Christ: The Cornerstone of Faith and Salvation

 

Summary

In the second chapter of the first Epistle of Peter, we are confronted with a profound question: Is there a place or position in life where we can be assured of safety, free from disappointment and shame? This question is more urgent than ever in our unstable world. The Bible offers a definitive answer, presenting Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of faith and the foundation upon which we can build our lives. The world, however, often rejects Him, leading to division and unrest. This rejection is not new; it has been a constant since Christ walked the earth. The reasons for this rejection remain unchanged, rooted in pride and self-reliance.

The builders of society, those who consider themselves wise and knowledgeable, often dismiss Christ because He does not conform to their expectations. They stumble over His humble origins, His refusal to conform to worldly power, and His demands for obedience and holiness. Yet, the folly of rejecting Christ is evident. He is the cornerstone, the foundation of salvation, and rejecting Him leads to spiritual ruin. The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate proof of His divinity and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite attempts to dismiss Him, Christ remains central to God's plan for humanity.

The tragedy of rejecting Christ is profound. Those who do so miss out on the blessings of peace, joy, and eternal security. Moreover, they cannot escape Him; He will return to judge the world. The choice is clear: Christ is either the foundation of our salvation or the rock of our condemnation. The call is to submit, believe, and find safety in Him, avoiding the ultimate folly of rejecting the Savior.

Key Takeaways:

- The Urgency of Faith: In a world filled with uncertainty and instability, the quest for a secure foundation is more pressing than ever. The Bible offers Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of faith, promising safety and assurance to those who believe. This is a call to examine our lives and ensure that our faith is firmly anchored in Him. [01:45]

- The Division Christ Brings: Christ has always divided humanity into those who accept Him and those who reject Him. This division is not due to His teachings but because of His very person and the demands He makes. Understanding this division helps us see the importance of our relationship with Him and the consequences of our choices. [10:07]

- The Folly of Rejection: Rejecting Christ is a tragic error, as He is the cornerstone of salvation. The resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divinity, and those who reject Him miss out on the blessings He offers. This highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of pride and self-reliance. [44:19]

- The Inescapable Christ: Despite attempts to dismiss Him, Christ remains central to God's plan. He will return to judge the world, and every person will have to face Him. This reality calls for a serious reflection on our beliefs and the urgency of accepting Him as Savior. [48:05]

- The Call to Submission: The call to believe in Christ is a call to submit and become like little children, abandoning pride and self-reliance. This submission leads to salvation and eternal security, transforming our lives and preparing us for the world to come. [54:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to 1 Peter 2:6-8
- [01:09] - The Urgency of Finding Security
- [02:21] - The Instability of the World
- [03:15] - The Bible's Answer to Life's Questions
- [04:50] - God's Plan Through Jesus Christ
- [05:58] - The World's Rejection of Christ
- [07:18] - Two Possible Attitudes Toward Christ
- [09:07] - The Nature of Rejection
- [11:36] - The Tragedy of Rejecting Christ
- [13:24] - The Consequences of Unbelief
- [17:38] - The Pride of the Builders
- [27:34] - Reasons for Rejecting Christ
- [44:19] - The Folly of Rejection
- [48:05] - The Inescapable Christ
- [54:22] - The Call to Submission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1 Peter 2:6-8

Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Jesus to be described as the "Chief Cornerstone" in 1 Peter 2:6? How does this imagery help us understand His role in our faith?
2. According to the sermon, why do the "builders" reject Jesus, and how is this rejection characterized? ([19:35])
3. What are the two possible attitudes towards Christ mentioned in the sermon, and how do they impact one's life? ([07:35])

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the division that Christ brings among people? What are the implications of this division for believers and non-believers? ([10:07])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that pride and self-reliance contribute to the rejection of Christ? How does this relate to the concept of the "builders"? ([18:07])
3. The sermon mentions that rejecting Christ leads to missing out on blessings. What specific blessings are highlighted, and why are they significant? ([47:22])

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Is Jesus the cornerstone of your faith, or are there areas where you rely on your own understanding and strength? How can you shift your focus to make Him central? ([03:15])
2. The sermon discusses the urgency of faith in an unstable world. How do you currently find security in your faith, and what steps can you take to deepen that security? ([02:21])
3. Consider the division Christ brings. How do you navigate relationships with those who reject Christ, and how can you be a witness to them without compromising your beliefs? ([10:07])
4. Pride is identified as a reason for rejecting Christ. Are there areas in your life where pride might be hindering your relationship with Him? How can you practice humility this week? ([18:07])
5. The sermon calls for submission and becoming like little children. What does this look like in your daily life, and how can you cultivate a childlike faith? ([54:22])
6. How do you respond to the demands of Christ for obedience and holiness? Are there specific areas where you struggle to align your life with His teachings? ([41:14])
7. The sermon warns of the inescapable reality of Christ's return. How does this truth influence your priorities and actions today? ([48:05])

Devotional

Day 1: The Urgency of Anchoring Faith in Christ
In a world marked by uncertainty and instability, the need for a secure foundation is more pressing than ever. The Bible presents Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of faith, offering safety and assurance to those who believe. This is a call to examine our lives and ensure that our faith is firmly anchored in Him. The urgency of this call is underscored by the transient nature of worldly securities, which often fail to provide lasting peace and stability. By placing our trust in Christ, we find a foundation that withstands the trials and tribulations of life, offering us a sense of peace and assurance that transcends circumstances. [01:45]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)

Reflection: What are the areas in your life where you seek security outside of Christ? How can you begin to shift your trust to Him today?


Day 2: Understanding the Division Christ Brings
Christ has always divided humanity into those who accept Him and those who reject Him. This division is not due to His teachings but because of His very person and the demands He makes. Understanding this division helps us see the importance of our relationship with Him and the consequences of our choices. The world often struggles with the radical nature of Christ's call, which demands a complete transformation of heart and mind. This division is a reminder of the importance of aligning our lives with Christ's teachings and recognizing the eternal implications of our choices. [10:07]

"Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division." (Luke 12:51, ESV)

Reflection: How does your relationship with Christ influence your interactions with those who may not share your faith? What steps can you take to bridge the gap while remaining true to your beliefs?


Day 3: The Folly of Rejecting Christ
Rejecting Christ is a tragic error, as He is the cornerstone of salvation. The resurrection is the ultimate proof of His divinity, and those who reject Him miss out on the blessings He offers. This highlights the importance of humility and the dangers of pride and self-reliance. The world often dismisses Christ due to pride and a reliance on human wisdom, yet the folly of this rejection is evident in the spiritual void it creates. Embracing Christ requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge our need for a Savior, leading to a life filled with peace, joy, and eternal security. [44:19]

"The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." (Psalm 118:22, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways do pride and self-reliance hinder your relationship with Christ? How can you cultivate humility and openness to His guidance?


Day 4: The Inescapable Christ
Despite attempts to dismiss Him, Christ remains central to God's plan. He will return to judge the world, and every person will have to face Him. This reality calls for a serious reflection on our beliefs and the urgency of accepting Him as Savior. The inevitability of Christ's return serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life aligned with His teachings. It challenges us to evaluate our priorities and ensure that our lives reflect the values and principles of the Kingdom of God. [48:05]

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Christ's return influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live more intentionally in light of this truth?


Day 5: The Call to Submission
The call to believe in Christ is a call to submit and become like little children, abandoning pride and self-reliance. This submission leads to salvation and eternal security, transforming our lives and preparing us for the world to come. Embracing this call requires a willingness to let go of our own agendas and trust in God's plan for our lives. It invites us to experience the fullness of life that comes from living in alignment with His will, leading to a deeper sense of peace and fulfillment. [54:22]

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:3, ESV)

Reflection: What areas of your life are you holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would it look like to fully submit these areas to Him today?

Quotes



In the second chapter of the first Epistle of Peter, we are confronted with a profound question: Is there a place or position in life where we can be assured of safety, free from disappointment and shame? This question is more urgent than ever in our unstable world. The Bible offers a definitive answer, presenting Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of faith and the foundation upon which we can build our lives. [00:00:11]

The world, however, often rejects Him, leading to division and unrest. This rejection is not new; it has been a constant since Christ walked the earth. The reasons for this rejection remain unchanged, rooted in pride and self-reliance. The builders of society, those who consider themselves wise and knowledgeable, often dismiss Christ because He does not conform to their expectations. [00:05:58]

Yet, the folly of rejecting Christ is evident. He is the cornerstone, the foundation of salvation, and rejecting Him leads to spiritual ruin. The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate proof of His divinity and the fulfillment of His promises. Despite attempts to dismiss Him, Christ remains central to God's plan for humanity. [00:44:19]

The tragedy of rejecting Christ is profound. Those who do so miss out on the blessings of peace, joy, and eternal security. Moreover, they cannot escape Him; He will return to judge the world. The choice is clear: Christ is either the foundation of our salvation or the rock of our condemnation. [00:48:05]

The call to believe in Christ is a call to submit and become like little children, abandoning pride and self-reliance. This submission leads to salvation and eternal security, transforming our lives and preparing us for the world to come. [00:54:22]

The Bible starts on this supposition that God having created the world perfectly but men in his folly having sinned and having listened to the arch enemy of God disaster has come down and it's a World under judgment a world which is leading up to a final catastrophe with a final judgment. [00:04:50]

The world has always been divided into Christians and non-Christians and that's precisely the position that obtains this very night and at this very moment and what I want to put to you is this that the reasons why people reject Vic him are still exactly those that they were when he was here in the days of his flesh. [00:10:07]

The reasons for rejecting him have never changed it's exactly the same this evening who are the people who are rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ or the builders the leaders of the people the leaders of thought the scientists the philosophers these people who are said to have the greatest brains and the greatest they are the people who rejecting him and pouring scorn upon his gospel the builders. [00:27:34]

The stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient where unto also they were appointed. [00:00:49]

The stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient where unto also they were appointed. Very well I say it comes down to that there is no possible neutrality with respect to him. [00:09:07]

The stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient where unto also they were appointed. Very well I say it comes down to that there is no possible neutrality with respect to him. [00:09:07]

The stone which the builders disallowed the same is made the head of the corner and a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense even to them which stumble at the word being disobedient where unto also they were appointed. Very well I say it comes down to that there is no possible neutrality with respect to him. [00:09:07]

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Transcript
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