The Solid Foundation of Obedience (2)

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

Beloved brothers and sisters, let us ponder deeply the profound question our Savior poses in the Gospel of Luke: "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" This question compels us to examine our commitment to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Jesus' inquiry demands reflection on our relationship with Him. To call Jesus 'Lord' acknowledges His authority over our lives. Yet, such a declaration is empty without a willingness to obey His commands. True discipleship harmonizes our words and deeds.

Beware of superficial obedience, which is outward conformity without true transformation. This hollow obedience may manifest in regular church attendance and prayers but lacks depth. It is driven by a desire to appear righteous, not by a heartfelt commitment to God's will.

In contrast, genuine obedience springs from a heart surrendered to God. It aligns one's thoughts, attitudes, and actions with Christ's teachings. This obedience is resilient and enduring, like a house built on a solid foundation. It reflects true transformation and a commitment to authentic faith.

Look to Jesus Christ, the ultimate example of genuine obedience. Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience to the Father's will. His obedience was marked by humility, self-sacrifice, and unwavering trust in God's wisdom.

As followers of Christ, strive to emulate His obedience. Though we may never achieve perfection, we must follow His example with sincerity. By depending on the Holy Spirit and nurturing our relationship with God, we can grow in genuine obedience and reflect Christ's character in our lives.

However, the true test of our faith lies not only in our words but also in our deeds. Professing faith without embodying it in our actions is akin to a tree that bears no fruit. It is essential to align our profession of faith with actual obedience to God's commands, thereby living out what we proclaim.

Application of this principle is crucial in our daily lives. When we make decisions, interact with others, or face challenges, our actions should reflect our commitment to Christ's teachings. This integration of faith and obedience not only fortifies our spiritual foundation but also serves as a testament to others of the transformative power of genuine faith. In doing so, we not only honor God but also inspire those around us to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him.

BUILDING ON THE ROCK

In Luke 6:47-48, Jesus presents the profound analogy of the wise builder: "Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built." This parable vividly underscores the critical importance of not only hearing but resolutely implementing Jesus' teachings in our lives.

Building on the solid rock of Christ's teachings demands more than mere auditory reception; it requires an intentional and unwavering commitment to live out His guidance in every aspect of our existence. The wise builder exemplifies this by digging deep, securing the foundation amidst the bedrock. This is emblematic of our call to a life of profound obedience, where our deeds consistently mirror our professed beliefs.

Establishing such a robust foundation is arduous and mandates perseverance and spiritual discipline. It is not a one-time act but a sustained endeavor of aligning our lives with the precepts of Christ. This steadfast obedience equips us to endure life's inevitable trials and tribulations. When storms of adversity arise, a life anchored in the firm foundation of Jesus remains steadfast and unshaken, providing divine stability and resilience.

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.

By choosing to build on the rock, we not only safeguard our spiritual integrity but also manifest the transformative power of genuine faith to the world. Our lives become a luminous testimony of hope and an invitation for others to seek the same immovable foundation. Ultimately, the analogy of the wise builder calls us to a deeper, intentional, and theologically grounded relationship with Christ, wherein our faith is authentically professed and ardently lived out.

CONSEQUENCES OF COMPLACENCY

Let’s talk about what happens when someone hears Jesus' teachings but doesn’t act on them. Jesus shared a story about a foolish builder to warn us about the dangers of having a shallow faith that doesn’t include real obedience. People who listen to Jesus but don’t live by his words are like a builder who puts up a house on sand. When storms come—think of life's challenges and tough times—that house can’t stand firm. It falls apart, just like a faith that isn’t genuine will crumble when tested.

In our busy lives today, it’s easy to get distracted and go through the motions without really committing. Take John, for example. He went to church every Sunday but never let the teachings change his heart. He looked religious on the outside but made many compromises in his private life. When a financial crisis hit, John's shallow faith fell apart, leaving him lost and doubting everything he believed. This story shows us that a superficial faith won’t hold up when life gets tough.

This story reminds us that it’s not enough to just hear Jesus’ teachings—we need to act on them. A shallow faith that isn’t backed by true obedience is weak and won’t support us when we need it most. We need to really think about where we’re building our faith. Are we just listening, or are we also doing what Jesus taught us?

Now is the time to look at our own lives. Are we like John, just going through the motions, or are we building our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings? Let’s not settle for a shallow faith. Instead, let’s make a real effort to live out Jesus' words every day. By doing this, we make sure our faith is strong enough to withstand any storm life throws at us.

In conclusion, let’s take Jesus’ words to heart and really examine our lives. Don’t be like the foolish builder. Be wise and build your life on the solid rock of Jesus' teachings. Amen.

As followers of Christ, strive to emulate His obedience. Though we may never achieve perfection, we must follow His example with sincerity. By depending on the Holy Spirit and nurturing our relationship with God, we can grow in genuine obedience and reflect Christ's character in our lives.

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.

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.