Lesson 2: Laying Foundations
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
At a glance
- Every lasting work is built on Jesus Christ as the foundation.
- Apostles lay three foundations: vision, sound doctrine, and godly order.
- Build according to God’s pattern, not your own ideas.
- Count the cost before you build.
- What you build on sand will fall; what you build on the rock will stand.
1. Jesus is the foundation
The Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20). A cornerstone sets the direction of the whole building. Everything lines up with it.
Any ministry built on a personality, a method, or a trend will eventually shift. A ministry built on Jesus stands.
In summary:
- Jesus is the only true foundation.
- Everything must line up with Him.
- Build on Christ, not on a person or a trend.
2. Build according to the pattern
God told Moses, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain” (Hebrews 8:5; Exodus 25:40). David gave Solomon the plans for the temple and said, “The LORD made me understand in writing, by His hand upon me, all the works of these plans” (1 Chronicles 28:19).
Apostles do not build from imagination. They build from revelation.
- Seek the pattern in prayer and the Word.
- Write the vision so others can run with it (Habakkuk 2:2).
- Test it with the prophets and other leaders (see Lesson 6).
- Do not change it to please people.
In summary:
- God has a pattern for what He wants built.
- Receive it, write it down, and test it.
- Build exactly what God showed you.
3. Foundation one: vision
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint” (Proverbs 29:18). Vision gives people direction and purpose.
A clear vision answers:
- Why does this work exist?
- What has God called it to build?
- Where is it called to reach: a city, region, or nation?
- Who is it called to serve?
In summary:
- Vision gives direction.
- Make it clear, written, and simple.
4. Foundation two: sound doctrine
The first church “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). Paul told Titus to “speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine” (Titus 2:1), and warned that a time would come when people “will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3).
Apostles make sure what is built is anchored in truth:
- The gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection
- Salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9)
- Holiness and the work of the Holy Spirit
- The authority of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
A building with weak doctrine will crack under pressure.
In summary:
- Sound doctrine holds the whole building together.
- Teach the core truths clearly and often.
- Guard against teaching that drifts from Scripture.