Well-Built Houses - Tim Spirk
Well-Built Houses
Pastor Tim Spirk
In Luke 6:46–49, Jesus paints a vivid picture of what it means to build a life that lasts. He compares those who hear His words and put them into practice to a wise builder who lays a foundation on solid rock. When storms come—and they always do—that house stands firm. But for those who only hear His words and never act on them, life becomes like a house built on sand: fragile, unstable, and easily destroyed.
Hearing and Doing
Jesus made it clear—He cannot truly be our Lord if we don’t obey Him. It’s not enough to simply call Him “Lord” or to agree with His teachings in theory. The real evidence of faith is obedience. As 1 Samuel 15:22–23 reminds us, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.”
God’s commands—both written in Scripture and spoken by the Spirit—aren’t burdensome rules meant to limit us. They’re pathways to life. They shape us into His likeness and draw us closer to His heart. When we hear and obey, we become well-built houses—secure, steady, and rooted in Christ, our unshakable foundation.
More Than Hearers
James 1:22–25 warns us not to be hearers only of the Word. In ancient times, some “listeners” attended teachings just to collect information or appear wise. But James calls us to be doers—to creatively and intentionally apply what we’ve learned.
True disciples don’t just study the teachings of Jesus—they live them out. Information alone doesn’t transform us; obedience does. Ezekiel experienced this same challenge when the people heard his prophecies but failed to act. They enjoyed the message but preferred their own way.
Paul put it plainly in Romans 6:16: “You become the slave of whatever you choose to obey.” Our obedience determines who (or what) we serve—either sin leading to death or God leading to life.
Obedience as Worship
Jesus said, “If you love Me, obey My commandments.” (John 14:15). That means obedience isn’t just duty—it’s worship. Every act of obedience is an expression of love, trust, and devotion. It’s how we say, “Jesus, I trust You more than I trust myself.”
When we obey—even when it’s hard, confusing, or costly—we declare that He is worthy of our trust. This is the deepest kind of worship. Songs, prayers, and expressions of praise are beautiful, but they pale in comparison to a heart that listens and obeys.
Stay on the Path
Deuteronomy 5:33 encourages us: “Stay on the path the Lord your God has commanded you to follow. Then you will live long and prosperous lives in the land you are about to enter.”
A well-built house isn’t made overnight—it’s formed through daily choices to trust and obey. Every time we align our actions with His Word, we lay another brick on a foundation that cannot be shaken.
So let’s keep building—steadfast, obedient, and rooted in love—knowing that our lives, built on Christ, will stand strong no matter what storms may come.
