1.

The first part of verse 1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it." (This speaks of building, of Accomplishment.)

A.

There are two ways for you to build: You can build being dependent upon God, or you can build being independent of God.

B.

When man builds apart from God, he is building with a prideful heart, and the Lord will tare it down. God says, "They may build, but I will tear down..." (Mal. 1:4, NASB).

C.

Ultimately, building without God will bring you to frustration, sadness, hopelessness, and discouragement.

i.

There is a great example of building without God, of vain effort. Look at the tower of Babel. (Genesis 11:4-8)

ii.

The Tower of Babel is a warning to you to be sure to build according to God’s will and word. But, how do you build so that it is God who has built it?

D.

Notice the structure of the verse. God builds...and you build.

i. You both build. You work with God to accomplish.

ii. Raising children is a good example of this.

E.

How do you build so you do not build in vain?

i.

You acknowledge that God is the true builder of all things and that you can only do what you can by His grace.

ii.

You acknowledge your utter dependence upon Him.

iii.

You remain humble before Him and seek Him.

F.

There really are only two kinds of foundations: a godly one and an ungodly one. On which do you build?

G.

Both you and God can build, can work, can accomplish in life, whatever it might be whether at work or at home.

2.

The second part of verse 1 says, "Unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman keeps awake in vain." (SECURITY, safety, protection) (It is the Lord who makes secure)

H.

In the ancient cities, there were guards who would patrol at night and watch for enemies trying to attack unexpectedly. Israel had been at war with many nations and their security as a nation, and therefore as individuals, was a very real and important concern. Likewise with us.

I.

But, the Lord says that He is the one who is watching. It is He who is the true Guard. His sheep in this land are of great value to Him and He will not let us be destroyed.

J.

Jesus is the True Watchman.

i.

John 10:7-9. Jesus is the door.

K.

The Lord guards your lives and your very hearts:

i.

Phil. 4:7 "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ."

3.

Verse 2 speaks of the uselessness of rising up early and staying up late.

A.

This doesn’t mean you aren’t supposed to work hard or work diligently.

B.

It is the attitude we could call today "workaholic."

C.

Yes, you build and you want to keep what you produce. But you need to humbly recognize that God is the One who ultimately keeps you safe and secure and that there is a need for us to rest, to rest in Him, as a sign of faith in Him. That means you trust Him with your lives, your family, and your future.

4.

VV. 3-5. These verses speak of FAMILY. Building and security are essential for a family.

A.

The Lord blesses His people with children and so, He builds your homes. Also, He is the One you should ask to protect your families, to keep them safe and secure.

B.

The NASB says here that children are a gift from the Lord.

C.

As with the earlier verses, as Christians you are to trust the Lord with your families. You are to lift them up to God, pray for them and seek His will in their lives.

D.

It is one of the most difficult things, sometimes, to trust the Lord with your children, when your children are hurting, sick, or in danger.

E.

Children are a blessing, to those who build upon the Rock of Christ, who trust in the Lord to keep them.