AI Summary
5 min readIn a 1993 sermon on Ephesians 2:19–22, Tim Keller argues that the Christian church and the individual Christian life cannot hold together without a single, non-negotiable foundation: the Bible as the authoritative, changeless word of God. Keller is not offering a general exhortation to read Scripture more. He is making a specific, controversial claim: that the apostles and prophets are the foundation of the church not because of their personal holiness or insight, but because they delivered a body of information they received directly from God. If that claim is abandoned, Keller warns, the entire structure—personal stability, church unity, and a living relationship with God—will crack and separate, like a staircase slowly pulling away from a house.
The foundation is not a metaphor
Continue reading the full summary in the app — free to try.
Read Full Summary →Free • No credit card required
Never miss an episode of Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life
Get every new episode summarized in your inbox — free, ~5 minutes to read.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
What you'll learn
- 1 (00:03) **Episode Introduction** - A brief summary of the series theme and the specific passage being taught, Ephesians 2:19-22.
- 2 (02:09) **Recap: Why We Need Each Other and the Goal of Living with God** - Keller summarizes the previous two points from this metaphor: our mutual need and our purpose of dwelling with God.
- 3 (04:26) **Introducing the Third Point: The Foundation** - Keller pivots to a "no-nonsense" discussion of the church's foundation, which is essential for unity and stability.
- 4 (07:37) **What is the Foundation? The Apostles and Prophets** - Keller defines the foundation as the written revelation of God delivered through these specific figures.
- 5 (13:09) **Why is it a Foundation? Because it is Changeless** - Keller explains that the word of God functions as a foundation because it is absolutely consistent, reliable, and unchanging.
- 6 (16:45) **The Two Paths: Scripture or Self as Foundation** - Keller presents a stark choice: either your own perception is the foundation from which you judge scripture, or scripture is the foundation from which you judge your perception.
- 7 (27:14) **How to Be Laid on the Foundation: Mind, Will, and Heart** - Keller transitions to the practical application, explaining how a person can ensure their life is built on this foundation.
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
In the Book of Ephesians, the apostle Paul calls Christians stones of a holy temple “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets…” But what does it really mean that these figures of the early church are our foundation, and why is it important?
By studying the apostles and prophets’ teachings in the Word of God, we make sure the church is built on a solid basis for a unity that cannot be found anywhere else. Join us as we explore 1) what this foundation is, 2) why it is the foundation, 3) how we can make sure we are laid on the foundation.
This sermon was preached by Dr. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on May 2, 1993. Series: Salvation From the Outside In. Scripture: Ephesians 2:19-22.
Today's podcast is brought to you by Gospel in Life, the site for all sermons, books, study guides and resources from Timothy Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian Church. If you've enjoyed listening to this podcast and would like to support the ongoing efforts of this ministry, you can do so by visiting https://gospelinlife.com/give and making a one-time or recurring donation.
More from this podcast
Timothy Keller Sermons Podcast by Gospel in Life →