2. Take Heed How You Build In my younger years, my father and I built houses. Some had plans on paper, and some owners had it in their head, and told us what they wanted. We always realized that we had to be careful how we built that house, because at the end, and along the way, there would be inspections of the work, and comparisons with the plans. We need to be careful how we build, 1 Cor. 3:10,14 10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

3. Be A Wise Builder There are wise builders. Mt. 7:24-25 The rock is Christ, 1 Cor. 10:4 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. There are foolish builders. Mt. 7:26-27 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. Sand was the words of men. Mt. 15:8-9 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

4. Count the Cost A wise builder will consider the Cost. It may cost: –Family Mt. 10:37 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. –Praise of men. Jn. 12:43 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. –Financial concerns. Mk. 8:36 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Seek the kingdom. Mt. 6:33 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Work it out. Phil. 2:12 12 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

5. Follow A Wise Plan The only reliable plan on how to build spirituality is in the Bible. 2 Tim. 3:15-17 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Build on this good foundation. 1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:20 11 ¶ For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

6. Build With Good Materials. Fleshly materials will not work in a spiritual building. Gal. 5:17 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Possible materials. Gal. 5:22-23; 2 Pet. 1:5-7 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 5 ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

7. Conclusion Are we builders? If so, what kind? Where is your work? Wise builders will hear at the inspection time, “Well done” Mt. 25:21 21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.