FOUNDATIONS FOR BUILDING A GOD-HONORING, SOUL-SATISFYING LIFE 

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 

PURPOSE: We are created to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.  

(Ephesians 1:3-6; Psalms 34:8-9, 36:8, 37:4, 106:7-8; Isaiah 43:6-7; Romans 11:33-36, 15:7-11; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 1:9-10; 1 Peter 2:9-12, 4:11)  

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.  Ephesians 1:3-6

PROBLEMS: Problems come to reveal God’s all-sufficient and all-satisfying love for His people.  

(Philippians 4:4-7; Romans 5:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-8) 

Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

PERSPECTIVE: We seek the wisdom of God rather than the opinions of man for only His truth will lead us to the place of His blessings.  

(John 8:31-32; Psalms 25:4-5; 111:10; Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6, 16:12-15; Romans 1:18; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 4:4; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; James 1:5) 

John 8:31-32, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

PLAN: God’s Word judges our hearts and commands that we put off sinfulness that disappoints and put on righteousness that satisfies.  

(Ephesians 4:20-24; Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Timothy 6:11-12; Hebrews 4:12-13)  

Ephesians 4:20-24, You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. 

POWER: We rest in the promise that God will give us everything we need to be victorious in our desire to enjoy and glorify Christ.  

(Romans 8:31-32; Matthew 11:28-29; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 1:3; James 4:6-7) 

Romans 8:31-32, If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 

PERSEVERANCE: We discipline ourselves to obey God’s Word no matter how long or how hard the struggle.  

(Philippians 2:12-13; Psalm 27:13-14; Romans 8:33-39, 15:4; 1 Corinthians 15:10; Philippians 1:6; 1 Timothy 4:7-8, 16; Hebrews 10:35-36) 

Philippians 2:12-13, Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.  

 PLEASURE: We serve with joy and expectation for we know that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  

(Psalm 16:11; Luke 11:28; Ephesians 6:7-8; Philippians 1:18; Colossians 3:23-24; Hebrews 11:6, 12:10-11; James 1:12; 1 Peter 1:8, 4:13) 

Psalm 16:11, You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.