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DOCTRINE:

The first principle is that building a proper spiritual foundation is part of the doctrine [teachings] of Jesus. This passage records that the people were "astonished at His doctrine." Part of that doctrine was the story He told about building on a good foundation.

Paul also refers to building a foundation as part of the doctrine of Christ:

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ...not laying again the foundation...(Hebrews 6:1)

Paul then continues to list the content of the doctrine of Jesus.

THE RIGHT FOUNDATION:

The steps for building a good spiritual foundation are given in Luke 6:47:

1. Whosoever cometh to me...

2. Heareth my sayings...

3. And doeth them.

All three steps are required. It is not enough to come to Jesus. You must also listen to what He has said. But coming and listening are not enough. You must also take personal action. A person can come to Jesus, hear what He has to say, but not respond:

Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?

(Luke 6:46)

You can know the Word and still not act upon it. Jesus is not truly Lord of your life until you respond to His teachings. A good foundation is based on the Word of God. The man who came to Jesus, heard His Word, and then acted on it is called wise. This man made sure the spiritual foundation of His life was firm. He "digged deep" removing everything between him and the Rock, Jesus Christ.

God's Word is the plan which shows how to build your spiritual life. The Bible must be accepted as the absolute authority and the plan for your spiritual foundation because...

...the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (II Peter 1:21)

The purpose of God's revelation is given in II Timothy 3:16:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

(II Timothy 3:16)

The Bible contains instruction in the basic doctrines of Jesus. It also provides reproof and correction for failing to follow these teachings.

THE WRONG FOUNDATION:

The man who built on a wrong foundation heard the Word of God but did not take personal action on what he heard. He is called a foolish man and compared to a man who built without a foundation (Luke 6:49). His house was built on the sand instead of the rock (Matthew 7:27).

You build on the sand spiritually when you base your life on the traditions or religious beliefs of man. It is thinking you can make yourself spiritual by good works, church attendance, or religious ceremonies.

THE STORMS OF LIFE:

Jesus' story of the two builders reveals another great truth. It is the nature of life to be stormy. Circumstances of life result in many personal crises. You must face death, disease, and disaster. Even believers will face problems. Acts 14:22 warns that "we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God."

Jesus said:

...In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

No one escapes the storms. Stormy circumstances of life are experienced by all people everywhere. The storms are the same, but what differs is how people respond to them. If your spiritual life does not have the right foundation you will fall. Just as the house built on sand, the fall will be great. If your life is built on the right foundation of Jesus Christ and His Word [doctrine], the storm cannot shake you:

...Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.



And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (Hebrews 12:26-27)

When the shaking experience comes, that which cannot be shaken will remain. Those who stand have built a right spiritual foundation. FOUNDATIONS: A PREREQUISITE

A good foundation is a prerequisite for constructing a sound building in the natural world. The word "prerequisite" means that it is "required before." A proper foundation is required before constructing the "superstructure." The "superstructure" is that which is built on the foundation.

A proper spiritual foundation is a prerequisite to spiritual maturity. In Hebrews 6:1-3 we are told we cannot go on to perfection unless the spiritual foundation is properly laid. Spiritual maturity is the superstructure [the building] which rests on the spiritual foundation. If the foundation is wrong then the superstructure will not stand and you will never achieve spiritual maturity.

The following lessons explain things which must be part of your spiritual foundation. But as the parable of the two houses indicates, it is not enough to be informed of these basic doctrines. You must make a personal response to God's Word and integrate these truths into the spiritual foundation of your life.

If you do not respond to God's Word, you are like the man described by the Apostle James:

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving our own selves.



For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass;



For he beholdeth himself and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.







But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (James 1:22-25)

Remember that from the moment you decide to start building your spiritual life on the proper foundation, God will bless you.

These are the basic principles you will study in the following lessons:

-Repentance from dead works

-Faith toward God

-Baptisms

-Laying on of hands

-Resurrection of the dead

-Eternal judgment