Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to dive into a passage from the book of Matthew that speaks to the heart of our faith – the necessity of a firm foundation in our lives. This foundation is none other than the Word of God, and when we build our lives upon it, we'll experience eternal benefits that can withstand any storm life throws our way.

As Dieter F. Uchtdorf once said, "Strength comes not from frantic activity but from being settled on a firm foundation of truth and light." And so, let us approach today's message with humility, understanding that our walk with God is a daily commitment to build our lives on His Word.

Our focus today is on Matthew 7:24, which says:

"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."

Let's start with an opening prayer, and then we'll explore this passage together.

The Necessity of a Firm Foundation

The necessity of a firm foundation is an idea that has been recognized by great thinkers and leaders throughout history. The importance cannot be overstated, as it is the very bedrock upon which our lives are built. Without a firm foundation, our lives are susceptible to the storms of life, and we are left vulnerable to the elements that seek to tear us down.

In the context of our Christian faith, the necessity of a firm foundation is even more critical. Our faith is not merely a set of beliefs or practices, but rather, it is a relationship with the living God. This relationship is meant to be the very core of our lives, the source of our strength, and the guiding force behind our decisions and actions. As such, it is essential that our faith is built upon a solid foundation.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, speaks of the importance of a firm foundation in the life of a believer. He writes, "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11). Here, Paul emphasizes that the foundation of our faith is not something we can create or establish on our own. It is a gift from God, provided through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This foundation is unshakable and eternal, able to withstand any storm that may come our way.

The necessity is also evident in the parable of the wise AND foolish builders, which Jesus shares in Matthew 7:24-27. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the lives of two individuals – one who builds his house on a solid rock foundation and another who builds his house on the sand. When the storms come, the house built on the rock stands firm, while the house built on the sand is destroyed.

One aspect of the necessity of a firm foundation is the stability it provides in our lives. When our faith is built upon the solid rock of God's Word, we are able to stand firm in the face of trials, temptations, and challenges. This stability is not something we can achieve on our own, but rather, it is a gift from God, provided through our relationship with Jesus Christ. As we grow in our faith and deepen our understanding of God's Word, we become more and more rooted in the truth, able to withstand the storms of life with confidence and assurance.

Another aspect is the guidance it offers in our decision-making. When our lives are built upon the solid foundation of God's Word, we have a reliable source of wisdom and direction for every situation we face. The Bible is filled with timeless truths and principles that can help us navigate the complexities of life with clarity and discernment. By building our lives on the foundation of God's Word, we are able to make decisions that align with His will and purpose for our lives.

The necessity is also evident in the way it shapes our character and influences our actions. When our lives are built upon the solid rock of God's Word, we are transformed from the inside out. The Holy Spirit works within us, molding us into the image of Christ and empowering us to live lives that reflect His love, grace, and truth. This process of transformation is not always easy or comfortable, but it is essential for our growth as believers and our effectiveness in sharing the gospel with others.

The Bible makes it clear that our lives on earth are but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of eternity. The decisions we make and the foundation upon which we build our lives have eternal implications. By building our lives on the solid foundation of God's Word, we are investing in a future that is secure and everlasting.

The Apostle Peter writes, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming" (2 Peter 3:11-12).

The Word of God

When we talk about the foundation of a building, we are referring to the base upon which the entire structure stands ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO