As we end our “Aim Up!” sermon series, we have been diving deep into the teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount, especially as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew. These teachings challenge us to align our lives with the high ideals and moral principles of the Kingdom of God. This series is more than just an exploration of Jesus’ words; it is a call to action—a call to live out these teachings in practical, transformative ways that elevate our thinking, actions, and faith to embody the life Christ calls us to live.

Today, we are turning to the Gospel of Luke, which offers a unique and significant perspective on these teachings. While Matthew’s account is often more widely referenced, Luke’s version includes a statement that adds profound depth to our understanding of what it means to truly follow Jesus. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks a question that is both direct and deeply challenging: “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?” This isn’t just a rhetorical question—it is a sharp critique of those who claim faith with their lips but fail to demonstrate that faith in their daily lives. It challenges us to examine the integrity of our discipleship—are we truly living out what we profess?

In biblical culture, repeating a name signifies deep personal connection or urgency. When Jesus repeats “Lord, Lord,” he is emphasizing the closeness that people claim to have with him. Yet, despite this professed intimacy, their actions—or lack thereof—reveal a disconnect. Jesus’ frustration is clear—how can someone claim to be close to him, to know him as Lord, and yet fail to live according to his teachings?

To call Jesus “Lord” isn’t just about acknowledging his authority. It means surrendering to his guidance in every aspect of our lives. If we truly consider him our Lord, then our lives should naturally reflect his teachings. This isn’t just about what we say; it is about how we live.

This concept is strongly supported in Wesleyan theology, which emphasizes the importance of putting faith into practice. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was deeply concerned with the relationship between faith and actions. For Wesley, believing in Christ wasn’t enough—one’s life had to show evidence of that belief through good works and obedience. Wesley famously spoke about “holiness of heart and life,” which closely aligns with Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. True discipleship, according to Wesley, is a process of continually growing in grace, where our actions increasingly reflect God’s will, love, and justice.

Jesus illustrates this with a parable about two builders, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the foundation upon which we build our lives.

I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, it quickly collapsed, and great was the ruin of that house. (Luke 6:47-49)

After Jesus challenged them with the question, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you?” he then told them a story to make his point. Jesus describes two men who each build a house. One man digs deep and lays the foundation on rock, while the other builds his house on the ground without a foundation. When floods come and the river bursts against both houses, the one with the solid foundation stands firm, but the house without a foundation collapses, leading to great ruin.

This parable vividly underscores the importance of not just hearing Jesus’ words but acting on them. The man who builds his house on the rock represents someone who hears Jesus’ words and puts them into practice. This person’s life is anchored in Jesus’ teachings, and therefore, when the storms of life inevitably come, their life remains secure and unshaken. On the other hand, the man who builds his house on the ground without a foundation is like someone who hears Jesus’ words but doesn’t put them into practice. This person’s life is vulnerable, and when difficulties arise, everything collapses because there was no solid foundation to withstand the storm.

The key teaching here is about having a strong foundation in our lives. Building a strong foundation requires effort, time, and dedication. It is not something that can be done quickly or superficially. In the context of our faith, this means digging deep into Jesus’ teachings and applying them consistently in our lives. It is not enough to simply know what Jesus says; we must also do what he says. Just as a physical foundation supports and stabilizes a building, so too does a spiritual foundation support and stabilize our lives. The deeper we go in our relationship with Jesus, the more secure our lives will be.

Wesley would describe this as the process of sanctification—a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Sanctification isn’t a one-time event; it is about continually growing in love, laying a solid foundation of faith, and building upon it with good works, prayer, and spiritual discipline. This process is crucial because it transforms us from the inside out, making us more resilient to the trials and temptations of life and, therefore, unshakable.

However, this digging deep isn’t easy. It requires discipline, perseverance, and a willingness to face challenges head-on. It means making tough decisions and sometimes going against the grain of what the world considers normal or acceptable. It involves being honest about our behaviors and shortcomings and actively aligning our lives with God’s will. It is about more than just avoiding obvious sins; it is about cultivating a character that reflects the heart of Jesus in every situation and with everyone we meet.

But here’s our challenge: In today’s fast-paced world, we are often drawn to instant gratification. We want quick fixes for our problems, immediate results from our efforts, and instant growth without the patience or hard work that real transformation requires. We often shy away from the long-term investments that truly matter. We avoid the hard work of nurturing our faith, building strong relationships, and committing to personal and spiritual growth. We want our prayers answered instantly, our church programs to deliver quick results, and our lives to change overnight. But when the inevitable challenges arise—whether in our spiritual journey, relationships, or personal lives—these shallow foundations quickly crumble, leaving us unsteady and vulnerable.

On the other hand, building on the solid foundation of Jesus’ teachings requires a commitment to the long haul. It means investing time and effort into our faith, nurturing relationships, and embracing the slow, steady process of transformation. It is about prioritizing depth over speed and being willing to put in the work for lasting growth. By choosing depth over ease, we aim up, ensuring that our lives remain strong and unshaken when the storms come.

Imagine someone focused entirely on their career, sacrificing relationships and spiritual growth for success. They might seem to have it all, but their foundation crumbles when challenges like job loss or burnout strike because it was built on the shifting sands of material success rather than on deeper values like faith and relationships. In contrast, someone who prioritizes their relationship with God and maintains a balanced life builds on rock. They have the resilience to endure life’s storms because their foundation is secure.

Consider a marriage or friendship that is based only on convenience or superficial attraction. It might appear strong, but when conflicts or crises arise, it quickly falls apart if it wasn’t grounded in mutual respect and shared faith. Relationships built on rock, however, are sustained by a commitment to God’s teachings and practice of forgiveness, allowing them to withstand life’s inevitable challenges.

Think of finances—those who prioritize instant gratification, spending on luxuries without planning, build on sand. When financial crises hit, they struggle to stay afloat. But those who follow biblical principles, like saving and giving, build on rock, remaining stable even in tough times.

In our spiritual lives, treating faith as a checklist rather than a daily commitment is like building on sand. When trials come, superficial faith may falter. But when we make God the center of our daily lives, our faith is built on rock, providing strength and guidance through every storm.

For this reason, Jesus isn’t interested in empty words or superficial declarations. He doesn’t care about the names we call him as much as he cares about how we follow him because the strength and stability of our lives depend on the foundation we build them on. And that foundation must be the teachings of Jesus, lived out in obedience and action.

So, we must ask ourselves: Are we living out what we profess to believe? Are we integrating Jesus’ teachings into every area of our lives? Jesus’ parable of the builders isn’t just a story; it is a warning. It is a reminder that the choices we make today have consequences for tomorrow.

So, what are Jesus’ teachings that we must keep to have a strong foundation? Through the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes the importance of inner transformation over mere outward compliance with religious laws, urging us to cultivate a heart of compassion, forgiveness, and integrity. Jesus teaches that true righteousness involves not only avoiding wrong actions but also controlling our thoughts and attitudes, such as anger and lust. He challenges us to love and pray for our enemies, give generously without seeking recognition, and trust God’s provision rather than being consumed by worry. The essence of these teachings is to seek God’s Kingdom and his righteousness first, aligning our lives with God’s will and reflecting his love and justice in all relationships and actions.

As we reflect on this message, let’s take a moment to evaluate our own lives. Are we building on the rock, or are we settling for a shallow foundation? Are we hearing Jesus’ words and putting them into practice, or are we content with simply going through the motions of faith?

Here is the invitation: Let us commit to digging deep and building a strong foundation that will sustain us and our families in times of trouble. Let us not just call Jesus “Lord,” but let us live in a way that truly reflects his Lordship in every area of our lives. And let us take this invitation seriously, knowing that the strength and stability of our lives depend on it. Let us aim up, dig deep, and build a life that reflects the Kingdom of God. Amen.