Christ, the Chief Corner Stone (1 Pet 2:6-8)
Speaker: Pr Joshua Yong
Date: 13 May 2018

 Download Sermon

Sermon notes taken by:

Tina Wong

What are we to build our lives upon? This speaks of the foundation of our lives. 1 Pet 6-8 tells us that we are to build our lives upon Christ, the chief corner stone. What is the nature of this chief corner stone?

A stone that is glorious

Apostle Peter quoted from Isa 28:16 where “Zion” describes Mt Zion (the city of David, Jerusalem) and God’s presence among His people. The foundation of the whole city is Jesus Christ. In Heb 12:22-23, Zion refers to the heavenly Jerusalem where the church of God abides. We are the church of God. The Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of the glorious Jerusalem. The church is the glorious church which is built upon Jesus Christ who is glorious. The local church should actually be the manifestation of the universal church. Is the local church shining as the glorious universal church?

A stone that is elect

In Isa 28:16, the word “a tried stone” is a special stone that is tested or proven. It is the foundation stone. Jesus Christ is qualified to be the foundation of the church and our lives because He is superior to others as He is elected (chosen) for He is the only begotten Son of God.

A stone that is precious

“Precious” means esteemed. Christ is precious. Consider His greatness where He created the heavens and the earth, condescended to being born a man and died for our sins. But, is He precious to us? Those who believed are willing to build their lives upon Him (1 Pet 2:6b and 1 Pet 2:7a). “Confounded” is a reference to Isa 28:16 meaning to be ashamed and has the idea of making haste, run in fear and to flee. Using the language of construction, the chief corner stone secures the bricks together. It is the first piece of the foundation that is laid before other stones and other buildings take their measurement from it.

A stone of stumbling and a rock of offence

There are those who are disobedient to Christ and His word (1 Pet 2:8). As for us, we believe in Him for our salvation and built upon His works. If our foundation is built on Christ, there will be full and free forgiveness, and we must build our lives on Him. The word of Christ is life indeed. Christ said that we will not be ashamed if we give up (sacrifice) our rights and obey God. It does not mean that Jesus’ coming was to stumble people but those who refuse/reject Him will stumble and fall and find Him offensive. The opposite is true. As such, He is precious to us.



  © Copyright 2018 Truth Bible-Presbyterian Church     PDP