A couple of weeks ago I shared some thoughts on building our “house” on a solid foundation. I want to add an additional thought to the fact that while we build it by Faith, we must build it on Truth.
The Bible is the bedrock foundation of all our literature and, therefore, if you want to know anything, the Bible is where you must go to find it. It is too big for systems; it comprehends man and all his thoughts a great gallery of superb human portraits.
Thomas Lansing Masson
1 John 5:13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
These words of John testify to the living Word of God. The expression “these things” represents the “entire epistle.” John wanted us to know (akou – understand) and not just observe (recognize). We need to be settled with absolute knowledge, to absolutely know that our foundation is eternal life in Jesus, the living Word of God.
Mt 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
It is easy for us to make the decision to become a hearer (understander) of the Word and begin to read it, hear it, and speak it with some sacrifice. But the thing that brings on the second part – being like a wise man – is founded in action (poieo – do, continue, execute). We must be doers of the Word and not hearers only.
Without putting the Word into action, we are like the house on sand. As soon as the tough times come, we realize too late that our foundation is soft, unsure, porous, and without substance and great was the fall of it. The fall (ptosis – crash) was so great because it was high and lifted by pride, there was not a solid foundation under it. So often that is just like the lives of many today, they are founded on pride and not on the Word … pride goeth before the fall.
Be a doer of the Word and firmly plant your foundation on the rock (the Word), so your house will stand when the storms come. For all those who build upon the sand (the world), the cost of the fall will be eternal.