As we talk about "moving forward" in the midst of this ministry year, we do so in a context of uncertainty and challenge. Truly we need a solid foundation.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a vision of what life in His Kingdom looks like. While the fullness of this Kingdom is yet to come, Matthew is clear that it has arrived in Christ's coming (Mt. 4:17-5:2).
At the end of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells a story of two builders that reveals this truth...
God offers a solid foundation on which we can move forward. To build on this foundation... We pursue the truth of Christ (7:24)
Jesus speaks of wise builders as those who "hear these words of mine."
In a world that says truth is relative, Jesus clearly identifies His teaching as solid foundational truth.
We put this truth into practice (7:24, 26)
While both the wise and foolish builders hear Jesus' words, only the wise builder "puts them into practice."
A solid foundation is not built by just knowing God's truth, but by living according to this truth.
We intentionally live in dependence on God in the context of community (7:24; 5:3)
Just as the builder did not build the "rock," so we cannot build the bedrock that will support our lives. The beginning of the sermon points us to a posture of dependence upon God as the ultimate starting point (bedrock) of life in His Kingdom.
To live dependently on God is a plural endeavour. We move forward as we invest in authentic community marked by grace and truth.
Discussion/Reflection Questions
- In what ways do you see people around you trying to forge a foundation for life? If you're honest, what are some ways you're trying to forge a foundation? Why is any foundation outside of Christ ultimately futile?
- In his book "Live No Lies," John Mark Comer makes the statement, "Reality does not adjust to our illusions." How does this challenge the overwhelming message in our culture that truth is relative? Why is the pursuit of God's truth important?
- What is the danger of knowing God's truth without living God's truth? What is a current area in your life where there is a gap between your knowledge of God's truth and your practice of God's truth?
- Why is it important to approach our lives with a true sense of our spiritual poverty apart from God? Ask for His Spirit to work in you to empower your living of His truth.