How can we build our lives on the foundation mentioned in Ephesians 2:20? The Foundation Identified Ephesians 2:20: “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.” • Cornerstone: Christ Jesus—His person, work, and words give shape to the entire structure of a believer’s life. • Apostles and prophets: the Spirit-inspired witnesses whose writings form our Scriptures, providing the rest of the solid footing. Why This Foundation Matters • Isaiah 28:16 foretold a tested, precious cornerstone chosen by God; fulfilled in Christ, it guarantees stability. • 1 Corinthians 3:11 insists no other foundation can be laid. Any life built elsewhere eventually collapses. • Matthew 7:24-25 pictures the house on the rock standing firm when storms hit. That rock is Christ obeyed. Laying the Cornerstone: Christ First • Repent and believe the gospel: acknowledge personal sin and trust His substitutionary death and bodily resurrection (Romans 10:9). • Public identification with Him: baptism and ongoing confession of faith (Acts 2:38; Matthew 10:32). • Daily surrender: “…whoever wants to be My disciple must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Listening to the Prophets and Apostles • Immerse in Scripture: “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable…” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Follow the apostles’ pattern: “…they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42). • Guard doctrinal purity: weigh every idea against the written Word (Galatians 1:8-9). Practical Steps to Build Daily 1. Schedule consistent Bible intake—read, study, memorize, meditate. 2. Obey promptly—truth applied cements each stone in place (James 1:22). 3. Pray Scripture back to God—aligning desires with His revealed will (John 15:7). 4. Engage in Christ-centered community—mutual encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Serve using Spirit-given gifts—building up the whole structure (1 Peter 4:10). Safeguards Against Cracks • Test teachings: Berean-style examination (Acts 17:11). • Flee lifestyles that deny the foundation: immorality, greed, bitterness (Ephesians 5:3-4). • Keep short accounts with God: regular confession restores fellowship (1 John 1:9). • Maintain eternal perspective: set mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-2). The Outcome: Stability and Growth • Spiritual maturity: “rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith” (Colossians 2:7). • Unified fellowship: “In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21). • Unshakeable hope: even death cannot topple a life anchored to the risen Cornerstone (1 Peter 1:3-5). |
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