Characteristics of a Solid Foundation

1. It is hidden and unseen but genuine: v. 2

Matthew 7:24- “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock”

Jesus says, “whoever hears or reads my words and does (obeys, practices, adds them to his/her life).” It is better to build what men cannot see before you build what they will see.

2. It is built on a rock: v. 24

…that builds his life, career, and home on a rock (strong, concentrated, undiluted, hard) sayings of Jesus.

John 6: 66-68 reads, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

3. It is built first.

Matthew 6: 30-33- “Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shallwe eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

The first thing talks of salvation from sin and eternal condemnation. This is called being “born again”

In John 3:3-5, “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”

4. It is built with patience, never hurriedly: v.24

“….  whoever hears My words (hears, reads God’s word) and does them (thinks about it, meditate on it, takes genuine, and deliberate decisions/actions).” It involves decision to turn from previous evil ways and decide to follow the path of righteousness. Hear Zacchaeus after meeting with Jesus Christ.

Luke 19:8- “Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

5. It lasts forever: v. 25

Matthew 7:25 ” …and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.”

I John 2:15-17. “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.

Characteristics of a Weak Foundation

1. Though hidden and unseen but not genuine (fake, full of pretense, not original)

Matthew 7:26. “Whoever hears or reads God’s word but will not obey, practice it”(paraphrased). Anyone that ignores God’s word is raising a home with a  weak and feeble foundation. It may be unknown to men but cannot last the test of time. May the Lord help you not to build your marriage on a weak foundation.

2. It is built on sand (cheap, lightweight teachings of men & fake preachers) v. 26

Not obeying the words of Christ is equivalent to building on sand. Such homes and marriages are therefore built on lightweight and false teachings of men who claim to know God but do not. Beware of who you listen to and it shall be well with you in Jesus’ name. Homes and marriages built on sand will collapse in the face of storm and challenges of life.

3. It is built hurriedly.

Such individual prays hurriedly, reads the Bible hurriedly and never pay attention. They never wait upon God. You can make a change today if this describes you.

Responsibilities in Unshakable Christian Home

Roles of a Husband

Ephesians 5: 25-33a. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her; that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word. That He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones. “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. Nevertheless let eachone of you in particular so love his own wife as himself……”

Every man that seeks to build unshakable Christian home will obey the Lord’s commands to love his wife as himself, to cherish and nourish her; to care for her.

Roles of a Wife

Ephesians 5:22-24, 33b. “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything………. and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Likewise, women are called to submit to their own husbands as unto the Lord. As a wife, you are to submit to and respect your husband as you will respect and submit to the Lord Jesus. This is the secret of happiness, joy and family growth.

Roles of Children

Ephesians 6:1-3. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise:  “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Children are to obey their parents and honor them. Any child that disobeys these instructions voilates God’s Word and attracts His wrath.

ConclusionThe truth remains that every home and marriage will experience the events of life. There will be rain; there will be wind, and there could be storm. What will become of your marriage? Giving the words of Christ a priority in your life and home would prepares your home/marriage for victory despite all odds. It is well with you in Jesus’ name.

Note: God of restoration can restore your marriage if it is at the edge of falling apart if you will invite Him in. For further help, contact us today.