Building a Stable Christian Life

Matt. 7:24-27

In comparing two separate buildings, one being older, well kept, well built- solid, straight; and one being newer, BUT with substandard foundation and framework.
Observations: Good finish work, nice furnishings can cover for a while but the instability will eventually show through in the second structure.

Compare Christian life with church attendance, ministry involvement, Bible Study, Praise and worship, witnessing, etc. BUT, if the base and foundation is not solid????? You can't substitute finish for framework!!

So.... what is the foundation and framework of a solid Christian life? How do we build solid, stable, weather resistant lives???

5 Components of a stable Christian Life.

#1. Salvation - (regeneration, a spiritual makeover, spiritually re-done. ) "New birth". John 3:1-7 (compare Peter and James as well)

What happens?? Ezek. 36:26-27 2 Cor. 5:17 - spiritual makeover, new birth - the work of God.
How it happens??? hear the message with more than our ears, experience the Holy Spirit calling/ trust Christ - acknowledge, respond to
John 1:11-13

This is the beginning, foundation, footing that we build on - Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11
Then we must build something solid and stable on this foundation. That is our choice.

#2. Submission 1. have accepted Christ and the free gift of salvation.
Now..... 2. will I submit to his leadership, Lordship??? ie: in a practical, functional, daily way???
We still have the choice/option to follow and submit to Him.

The concept is simple.
The practice is difficult. (because we are sinful and selfish) Will I do it????


BUT, you cannot build ON Him......... apart from Him!!! Luke 6:46-49

#3. Discipleship Matt. 4:19 - "if you follow me, I'll form you" - develop, grow, stabilize

A disciple is a student/learner
The point being to grow into the state (level) of the Master.

Disciples are to grow in: A. knowledge - facts/understanding, discernment, which lead to Wisdom!!!!
B. Character = Christ-likeness, what you were saved to become
Note: #1. growth requires effort - 2 Pet. 1:5-8 - laziness won't work
Note #2: the effort has rewards - 2. Pet. 1:10

#4. Constancy (consistency, stick-to-it-ness)
Some Bible words synonymous with Constancy.
perseverance, persistence, endurance steadfastness, patience,
being proven, unwavering, continuing, abiding, lasting

This doesn't mean you never stumble, fall, stop, fail.

But it does mean the you keep getting back up, adjusting your course, and plodding on.

To build is to move upward!!! Webster's Dictionary definition of build is: "to form by ordering and uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole."

You can never build anything substantial with just piles of materials stacked all over the place.

#5. Time - because building, developing, stabilizing, maturing is a process!!
The point: therefore: get started As Soon As Possible!!!
2 Cor. 6:2 (b) - "I tell you, now...."

Even will build structures 'weather' with age, But if the are solid, stable, straight.... then they can be repaired, refinished, refurbished.....

The Challenge: What are you building???
In what manner are you building???
On what are you building?