Build on the Rock

46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? The one who says Lord, Lord but does not do what I say is one who does not build on the rock. Luke 6:46-49

10 Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. The foundation is laid and is Christ now it’s up to us to build on it. 1 Corinthians 3:10-13

The building blocks of a firm foundation! 1.Surrender 2.Commitment 3.Humility 4.Endurance 5.A strong Finish

Humility: the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc. Humble: not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience.

Humility from a biblical perspective is not so much a concentration of what you are not but the realization of your great need for Him. Jesus our example: 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross Philippians 2:5-8

Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “G OD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:4-7

5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for G OD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. 1 Peter 5:5-9

Endurance: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2

Hupomone : endurance steadfast, endurance, perseverance The characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings

12 Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. 14 This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. Matthew 24:12,13

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; 8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Finish Strong: 12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Philippians 3:12-14

Paul's example was one of a man who had a single focus, The Lord. The word he received from the Lord was his life. He was resolute in that his goal was to finish and finish strong!