Laying a Solid Foundation

Genuine faith produces godly fruit, is confident in God’s promise and is built by God’s Word.

Laying a foundation is critical to the long-term success of the structure.

Paul’s purpose in writing was to fulfill his calling to build healthy churches.

He considered himself a bond-servant of God and a messenger of Jesus Christ.

His purpose was to

True Faith Produces Godly Fruit

Gospel faith leads to Godly living. Salvation is always followed by sanctification.

Matthew 7:15–17 ESV

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit.

Matt. 7:15-

He considered himself

True Faith Gives Confidence in God’s Promise

Illustration about Granddaddy and his promises being kept.

Our confidence is based on God’s truthfulness. - He cannot lie.

Hebrews 6:13 ESV

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself,

Hebrews 10:23 ESV

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.

Our confidence is based on God’s timelessness.

He is eternal and this has been his plan from eternity past.

True Faith is Built by God’s Word

Our faith is built by God’s Word.

Paul was committed to proclaiming the Word of God, not his own ideas.

Paul was committed to the method of preaching since it was God’s means to deliver His truth.

- God’s method is to display His wisdom through the “foolishness of preaching.”

Application:

A healthy church is built on the foundation of genuine faith that comes by conversion.

A healthy church keeps the promise of God through the Gospel in center focus.

A healthy church prioritizes the preaching / proclamation of God’s Word.