How To Be Unshakeable | Jentezen Franklin
Sunday, March 3
"My life is in that kingdom, and it does not mean that we're immune from trouble, storms, difficulties, and adversities. But whatever life brings, I have received a kingdom, a structure, a foundation that cannot be shaken." – Jentezen Franklin
Today we’ll explore some of the principles of the message, “How To Be Unshakeable’ by Pastor Jentezen Franklin.
Introduction
Everything that can be shaken is being shaken, and in the grand scheme of things, our familiar world will eventually crumble, leaving only God’s eternal Kingdom standing. But no matter how much trouble comes, if you have built your life on the Rock of Jesus Christ, you cannot be shaken!
Those who faithfully follow Christ are securely anchored in this unshakeable realm. Amid uncertainty about the future, we find assurance in the Bible. Our destiny rests upon an indestructible foundation, so let us not place our trust in transient things. Instead, let us construct our lives upon Christ and His unwavering Kingdom.
- In what ways have you felt your life being shaken by circumstances recently? How did your faith in Jesus as your foundation make a difference in your response?
Gratitude in the Shaking
Hebrews 12:26-28 NIV
26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." 27 The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe..
In Hebrews 12:26, it appears that the author is alluding to Exodus 19:18 where during God’s initial communication with the people of Israel, His voice reverberated, causing the very earth to tremble. God then goes on to say that that the earth, and this time, even the heavens will be shaken in the last days (v. 26) so that what cannot be shaken will remain.
As our earthly existence eventually fades away, faith directs its gaze toward the heavenly promises. The future, unseen world is actually more real than this present one! While this present world is shaking and decaying, believers are in the process of inheriting an unshakeable kingdom. This kingdom already resides within the hearts of believers and will fully materialize when the temporary world dissolves.
Verse 28 indicates us believers are recipients of this kingdom, not through our own striving, but solely by God’s gracious provision.
The later part of verse 28 gives us our proper response to all of this, gratitude and thankfulness that we possess such a remarkable inheritance.
- The book of Hebrews encourages gratitude. But how do we demonstrate thankfulness to God? (Discuss some of your favorite ways to express thankfulness to God. Examples include gratitude for God’s creation, His provision, and His protective care, in loving ways not from obligation but flowing from love, etc.
- Share a time when you realized the importance of having Jesus as the foundation of your life. How did it change your perspective on dealing with life's storms?
Wise vs. Foolish Builders
Foundations matter. When people walk into a room, they tend to look at the carpet or the furniture, but it’s the structure and foundation that holds everything up. Let’s read the following passage, Jesus’ own words.
Matthew 7:24-27 NIV
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.
Jesus likened His genuine followers to a wise person who constructs their house upon a solid foundation of rock. The one who builds ‘on rock’ embodies an obedient and responsive disciple, rather than a phony pretender.
- How can we ensure that we are building our lives on the Rock? Discuss the importance of not only hearing Jesus' words but also putting them into practice.
If you want to build something that’s going to last, you had better choose your foundation carefully. A good structure and foundation will protect you from the storms of life.
Role of the Church
Church is essential. Without the Church, the nation goes to hell, the family disintegrates, and the Gates of Hell prevail.
- Discuss the previous sentence regarding the role of the church. What is the role of the Church in society, and how can we contribute to building a strong church that withstands storms?
Christ assures us that the church will not be overcome by Satan; rather, the domain over which Satan holds power (death) will itself be vanquished.
Matthew 16:18 NIV And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Through His statement, Jesus provided a guarantee of the church's enduring nature – indestructability - and protection for everyone who puts their faith in Him and is a part of His church. Amen!
Faith and Action
The write of Hebrews mentions Noah, who built the Ark for 120 years with a hammer and nails. Noah’s steadfast hands created not only a vessel to weather the floodwaters but also a foundation for his family’s survival.
Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Imagine the ridicule Noah went through while building that ark. However, he built and prepared a foundation for his family to stand on (or in) during the flood.
- Discuss the challenges of family life during this day and age.
- How does the example of Noah building the ark inspire you to prepare and act in faith, even when faced with ridicule or doubt?
Personal Integrity
Let’s talk about personal integrity. In the message, Pastor Jentezen said, “You will not know you gave up too much until it’s too late and the storm is upon you.” He referred to Samson and his Nazarite vow.
In Scripture, a Nazarite vow represented a lifelong commitment to refrain from consuming grapes or any grape-derived products—whether intoxicating or not. Additionally, they vowed not to cut their hair and to avoid contact with the deceased.
Samson drank wine, married Delilah, touched dead things, and allowed his hair to be cut when he was forbidden to do so. But he realized too late that he had messed up and lost his strength.
- Discuss the significance of Samson’s strength being linked to his obedience to the vow.
- In what areas of personal integrity do you need improvement? Examples include possessions, purity, plans, people, opinions, etc. How can the group support you in this?
Humility Prevails
Let today’s lesson be a reminder for us all to take hold of Scripture, the prompting of the Holy Spirit and wise council. Leaning on the instruction of all of these will help us be humble and not fall. The book of Jude concludes with wise instructions for us.
Jude 24-25 NIV
24 To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— 25 to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
Let’s be reminded that we should trust God and remain rooted and grounded in Him.
What’s your biggest takeaway from today’s lesson?
Closing
If the skeleton and structure are still standing get ready for a resurrection. Be encouraged in bleak times that “no weapon forged against you will prevail” (Isaiah 54:17). No matter what you may have lost or gone through, build your life on the Rock of Jesus Christ.
No matter what the Enemy has done, God can still put you back on your feet.
You are here, so there is still hope!
Personal Challenge
Lots of athletes are pretty good at talking up a storm about how great they are, but talking big doesn’t really show if they’ve got the skills to back it up. And just because someone talks about heaven a lot doesn’t mean they’re automatically a follower of Jesus. Jesus is more into what we do than what we say. He’s not satisfied when we just spout off the right words. Think of your life as a house. It’s going to hold up through tough times only if you’re doing the right things, not just talking a good game. Wondering if you’re really living the Christian life? Well, the best way to answer that is to start acting like it. And if you’re someone who’s always talking about how deep your faith is, try showing it through how you live day by day.
Resources
How To Be Unshakeable message:
YouTube
Audio Podcast
Son of Suffering
Firm Foundation (He Won’t)
Bonus Material
Optional further study as we approach Easter: the significance of no broken bones: John 19:33, John 1:29, Exodus 12:46, Psalm 34:20