During the month of February we have been studying Jesus’s teaching from Matthew 7:24-27. In summary, a wise man builds his home on a firm foundation by hearing what Jesus teaches and doing it. This allows the wise man to withstand trials while the foolish man, who hears and does not obey, crumbles in the midst of trials.
We used this parable to bring focus to our process of building things in our life. For example, when we build up our local church, it should be on the firm foundation of learning the Bible, loving people, worshiping Jesus, and preaching the gospel. When we build our families on a firm foundation we lead with repentance, value outside wisdom, and keep a high view of God. When we build our career on a firm foundation we have a healthy view of work and rest. Our work is done unto God and therefore is viewed as worship, and rest is a way to break from our labor and worship Jesus with our family.
When we build our career on a firm foundation we have a healthy view of work and rest
This requirement for a Christian to view work as worship, and rest on a regular basis makes them very desirable to hire. A true disciple of Jesus should be the most sought after employee in the workplace because their labor is done unto God almighty; they are looking for a “well done” from Jesus, not just their immediate boss. In fact, there is a benefit to society as a whole when Christians are active in their community. Paul says it this way:
Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:5-7
A true disciple of Jesus should be the most sought after employee in the workplace because their labor is done unto God almighty
The “restrainer” of lawlessness is the Holy Spirit. He resides on the inside of Christians as a seal to the promise of redemption. This means that everywhere a Christian goes, they are bringing the restrainer of sin and evil. Disciples of Jesus are agents of holding back darkness by being sons and daughters of light. Building a firm foundation for your career has a direct impact on your work ethic, and it brings a benefit to society as a whole.
Disciples of Jesus are agents of holding back darkness by being sons and daughters of light
We are going to finish our study of Matthew 7 this Sunday by looking at building a firm foundation for our relationship with God. This is very important because if you get this foundation wrong, you will be crushed under trials and blame God for your mess. Hearing and doing what the Bible teaches is our basis for understanding and being in relationship with Jesus. Sometimes we slip into a mode where our feelings or our life experience becomes the foundation for our relationship with Jesus. We say things like, “I don’t think God would ever do that,” when in fact He would absolutely do “that.” We even have multiple examples from the Bible where He has done “that.” The Bible is clear when it comes to our relationship with God.
- Our sin made us enemies of God.
- He forgave us of our sin through the sacrifice of Jesus.
- We accept that forgiveness and show it to others.
This firm foundation for our relationship with God helps us serve the Jesus of the Bible, and not the Jesus of your imagination
If you would like to study ahead for this Sunday, check out Matthew 7:24-27 and Colossians 1:15-23.
God bless and have a great week!
- Marshall Ochs
A few things to pray for
As you spend time in prayer this week, join with us by praying for these things:
- Pray for a firm foundation in your church, your home, your career, and your prayer life.
- Pray that your work is done as worship unto God, and He is pleased with your worship.
- Pray for a rich relationship with Jesus that is grounded on the bible.