There Is a House That Cannot Fall
Christians can find hope and rest in Jesus, even in the midst of suffering, because their salvation is secure in Him.
John Wesley emphasizes the assurance of salvation and security in Christ amidst life's storms, referencing Jesus' parable about the house built on the rock. He warns that Christians are not exempt from trials and temptations, and suffering is a shared experience among both believers and non-believers. The key difference lies in the unshakeable foundation of faith that ensures believers cannot be destroyed, even in the face of adversity. Wesley encourages those enduring hardships to remember their Lord and to support others in their suffering by reminding them of God's presence and protection.
Text
"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." Matthew 7:25 These words are spoken by Jesus at the very end of the Sermon on the Mount and are part of a parable, the first time he uses a parable as a means of teaching. If the folk remembered nothing else from the large amount of teaching they have heard (and how much do we remember from each sermon we hear?), they will remember this: there is a house that cannot be destroyed.
Wesley warns "do not think that you shall not see war anymore or that you are out of reach of temptation. It still remains for God to prove the grace He has given: you shall be tried as gold in the fire. You shall be tempted not less than they who know not God; perhaps abundantly more. For Satan will not fail to try to the uttermost those whom he is not able to destroy." Somewhere along the line people get the idea that Christians should not suffer as much as non-Christians do and can cause great pain by implying that there is something wrong with our faith when we are going through "undeserved" suffering.
Perhaps you have been hurt in this way, or know someone who has. Jesus teaches here that exactly the same suffering comes to the wise and the foolish. The difference is, and this becomes a sure hope we can cling to, in Christ we will not be, we cannot be destroyed, in this life or the next. Our salvation even from death itself is secure. If you are in the midst of a raging lifestorm, try and remember who your Lord is. If you know someone who is suffering at the moment, consider gentle ways of reminding them who their God is. How happy are the little flock Who safe beneath their guardian rock In all commotion rest! When wars and tumult's waves run high, Unmoved above the storm they lie, They lodge in Jesu's breast. (61)
Sermon Outline
- I. Introduction to the Parable of the House
- A. Jesus teaches the parable of the house on the rock
- B. The house is a symbol of the Christian's relationship with God
- II. The House Cannot Fall
- A. The house withstands the rain, streams, and winds
- B. The house's foundation on the rock is the key to its stability
- III. Christians Will Face Trials
- A. Christians will be tried as gold in the fire
- B. Satan will try to tempt Christians to the utmost
- IV. The Difference Between Christians and Non-Christians
- A. Both will face the same suffering
- B. The difference is in Christ, who secures our salvation
- V. Conclusion
- A. Remember who your Lord is in times of suffering
- B. Find hope and rest in Jesus
Key Quotes
“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.” — John Wesley
“How happy are the little flock Who safe beneath their guardian rock In all commotion rest!” — John Wesley
“When wars and tumult's waves run high, Unmoved above the storm they lie, They lodge in Jesu's breast.” — John Wesley
Application Points
- Remember who your Lord is in times of suffering and find hope in Him.
- Offer gentle support to those who are suffering and remind them of God's presence.
- Trust in God's sovereignty and security, even in the midst of trials and temptations.