TOPIC: FIRM FOUNDATION IN CHRIST
TEXT: 1COR. 3:1-23, MATT. 7:24-27
MEMORY VERSE: 1COR. 3:11 FOR OTHER FOUNDATION CAN NO MAN LAY THAN
THAT IS LAID, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST.
INTRODUCTION:
Most persons have watched a building being built and it happens in such a way that
the land will first be cleared just to make sure it is void of any form of obstacle.
After which a level of work will begin which is the laying of foundation and people
may not appreciate the level of work being done during this stage. Note, so much
work is been done during the foundation laying of a building which may not be
appreciated by people but what matters is the quality of the foundation as it
determines the integrity and size of the building. And it is worthy to note that the
foundation laying process is the most delicate and sensitive time of a building
process. On finishing a building, the foundation is not visible, people only admire
the size and beautiful nature of the building but the foundation keeps the building
standing.
Note: what would make a building stand the test of time is the quality of the
foundation, this applies to us as Christians just as a building needs a foundation,
lives needs a foundation too and for us as Christians Jesus is that secure foundation
and all who builds on him would not be moved by storms neither would such a
person be driven around by worldly dispositions. If we do not build on the
foundation of Christ which is the only firm foundation, our building will not stand
the test of time because it was built on a very shaky foundation.
What is a firm foundation?
Foundation: according to the Merriam-webster a foundation is the basis (such as a
tenet, principle, or axiom) upon which something stands.
Firm: according to the Merriam-webster it is something that does not shake or
move when you put weight or pressure on it, because it is strongly made.
A firm foundation can be defined as the basis upon which something stands and
cannot be moved when pressure is applied because it is strongly made.
Jesus Christ is that firm foundation, and building on this firm foundation entails
having a steadfast faith in Christ Jesus such that no form of pressure or weight can
move us as believers. God has given us the rock upon which each of us can build.
Thee structural integrity and suitability of jess as the most rigorous examination
possible. One builds on sand whenever such a person rebels against God by sinning
or when one attempts on his/her own sense of self-righteousness.
HOW TO ATTAIN A FIRM FOUNDATION
You must be genuinely born again (Matt. 11:28, John 3:1-16)
Jesus made a call ‘come unto me’ all yea that are heavy laden and I will give you
REST. This rest brings you to a firm foundation (Jesus Christ) and to build on this
foundation you must be genuinely saved. Any man that does not conform to the
moral character of god is a sinner and such a man is building on a sand (matt. 7:26-
27)
a) Acknowledge: Admit that you are a sinner and acknowledge that you cannot
save yourself (Rom. 3:23, Luke 18:33)
b) Believe the good news: God has a rescue plan. He sent his Son Jesus Christ
to take our deserved punishment for sin. Because of that we gen as
incredible privilege of eternal life (John 3:16).
c) Repent of your sins, Receive Jesus as your savior and Lord: feel sorry haven
done wrong and seek forgiveness and then receive all the benefits offered
by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Rom 10:9, John 1:12)
Note: your response to the gospel should be based on conviction and not emotions.
One that is genuinely saved and has Christ as his/her firm foundation must build on
that solid rock which has its own requirements.
a). DISCIPLINE: it is Gods desire that we build on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ.
That one has come to know and receive Christ is not enough (col. 2:6), the precepts
of Jesus Christ must be followed. Here are some basic Disciplines;
1. Prayer: Prayer is a fundamental discipline, and men must build prayer
routines into their daily routines. One of the best methods of praying is the
A.C.T.S method; Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and supplication.
(phil. 4:6, matt. 26:41, Luke 18:1 Luke 11)
2. Hearing and doing God’s word (Matt. 7:24-27, James 1:22-25)
3. Fellowship with God and other believers (Heb. 10:25, 11cor. 3:18)
b). SEEK THE DEEP THINGS OF THE SPIRIT: A natural man can never discern spiritual
things and never hear and understand the work of the lord; these things are past
human understanding. Therefore;
1. Seek an encounter with the holy spirit (Acts 19:1, John. 7:38)
2. Strive to hear and listen to God (Isa. 30:21, Prov. 3:6)
IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A FIRM FOUNDATION
1. It assures of our connection with the true vine John 15:5
2. It enables us to live a holy live (2Tim 2:19, Gal. 5:16)
3. It makes us to be stable and steadfast in the midst of storms and trails (Luke
6:48)
4. It gives us victory over the enemy (1 John 5:4) and many others.
CONCLUSION: Intentionality is required of every believer to maintain his/ her
relationship with God, the foundation has been laid, accepting Jesus as our Lord
and savior gives us access to build on this Firm foundation and it must be
intentional.
