Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:24-28

Up on the Housetop

Intro.

1. Ever go to your roof to relax? Not a place we think to go for retreat, refuge, relaxation, meditation and contemplation.

2. Housetops in ancient Palestine were different (flat, Matt. 24:17):

a. Sometimes tents, or booths were put on them (2 Sam. 16:22).

b. They were protected by parapets or low walls (Deut. 22:8).

c. Grass sometimes grew on the housetops (Psa. 129:6).

d. They were used, not only as places of recreation in the evening, but also sometimes as sleeping places (1 Sam. 9:25-26; 2 Sam. 11:2; 16:22; Prov. 21:9).

e. Place of devotion (to idols, Jer. 32:29; 19:13; to God, Acts 10:9).

3. Let’s go up on the housetop for spiritual strength and warnings.

I. A PLACE OF PERSISTENT (UNYIELDING) FAITH, Mk. 2:1-5.

A. Faith at Work Blessed the Man, Jas. 2:14-18.

B. We Must Patiently Persist in Faith through the Obstacles and Trials of Life, Jas. 1:2-4.

-Like these men, face life’s challenges as opportunities to live by faith and accomplish good, knowing the Lord rewards the faithful, 1 Pet. 1:5-7.

II. A PLACE OF PREACHING, Matt. 10:26-27 (Lk. 12:2-3).

A. The Housetop Signifies an Open and Public Opportunity.

-Spread the gospel openly and publicly, Rom. 10:13-15.

B. We Must Get on the Housetops and Proclaim the Gospel, Mk. 16:15; Acts 8:4; Rom. 1:15.

1. With fervor and zeal (Acts 4:20).

2. With clarity of speech (2 Cor. 3:12).

3. With urgency (2 Cor. 5:11).

4. With a burden of lost souls (1 Cor. 9:16).

III. A PLACE OF PRAYER, Acts 10:9-10.

A. Make Time to be Alone with the Lord, Mk. 1:35; Lk. 5:17; 6:12.

1. We must take time to pray (we can all improve).

2. Clear our heads, direct our thoughts and communication to God.

3. Fervent prayer of the righteous is powerful, Jas. 5:16.

IV. A PLACE OF SINFUL PASSION, 2 Sam. 11:2-5.

A. An Isolated Place can also become a Stumbling-Block (Occasion for Sin).

1. Solitude does not mean secrecy from God, 2 Sam. 12:7, 13 (Psa. 32:3-5); Heb. 4:13; 1 Cor. 4:5.

2. Guard yourself against private sin on the housetop.

-Pornography, fornication (adultery), drinking, drugs, etc.

V. A PLACE OF PAINFUL PRIVACY, Prov. 21:9; 25:24.

A. Husbands and Wives Need to Overcome Contentiousness and Strengthen their Marriages.

1. Wives: Don’t nag your husbands; Husbands, be responsive, not dismissive.

2. Husbands: Talk to your wife. Wives, respect what husbands have to say.

B. Peaceful Harmony in the Home is a Great Blessing, but the Disruption of Discord and Conflict is a Curse.

1. A small place of quiet peace is to be preferred over a large space filled with contention.

2. Submissive respect and genuine, loving concern will help us avoid the tragedy of contention in our marriages, Col. 3:18-19.

Conclusion

1. Our “housetops” must be places of prayer, preaching and active faith.

2. If we use our “housetops” in these ways, they will not become places of sinful passion or painful isolation.

3. How are things on your housetop?

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: May 8, 2018