The Solid Foundation of Obedience

Luke 6 46-49

Luke 6:46–49 NASB 2020

46 “Now why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 Everyone who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when there was a flood, the river burst against that house and yet it could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who has heard and has not acted accordingly is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation; and the river burst against it and it immediately collapsed, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Introduction

Illustration

With a height of 770 feet, Oroville Dam is the tallest dam in the United States. Completed in 1968 and located north of Sacramento in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this large earthfill embankment dam is owned by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and is one of the key features of the California State Water Project, which supplies water to more than 23 million people throughout California and is the largest state-owned water storage and delivery system in the United States.

The heavy rainfall of 2017 led to significant damage to both the main and emergency spillways of the Oroville Dam, prompting the evacuation of nearly 200,000 people due to the risk of uncontrolled flooding.The Oroville Dam crisis was a stark reminder of the importance of solid foundations.

This situation parallels the teaching of Jesus in Luke 6:46-49, where He emphasizes the importance of building our lives on a firm foundation. Just as a house built on rock withstands storms, a life grounded in obedience to His words can endure life’s challenges.

Context of the Text

Chapter 6 of the Gospel of Luke describes Jesus challenging the Pharisees' interpretation of Sabbath laws by performing miracles on the Sabbath. He also chooses twelve disciples, delivers the Beatitudes, and teaches about loving one's enemies and not judging others. Jesus emphasizes the importance of actions over words, using parables to illustrate the consequences of following or ignoring his teachings. The chapter concludes with the Parable of the Builders, highlighting the importance of building one's life on a solid foundation of faith and obedience to Jesus' words. Throughout these teachings and actions, Jesus demonstrates his authority as the Son of Man and Lord of the Sabbath, emphasizing love, mercy, and the importance of living out one's faith through actions rather than mere words.

BIG IDEA

Big Idea: Obedience to God's word is the foundation on which a strong and enduring faith is built, enabling believers to withstand the trials of life.

Profession vs Practice

Luke 6:46

You could start by addressing the question Jesus poses about calling Him 'Lord' without following His commands. This can lead into a discussion on the superficial vs genuine obedience and highlight Christ's perfect obedience as our role model. The application might focus on the importance of aligning profession of faith with actual obedience.

Just like a doctor who preaches healthy living but secretly indulges in junk food, our profession as Christians means little if our practice doesn't align with it. It's about living out our faith in our everyday actions, not just professing it with our words.

Struggling to bridge the gap between your faith on Sundays and your actions throughout the week? Remember that following Christ is a full-time commitment, not just a Sunday morning routine. Engage in a regular accountability partnership with a fellow believer from your church who can help you stay grounded in your faith and provide support in living it out daily. Together, set specific goals for personal growth and hold each other accountable in pursuing them.

Building on the Rock

Luke 6:47-48

Perhaps delve into the analogy of the wise builder, emphasizing the deliberate choice to hear and follow Jesus' teachings. This can underscore the intentional effort required in building a life of obedience on Christ, the solid rock, and how this foundational choice equips us for life's inevitable storms.

In 1755, an earthquake hit the city of Lisbon, Portugal, causing massive destruction. The only building left standing in the aftermath was the Church of Carmo, which was constructed on a solid rock foundation. This historical event serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of building our lives on the solid rock of faith in Christ.

Feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures or unsure of your values in a fast-paced world? Stand firm in your faith by speaking and acting in alignment with Christ's teachings, even in the face of opposition. Be a beacon of light and hope in your interactions with others, showing love, compassion, and grace. By embodying the principles of Christ in your public life, you will inspire others and remain steadfast in your convictions.

Consequences of Complacency

Luke 6:49

Maybe explore the contrasting outcome of the one who hears but does not act. This point could serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of a superficial faith that lacks obedience, emphasizing the catastrophic result of disregarding Jesus' words. The application might encourage a self-reflective examination of one's foundation.

In the ancient city of Pompeii, people went about their daily lives unaware of the imminent danger from the nearby Mount Vesuvius. Their complacency led to devastating consequences when the volcano erupted, burying the city in ash and preserving the inhabitants forever. Similarly, our complacency in spiritual matters can have grave consequences if we fail to heed the warning signs around us.

Complacency in church involvement can limit your spiritual growth and impact on the community. To overcome this, seek out opportunities to deepen your faith through attending Bible studies, small groups, or serving in different ministries. Step out of your comfort zone and take an active role in building up the church.

Summary:

In Luke 6:46–49, Jesus teaches about the importance of obedience by using the analogy of building a house on a solid foundation.

Application:

This passage challenges Christians to examine their obedience to God's teachings and commands. It encourages believers to build their lives on the solid foundation of Christ's words, which will sustain them through life's storms.

Teaching:

This sermon teaches that obedience to God is not just about hearing His word but putting it into practice. It emphasizes the significance of obedience in building a strong and resilient spiritual life.

How this passage could point to Christ:

Obedience is central to the Christian faith as it reflects the obedience of Christ himself to the will of the Father. Throughout the Bible, obedience is a recurring theme that points to the ultimate obedience of Jesus in fulfilling God's plan of salvation.

Recommended Study:

In preparing this sermon, it would be beneficial to delve into the deeper meanings of 'building on the rock' in Luke 6:46–49 using Logos. Explore the cultural context of foundation-building in ancient times and how it relates to obedience in the Christian life. Additionally, study the parallels between this passage and Matthew 7:24–27 to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Jesus' teaching on obedience and its implications for believers.