It doesn’t matter how magnificent the building is or how much it cost to build, if the foundations are missing or defective, the building will not last. Our life is compared to a building both by Jesus (Matthew 7:24; John 2:21) and Paul (1Corinthians 3:16-17; 1Corinthians 6:19). They both emphasize the need to build our lives on a good firm foundation. Unless we do, it is impossible to live in a way that pleases Him for “when the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3).

This course is to introduce you to those foundations upon which we are encouraged to build our lives. We shall consider two “buildings”. The first “house” speaks of the Christian’s personal life. The second “house” refers to the community of Christians called the “Church”.

Before any building can be erected, it is essential to remove all rubble, so that the “house” can be built on the bed rock. We are not thinking here of buildings where we put in our own foundations “for no-one can lay any foundations other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1Corinthians 3:11).

 

Our own lives

The Christian’s personal life must be built upon the Rock, which is Jesus (1Corinthians 10:4) and His Word (Matthew 4:4; Matthew 7:24-27). Before Nehemiah could begin to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, he had to remove the rubble (Nehemiah 4:10). In our lives also there is much that needs to be removed if we are to build our lives on Him. We cannot build on Him effectively if bitterness, resentment or unforgiveness is in our lives. If we have fear, or rejection, or failure; if there is guilt or past immorality condemning us, then our foundation will be defective (Colossians 3:5-10). We need to tell God about those things. Ask Him to forgive you and to cleanse you from them (1John 1:9). You may need to ask forgiveness of someone we have wronged. You may feel you can share some of these things with a Christian friend who will pray for you. Remember, Jeremiah was given the task of uprooting, tearing down, destroying and overthrowing BEFORE he was “to build and to plant” (Jeremiah 1:10). God has to do the same in our lives.

The Church

Jesus is not only the FOUNDATION (1Corinthians 3:11) but also the MASTER BUILDER

(Matthew 16:18). God is the ARCHITECT (Hebrews 11:10), Jesus is the CHIEF CORNERSTONE (Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6) and we are those living stones which are being built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5; Ephesians 2:19-22). To build our lives in accordance with His blueprint (the Bible) we must not be merely hearers but doers of the Word (Matthew 7:21; James 1:22).

Questions

1. What is it necessary to do before foundations can be laid? (Nehemiah 4:10; Jeremiah 1:10).

2. What needs to be removed from our lives before foundations can be laid? (Colossians 3:5-10; Galatians 5:14-21; Ephesians 4:17-32).

3. How do we remove “rubble” from our lives? (1 John 1:9; Acts 3:19,20).

4. Discuss the meaning of the parable of the two builders? (Matthew 7:24-27; Luke 6:46-49).

5. On what foundation must our lives be built? (Questions 4 and 1Corinthians 3:11).

6. God is the master builder and architect and he is building his church. What implications does this have for us?  (Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 11:10; 1Peter 2:5,6; Ephesians 2:19-22.)

7. Personal question – to answer and act upon!

Where do I see gaps or cracks in my Christian foundation?  Always allow the Holy Spirit time to reveal any weakness’s in your foundations – and then ask Him to repair the defect.

 

Further Study (Optional)

What Bible characters can you think of who showed defect in their foundations? (This has to do with character). What measures were taken to repair the defects?

Download: Study 1 – The need for foundations.