learned in Christ. It is possible to leave them not in the sense of forsaking them [repeat] but in the sense of using them as a firm grounding underneath us while we climb on to higher truths.
Church -- this can be done because these first truths form a foundation. They establish us in such a way that these truths will no longer slip away from us.
Laying the Foundation
The verb form of the word foundation -- means to ground someone, to establish them, or to render firm and unwavering. It is possible to have such real experience with God. We can have this experience by understanding and obeying these elementary truths and by becoming mature and setting ourselves on firm footing for the remainder of our Christian walk. We can find a solid footing in God and can stand when the storms come against us. And if you never had storms in your life -- then I tell you to just keep on living. How you handle your storms will be a direct reflection of your foundation.
Church -- I stopped by to tell you this morning that when we fail to put into practice what you have heard from God, we only fool ourselves. He will require of us an accounting of what we did with everything we heard. If we make a habit of not doing what we are told, we soon become lawless, and eventually will be called “workers of iniquity, or lawlessness”.
If we make a habit of not really listening, we will lose the power to hear. When the storm comes -- we will not be able to stand.
You see God test our submission to His Lordship on the basis of obeying His word, and our ability to lay a solid foundation. What do you mean preacher?
Well -- turn with me to Matthew 7:21-24
(v. 21) Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father, which is in heaven. (v. 22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out demons? And in thy name done many wonderful works? (v. 23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
You see God is calling us to do right -- not just say the right words. Your foundation (which represent your life) will only withstand the storms of life -- if you do what is right -- instead of just talking about what is right.
Turn to your neighbor and say: Neighbor --is your foundation sure?
How many of you remember what you were doing in 1988? [Let me see your hands] Let’s see I was living in Oakland, California. I believe MC Hammer Let’s get it Started” topped the charts with Pebbles song “Do you want to ride in Mercedes.” But the thing that stood out the most was the string of natural disasters that swept across this country. There were killer tornadoes in the south, devastating fires in the west and destructive hurricanes in the east. All of which impacted the lives of many people.
But the one thing that we learned from all of these disasters was the lack of concern or the shabbiness of many contractors and homebuilders.
Because of these disasters -- we discovered that many of the homebuilders in this country were unscrupulous [lacked the concern for what is right and honorable]. You see - they failed to build homes in accordance to the building code and because of this many homes were destroyed and people lost their lives.
Watch this
(v.24) 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. (v.25) 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.
Here we see -- Jesus making a parallel between the storms and the buildings. He is seeking to encourage the people to act upon what He is saying -- and not be like those folk who just say the right thing. Jesus is in fact contrasting [setting apart to show a difference] the differences between those who were doers and not just listeners.
Watch this
(v.24) 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.
Let us get a better understanding of this. First off, what does the house represent -- well, the house represent our lives. It is important for us to understand that each of us is currently building a house. A life -- that will eventually be face with the many different issues of life. A life or should I say house that will respond to the many ups and downs -- that comes our way.
Now -- it is also important for us to understand that we are building our lives or houses upon a foundation. So my question to you this morning is -- what foundation is your house built on? Ya’ll do hear me -- what foundation is your life built on?
Lets understand what our foundation is -- our foundation is whatever teaching, doctrine, or philosophy we subscribe to. Unbeknownst to you -- your sitting here and lessoning to me preach this sermon is shaping your foundation. Lets understand that our foundation can also be philosophy or doctrines adopted from others, or developed -- by ourselves.
So I ask you again -- What foundation is your house built on. I want to know -- is you foundation sure?
Let us also understand that we cannot escape the fact that we are builders. Let us understand -- the fact that we are all contractors, charged to build our house [charged to build our lives] in accordance to the Chief Building Inspector.
The question is whether or not you will be a wise or foolish builder. The tests that will determine the type of builder you are called the storms of life.
Watch this
(v.25) 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.”
You see -- the storms are the things, which threaten our well-being. This may involve literal storms such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and all of the other natural disasters, which may take away all we own, perhaps even our loved ones.
But I stopped by to tell you that -- how we respond to such tragedies would reveal the quality of our foundation. Will we be emotionally devastated or will be able to stand strong, willing to continue on without despair?
The storms of life may also be figurative storms. Such things as: illness, loss of loved ones, and financial setbacks.
Figurative storms, which may take our health; take us away from our families, and possessions. Again, I stopped by to tell you that your response to such tragedies would reveal the quality of your foundation. Will you be emotionally devastated or will be able to stand strong, willing to go on without despair?
Laying the foundation
(v.26) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. (v.27) 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.”
Then there is the Final storm of life ... that of death and the final judgment. Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.”
Just as the hurricanes and tornadoes of 1988 -- exposed shabbiness of the builder’s character. This final storm of life will also be our truest test, when our character is exposed. Then the Lord will describe the kind of builder you are. Then the Lord will describe the kind of servant we have been.
So my question to you is -- Is you foundation sure? Are you a wise or a foolish builder. When the Lord comes back to inspect the building
I said -- when the Lord come back to inspect your house -- will he say you “Well done my good and faithful servant” or will He say “Depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Well -- is your foundation sure? I came to tell you -- that the longer we live, the more storms we are likely to face; and there is the final “storm” that no man can escape!
Well preacher -- How can we be sure to build our lives -- so as to withstand the final storm? Well -- I glad you asked.
The answer is found in verse 24 of your text -- where it says: “Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them...”
Which leads me to believe -- that obeying Jesus -- is the key to withstanding the storms of life. Which further means -- that being a hearer only is not sufficient, talking a good game -- is not sufficient. Such is foolishness. It’s like contractors who build on a shaky ground. They build on a foundation that will not stand the test of the storms.
As recorded in James 1:22-24 -- such foolishness is like a man who looks at himself in the mirror and then turns away -- and forgets what he looks like.
Like the unscrupulous contractor -- we discover that the storms of life -- will reveal the true quality of one’s character. As Moses said in Numbers 32:23 “...your sins will find you out.”
I stopped by to tell you that -- we must do what Jesus says. Those who do what Jesus said would be those who withstand the storms of life. They will withstand the storms of life because their lives, their houses, their building, their sanitary are built upon the rock [a solid foundation].
Well preacher -- how can the sayings of Jesus -- helps me withstand the storms. Well -- I’m glad you asked.
Well -- if we heed the words of Jesus -- we will be able to understand that which He said about laying up treasure in heaven and not on this earth. You will be able to understand that you don’t have to pinch your pennies -- just tithe and obey God’s command and you will see that He will open up the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing.
Closing
If we heed -- the words of Jesus you will be able -- to understand -- that which He said -- about our hearts will not be distraught if our earthly treasures are stolen or lost.
If we heed -- the words of Jesus about seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness we will be able to understand -- that which He said that we need not be anxiety for the future, and that we need not worry about tomorrow -- for tomorrow will take care of itself.
If we heed the words of Jesus about avoiding being mislead by false prophets -- that which He said regarding staying on the straight and narrow way that leads to eternal life.
So my question to you this morning is -- is your foundation sure?
I stopped by to tell you -- that if your house is in need of repairs; if your house is in need of remodeling; if your house is built on shaky ground -- I stopped by to tell you that Jesus -- I said Jesus, I said Jesus can fix it for you. All you have to do is let Him.
If your house -- is in need of new direction, if you house -- is not ready for God’s INSPECTION -- Then (I) encourage you -- come down and allow Jesus to come in and do the CORRECTIONS. Once you allow Jesus to come into your life -- to do the CORRECTION -- then and only then -- will you have God’s PROTECTION, and once you have GOD’S PROTECTION -- then you have ETERNAL PERFECTION.
Church -- God is at work in your life -- even when you do not recognize it or understand it. If you want to profit from His intervention, then you must be willing to cooperate and listen to what He has to say to you. And you put down your bottles and start partaking of more solid spiritual foods.
If you allow Jesus in -- to remodel your house. I say if you allow Jesus in to remodel your life -- He will be able to clear you mind of all of these distractions of life that so easily beset you. Once you allow Jesus in to remodel your life -- He will be able to help you in your present circumstance.
If you allow Jesus in to remodel your house -- he will come in and STABILIZE YOUR SOUL.
If you allow Jesus in to rebuild your house -- he will
CURE YOU OF YOUR UNBELIEF AND DOUBT.
If you allow Jesus in to rebuild your house -- he will
HUMBLE YOUR SPIRIT.
If you allow Jesus in to rebuild your house -- he will
RENEW YOUR FAITH.
You see -- God wants to use these storms in our life -- to
REPLACE YOUR GLOOM WITH GLORY.
God -- wants to use these storms in our life -- to
TURN THE WEAK INTO THE STRONG.
God -- wants to use these storms in our life -- to
REKINDLE YOUR FLICKER OF HOPE INTO A MIGHT FLAME.
God -- wants to use these storms in our life -- to change all of
LIFE PRESSURES into a LIFE OF PEACE.
God -- wants to use these storms in our life -- to
REPLACE YOUR BURDENS WITH BLESSINGS.
You see -- God uses the storms in our life -- to reveal
HIS MAJESTY and POWER.
He wants to revel His SOVEREIGNTY, His GRACE and HIS MERCY.
So why don’t you let God -- come in and
REMODEL,
REFASHION,
REAFFIRM,
REARRANGE,
RESET,
And REFORM your life.
Want you Let Him [repeat]
My question to you this morning is -- Is your foundation sure?
