The
Foundation Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:13-18.
Memory Verse: "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 3:11).
Introduction: In the building of a building, the first and most
important thing is to lay a proper foundation, for upon this the whole
structure stands or falls. The foundation is the beginning of the structure.
In the purchase of a house, people generally look at the foundation
first. So also should it be when testing the integrity of any Church: "If
the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Psalm 11:3).
But our foundation is very different, for ours is a living Lord, and One
who is perfect beyond imagination. His integrity and power are absolute.
It is our connection to the foundation that is in question, and
the strength of this connection is determined by the degree of our obedience.
In Matthew 7:24-27, both the wise and foolish hear the
sayings of Jesus. The wise man is the one who chooses the choice location
for stability and strength, making a connection with the rock in preparation
for the impending storms that will ravage the countryside. The foolish
man hears, most likely understands and has the best of intentions, but
sees the full destruction of his house because of disobedience.
We should consider that just as pretty a home can be built on
the sand as on the rock, and we can even save money on concrete by not
laying a foundation. But sooner or later our folly will catch up to us,
and all our time, effort, and resources will come crashing down about us.
God has made available to us the foundation, Jesus Christ, the
head of the corner and the capstone, beginning and end. Whether we build
on God's foundation or not will determine whether our building stands--the
way we build is by obedience. We know the Lord is strong, but what of our
relationship to Him? Paul strongly exhorts us, "Finally, my brethren,
be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole
armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil"
(Eph. 6:10,11).
Maybe today's a good time, possibly long past due, of checking
your connection to the rock. It's much better to get it fixed now, than
to have some big storm prove your mistake.
Lesson Questions:
1. Upon what foundation was the Tabernacle of Moses built? Exodus 26:18-25.
Exodus 38:25-28 speaks of
the silver that was collected for construction of the sockets and hooks.
Notice that an equal amount of silver was collected for every man (vs.
26a). Silver in the Bible is symbolic of redemption, of which every man
stands in equal need.
2. How was the Bethel House of God founded? Genesis 28:12-22.
3. In what city and mountain was the Tabernacle of David pitched? 1 Kings 8:1; 2 Chronicles 5:2; 2 Samuel 6:15-19.
4. What important symbolic things happened on Mt. Moriah, where Solomon
built the Temple? Genesis 22:1-14; 2 Samuel 24:18-25;
2 Chronicles 3:1,2.
5. Will New Jerusalem's walls be well-founded? Revelation 21:14.
6. What is the foundation of the Church? 1 Corinthians 3:10,11; Psalm 18:30,31,46; 62:5-8; Isaiah 28:16.
7. How could Jesus be considered a "Rock of Offense?" Acts 4:10-12;
Romans 9:30-33; Galatians 5:11; 1 Peter 2:4-8; Matthew 21:42-44;
1 Corinthians 1:17-24.
8. Who lays the foundation? Ephesians 2:20-22; Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians
3:10,11.
The foundation doctrines
of the apostles have already been laid, and all other ministries, apostles
and prophets, will simply "lay" that foundation!
9. What is the measure of our success in gaining a strong foundation? Matthew 7:24-27.
