Building Depth Pastor Benny Ho

“The substructure of our life is formed by who we are and what we do when no one is watching.” Edmund Chan

The structures are routines & disciplines

Superstructure Structure Substructure Function of Competence & Skills Function of Habit & Discipline Character & Calling Measured by Accomplishments Measured by Accountability Measured by Authenticity Builds Status Builds Stature Builds Substance Brings Credibility Builds Confidence Deepens Character How Others Sees Me How I See Myself How God Sees Me

Matthew 7: 24 – 27 - "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."

Two Ways – The Wide (destruction) & Narrow (salvation) Two Fruits – The Good (good fruit) & Bad (bad fruit) Two Claims – The Valid & the Invalid (“Lord, Lord…”) Two Builders – The Wise & the Foolish

Similarities 1. Similar Competence 2. Similar Construction 3. Similar Conditions

Major Contrast The wise builder hears the Word and puts it into practice. He is building his house on solid rock.   The foolish builder hears the same Word and does not put it into practice.   He is building on shifting sand.

James 1: 22 – 25 – “Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”

The Greek words used for “look” and “looking” signify not just a cursory glance but one that is intense.

When I understand, I change” “What I hear, I forget What I see, I remember What I do, I understand When I understand, I change” Howard Hendricks

Change does not come from hearing, but change comes from doing. Don’t master the word but we must be mastered by the Word! Don’t just mark your Bibles but let your Bible mark you!

“Truth does not transform life. Truth applied transform life.”

The Key to True Biblical Discipleship! From Hearing to Doing From Façade to Foundation From Sand to Rock From Superstructure to Structure to Substructure

If we take care of the depth of our lives, God will take care of the breadth of our ministry!

HOW DO WE BUILD A SOLID SUBSTRUCTURE? Practical Teachings Private Disciplines Personal Ministry Providential Relationships Pivotal Events