Building on Firm Foundation
Episode 72
Building on Firm Foundation
Episode 72 – A Firm Foundation Series
We are starting on a new series that is foundational to our spiritual growth today. The theme of our new series is “A Firm Foundation”; and the topic of our conversation today is “Building on Firm Foundation”.
The Importance of a Strong Physical Foundation
We are all generally aware that laying a strong foundation is the most important part of building a house since the foundation determines the strength and stability of the house. But we also know that because some builders are in a hurry to finish a house, believe they can cut corners and get away with it or may even act out of ignorance, they do not take the time to reinforce the foundation of their houses.
Some builders are focused on external beauty of the finished work, the fixtures and the finishing and so rush through the foundation stage to get to the stage of completion. But no matter how beautiful the façade is, a building without a strong foundation would not be able to stand against harsh weather and other challenges of nature and accidents.
From time to time, we have seen houses tilting to one side and eventually falling because they were not built on strong foundations. Sometimes such buildings constitute so much impending danger that a decision is taken to pull them down rather than allow them to fall and destroy lives. On the other hand, with a strong foundation laid, no matter what happens in the future, the house would stand.
Applying the Principle to Our Spiritual Lives
This imagery of the need to build our houses on a firm foundation also applies to our spiritual lives. If it is this important to build our physical houses on a firm foundation, then it is even more important to build our spiritual houses on a firm foundation in order to conquer the challenges and storms which would definitely confront us in life.
As we can see from the instances of the builders that build hurriedly, many of us are so focused on the externals. We are impressed with those who have achieved great things in their career and have beautiful homes and cars. We hear testimonies of deliverance, breakthroughs and God’s favour and we are quick to expect the same. But you need a firm spiritual foundation in order to build a strong and stable life. If you are more focused on the externals and what the eyes can see, your life will only according to James 1:6, waver like the sea and blown and tossed about like the wind.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders
“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
This parable is well known to us, but for the sake of our conversation today, let’s examine it in greater details.
Key Points from the Parable
1 Two Builders
There are two builders. Both builders were committed to building a home for their families. In the same way, you and I are building. Our spiritual lives are houses under construction. The question is—what kind of builder are you? And what type of building are you constructing?
2 Two Foundations
There were two types of foundations. One builder had the patience and took the time to dig down to solid rock while the other settled on sand. What type of foundation are you building? Are you taking time to dig deep into the substance of the word of God?
3 Same Storm
The same storm hit the two houses. Storms and bad weather do not take it easy on fragile buildings. The devil would not leave you alone because you are weak. No one is immune to challenges and problems. Only the firmness of your foundation will help you withstand the challenges of life.
4 Different Destinies
The two houses had different destinies. One house survived the storm; the other fell with a great crash. Both men had the privilege of hearing the words of Jesus Christ. The only difference was that only one took time to internalize it and allowed it to make a difference in his life.
Personal Reflection
What about you? No doubt, you recognize the authority of His word whenever you hear it. But is it making a change in your life? Do you listen and maybe even applaud, but then just get up, leave and never dwell and meditate on what you heard so that it can have an effect on your life?
We would only succeed in conquering the storms of life if we are intentional about building our lives on the firm foundation of the word of God.
About This Series
The goal of our new series on building a firm foundation, is to get deeper understanding of various principles that determine the way God relates with us from His word. We shall look at the real nature of God from His word; and the way He sees us and wants us to relate with Him. Because unless we grasp these basic principles, our foundation will always remain shaky.
I am really excited about this series because in the next couple of months, we shall be looking at doctrinal issues from the word of God that we may have been ignoring but which are consequential to building spiritual muscles and preparing for the storms and challenges which would necessarily confront us.
Closing Prayer
“Father we pray that you grant us the wisdom and strength to lay a strong spiritual foundation by making your word an integral part of us so that when the rain and the floodwaters and the winds come; we will stand, because we built our foundation on the rock.”