Introduction:     The Lord Jesus has many wonderful names. Here He is called the “Living Stone.” With so much in our world that is unstable we need something or someone that will stand secure. Beloved, Jesus is the rock that never rolls!

I.          JESUS IS THE LIVING ROCK (VV.4-5)

This “Rock” is Jesus. I need someone to lean on and I’m glad that when I come to Jesus I’m coming to a ROCK! The life Jesus provides is:

A.                 A Stable Life (v.4a)

“Those coming” not the first time for salvation, but this is the child of God coming for strength, nourishment and stability. The things of this world are constantly changing, but the only thing in this world than will never change is Jesus Christ! Jesus is the rock that will never roll – I’m glad I came to this Rock!

B.                 A Transformed Life (v.5a)

“Ye also, as living stones” There is a ROCK in me…and I’m standing on a rock! (Illus: don’t build a house on shifting sands…how many are building their lives on the wrong things?). Coming to this ROCK (Jesus) is a transforming experience (the rock in you and you on the rock brings stability).

C.                 A Different Life (v.4b)

“Disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God”

• Disallowed = to disapprove or reject. (To test something for the purpose determining whether or not it meets your test so you can pronounce your approval upon it). The Bible says Jesus was put to the test (expound…he doesn’t fit in with our program). No matter what man’s opinion is - the Bible says He is precious.
• Precious = highly valued. Some may disallow Him, but He is chosen of God!

Beloved, if you live for God this pagan world will disallow you. What we need is the man of God to preach what thus sayth the Word of God…Jesus is the rock that will never roll and when you come to Him he changes you! Carnal Christians need to hear that too! (Illus: Billy Sunday…when told that, “you’re rubbing the cat the wrong way,” said…”tell the cat to turn around!”) The Word of God teaches us that Jesus gives us a different life.

D.                 A Shared Life (v.5b)

“Built up a spiritual house” Church attendance is not an option for the true child of God. One good reason – God said you ought to! Believers are building bricks (living stones) – who ever hear of a one brick building? As lively stones we are to come together to build what kind of house?

E.                  A Meaningful Life (v.5c)

“A holy priesthood” The Bible says that every born-again Christian is a priest. In fact, we are a holy (separate) priesthood. Separation of lifestyle from the world is so lost in the Church today. (Illus: Warren Wiersbe – separation is not isolation - it is contact with the world without contamination). The Priest:

• Has access to God.
• Who always brought a gift to God.

The Bible says that the Living Rock has given you access to God and when we come to God we ought to come with a gift (spiritual sacrifices). Examples:

• The sacrifice of praise - (Heb 13:15)  "By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."

• The sacrifice of  good works – (Eph.2:10; Rom.12:1-2)

II.         JESUS IS THE FOUNDATION ROCK (V.6)
“Sion” = the temple mount (where the temple was to be constructed). (Illus: tradition in Solomon’s day). The image is clear: the stone that was tested by the people (Jesus) but not approved is the very One God has chosen to save our souls from hell!

• The Humanist says that Jesus was just a good man.
• The Atheist says there was no Jesus.
• The Evolutionist says we’ll get to a day where we’ll all be like a man named Jesus.
• God says there is only one Jesus – he was rejected by men, nailed to the cross, He was the one ridiculed, humiliated and mocked – God has made Him the chief corner stone!

What are you building your life on? Jesus is the sure foundation. (Isa 28:16)  "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste."
“Confounded” = let down or put to shame. Jesus will never disappoint you or let you down!

III.       JESUS IS THE REJECTED ROCK (VV.7-8)
Jesus is dividing this crowd into two groups.

A.                 Those Who Will Receive Christ (v.7a)

The only people that Jesus is really precious to are those who are born-again!

B.         Those Who Will Refuse Christ (v.7b-8)

“Disobedient” = disbelieving. To the saved – He is precious. To the lost – He is a stumbling block. (Illus: when you trip – you hurt yourself). Look what happens (v.8b).
“Appointed” = To those who are disobedient and disbelieve God has appointed a place of suffering and separation called hell.  

Conclusion:       There is a division here today. Some think Jesus is precious. To some He is a stone of stumbling (rock of offense). How are you going to live your life - with or without Jesus?