“…It fell not, for it was built upon a rock.” Matthew 7:25
Dear Ones:
The Apostle Paul, in writing to the believers at Corinth, wrote: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor. 3:11) The subject that Paul is addressing here is that of building an edifice. It has for its primary application the building of an individual life, with the foundation being the first matter of consideration. That foundation is a Person, not a philosophy, nor religion, nor the acceptance of “the ways of men and culture.” Elsewhere in Scripture, we find that “the Builder and Maker” of that house, or city, is God. (Heb. 11:10) The Psalmist would add: “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” (Ps. 127:1) From beginning to end, with regard to the concept of building of a life, the consideration of the foundation for that life, and the very MEANS of building, Christ is declared to be the center, essence, and the manner in which it is to be built. Where is stability? It is IN Christ, in that which He IS, what He has declared, and what He done, and will do.
Again, we look at the experience of the Apostle Paul, in seeking to understand the essential element in the building of the “house.” We find that he learned well the great truths of the Gospel, and communicated them in the letter to the Romans. He learned that our justification and acceptance before God, having peace with God, is by one means alone…by faith in Christ’s gift of righteousness. He goes on to speak of a work that Christ accomplished for us, dealing with our sin, and “objectively” breaking the power of sin over us. However, it will only be when he comes to the discovery that he is helpless in and of himself, to see realized in his life this victory, that he cries out to God: “Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” It is as if he has discovered that God wills to build a house, and that house is Paul’s life, where Christ is truly honored and glorified by his experience of the victorious life. However, it is as if Paul finds himself with the “plans” to build, but he lacks brick and mortar, and is devoid of the strength and capacity necessary. What is the sure solution? It is the Spirit of God working according to the truth, in answer to faith.
Every believer in the body of Christ has received an anointing from God, the Holy Spirit, who is the very confirmation of his or her belonging to God. Potentially, every believer can live a victorious life. However, unless the believer sees, understands, and believes in the absolute necessity of trusting the Spirit of God alone for the full realization of Christ’s victory in the life, he will not know this overcoming life.
In Romans 8, we see that we are called to walk by the Spirit…with the promise, “…the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me FREE from the law of sin and death.” (v.2) He quickens the soul and spirit, giving life to overcome the enemies within and without. He leads us, bearing witness with our spirits, that we are Christ’s. He helps us to pray, according to the will of God, and works all things for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose. Where then is stability in the storms of life? It is here: “IN ALL THESE THINGS WE ARE MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US…(NOTHING) …SHALL SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.” (v. 28,39)
Dear Father, give us to see that You alone can truly “build” us up in Christ, for Your Son alone is our foundation, architect, and builder…by the Spirit. Give us to grasp that the Spirit has been given to us to accomplish this blessed and glorious task, and He will, as we trust in Him. We praise and thank Thee for the victorious life of Thy Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad