27. The Centrality of Jesus in the Unbeliever's Demise

The Centrality of Jesus: Jesus’ Centrality in the Disbeliever’s Life

We come again to this text in 1 Peter 2:4-10. If you remember verse 4 and 5 comprise one sentence. The following verses serve as an exposition to Peter’s thesis statement of verses 4 and 5. In this series we have been looking at the centrality of Jesus. He is central in the believer’s life as Redeemer and Savior, He is central in the foundation and the building of the church, He is central in the covenant of redemption and that He is chosen and precious in the sight of God. This morning we will see that Jesus is central in the most unusual way. He is central even in the unbeliever’s life. He is the Stone of stumbling and the Rock of offense.

As a college student I met another Ben. He was a believer and ran triathlons. We trained together and I discipled him for a couple of years. Where before when I ran it was average, but he taught me how to train and how to run fast and I loved it. We would run ¾ mile intervals at a sub 5:30 minute mile pace in a wooded park in north Ruston. Then I had a severe sprain on both the inside and outside of the same foot and the Dr said it would be 5 months before my ankle would be 100% again. Long story short I didn’t wait. I went out to that park and ran being careful to avoid all the tree roots. I came to an open clearing and opened up a little and the next thing I know I am picking myself up off the ground. I looked for tree roots, I saw none. I made another lap slowed down through the area I fell before and again ended up picking myself up off the ground. I did a search of the ground again and nothing. I made another lap. This time I stopped where I fell before and decided to walk through that area and again I end up on the ground. This time I get on my hands and knees and feel over the area I fell and there it was, a smooth stone buried just under the surface of the dirt but raised enough to cause me to stumble because of my weak ankle.

1Pe 2:4-10 Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, (5) you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.  (6) Therefore, it is also contained in the Scripture, "BEHOLD, I LAY IN ZION A CHIEF CORNERSTONE, ELECT, PRECIOUS, AND HE WHO BELIEVES ON HIM WILL BY NO MEANS BE PUT TO SHAME."  (7)  Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "THE STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE," (8)  and "A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.  (9)  But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (10) who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.

I.Why is Jesus the Stone of Stumbling - The Cause – Disbelief v.7

Disbelief carries with it the idea of evidence and facts are presented and the choice is made not to believe them. It is different from the mere absence of faith. It stands in direct opposition to belief. There were evidence and proof given and the conclusion they pointed to was rejected. This disbelieving is present active verb. It means that is has a start and the activity continues on. It is a lifestyle of disbelief. In the 80’s and 90’s there was a show that came on called the Lifestyles of the rich and famous. It spoke in detail of those who had money to spend on lavish living day in and day out, of their mansions and yachts. It was meant to provoke oh’s and ah’s of us little people. The lifestyle of disbelief in Christ is ongoing and progressive. And rather than resulting in money and fame ultimately it results in eternal condemnation.

It is the hallmark of that persons life. Mark 16:11 gives light to its meaning that it is the rejection of evidence.

Mar 16:10-11  She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping.  (11)  And when they heard that He was alive, and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.

Their refusal to believe was in contradiction to what Jesus Himself said would happen.

Joh 2:19-22  Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."  (20)  Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?"  (21)  But He was speaking of the temple of His body.  (22)  Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

Act 28:23-24  And when they had set a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of God, and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening.  (24)  And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.

Ex: We have all seen examples of this played out in everyday life. Maybe even we ourselves didn’t believe something was true in spite of the evidence. We have a local government that will not drop Covid restrictions in spite of the objective reporting of infections and hospitalizations being down. How much more so the evidence of Jesus being the Christ and Messiah of God? Paul reasoned with the Jews from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, showing them proof that Jesus is the Messiah of which they spoke and they would not believe contrary to the evidence presented.

II.To Whom was Jesus the stone of stumbling -The Case Study v7,8

The Builders - the quote Peter uses was taken from three different verses in the OT. But these verses were fulfilled in a point in time in history. The verses were fulfilled in the gospels. Who were the builders? They were the religious leaders, The Pharisees, the Sadducees, Scribes, and the priests.

But does this only mean Peter is addressing that specific group of people? The answer is no. Verse 4 says ‘rejected by men’, verse 7 says ‘but those who are disobedient’. The OT quotes are indeed fulfilled in a point in time in history but they have equal application to all mankind everywhere.

Rom 3:9-18  What then? Are we better than they? Not at all. For we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. As it is written: "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NO, NOT ONE;  (11)  THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS; THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS AFTER GOD.  (12)  THEY HAVE ALL TURNED ASIDE; THEY HAVE TOGETHER BECOME UNPROFITABLE; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, NO, NOT ONE."  (13)  "THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN TOMB; WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY HAVE PRACTICED DECEIT"; "THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS";  (14)  "WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS."  (15)  "THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD;  (16)  DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR WAYS;  (17)  AND THE WAY OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN."  (18)  "THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES."

The Rejection – the verb carries the idea that the stone was carefully studied, measured, weighed and found wanting. It was not suitable for the building which they were constructing. What building then were they applying themselves to? The First Church of ME.

III. How was Jesus a stumbling block?

Jesus is a stumbling block in two ways.

First, the Christ is offensive because the cross humbles mans pride. Jesus alone is the way the truth and the life. It is the cross that tells people that their good works is not the way to get to heaven. The religious leaders of the Jews were exposed, they were whitewashed tombs who had the trappings of religion. They were legalists who could not keep the law. Jesus’ sermon on the mount shows the law is not mere outward action but governs even the thoughts and intentions of the heart. But the also had another problem; the loss of their power, position, and income.

The greatest stumbling block was the threat He posed to their security, their prestige, and their income. I quote from a short article by R. C Sproul

- The Pharisees had brokered a rather uneasy peace between the powers of Rome, and their own people. Rome, you will remember, had no great desire to remake the cultures their army had conquered. Any nation willing to submit to Rome’s military and political authority could go on about their business. Israel, however, wasn’t a nation given to separating their political and theological loyalties. Thus the rise of the Zealots, that sect who, in the spirit of the Maccabees, sought to remove Rome’s yoke. Thus the uprising in 70 AD that led to the utter destruction of Jerusalem. It was the Pharisees who kept their finger in that dyke. And they made a decent living doing it. It was Jesus, however, who kept poking at the levee.

His popularity, His talk of the kingdom, His affirmation that He was in fact the Messiah, this threatened the uneasy peace. If the people got behind Joseph’s son, Rome would awake, and start killing Jews indiscriminately, not bothering to distinguish the Pharisee party from the Jesus party. This is how Caiaphas came, in a moment of treachery, to speak a gospel truth when he said, “nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:50). The Pharisees hated Jesus not only because He made them look bad with the people, but because He made them all look bad to Rome.

The second reason is, Christ’s lordship offends people. Everyone likes the idea of an Aladdin’s genie-Jesus, who will fulfill their desires. But a Christ who is Lord, who confronts sin and demands obedience-- that’s another story! If you proclaim Christ crucified and Christ as Lord, some will believe and be saved. But others will reject Him and you. Be prepared!

Note that the dividing line is belief versus unbelief (1Pe 2:7). Believing or not believing in Jesus Christ separates people into two distinct camps. Believers are joined to God and His people and one day will be exalted with Christ in heaven. Unbelievers who do not repent are in the darkness, headed for God’s judgment. Jesus Christ is the central issue in belief or unbelief. Either He is the corner stone on whom a person puts his faith and builds his life; or, He is a stone of stumbling and rock of offense over which a person falls.

But you may ask, ‘What about the gentiles who did not have the law and the prophets? Surely their unbelief is reasonable.’ As stated in Rom 3:9 Paul said that as we have previously charged both Jews and Greeks are under sin. How? Rom 1:18-23  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,  (19)  because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  (20)  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,  (21)  because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  (22)  Professing to be wise, they became fools,  (23)  and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

What that means is there is no such thing as an atheist. And though creation displays the invisible attributes of God so that all know there is a God, the general revelation found in creation is not enough to save only to condemn. Because man has rejected the testimony of creation.

IV.What is the cause of Stumbling? – Disobedience to the Word v 8

Disobedience to the word is the defining characteristic of the disbeliever. Modern evangelicalism has a buffet view of the Scripture. They work their way through and pick out what verses suit them and pass over what they don’t like and believe that God should be OK with that. But what Peter is saying here is that the whole world is held account able to the word of God. Someone may say, but I don’t believe in God or the Bible being His word. First, that is a lie because deep down all people know and two There will be none able to say I didn’t know. Both the legalist and the libertine shut up to the same end for their disbelief. I say this also as a warning to the professing Christian legalist and the professing Christian libertine. The Christian legalist is all law and no grace and the Christian Libertine is all grace and no law. Many read the Bible, many faithfully attend church Sunday after Sunday. If your life is one of a lifestyle of disobedience to the word of God and if habitual disobedience is the defining characteristic of disbelief then consider carefully the accuracy of your profession. Many will say in that day Lord, Lord and He will answer them depart from Me I never knew you.

Going back to my running and stumbling story. Why did I fall? I fell because I did obey the doctor’s orders to not run. My pride said I didn’t need to listen I didn’t have to obey.

V.To this end they were Appointed

What does Peter mean when he says that unbelievers “stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this they were also appointed” (1Pe 2:8)? Are some appointed to perish? Peter’s purpose here is to encourage believers under persecution. His point is that the raging of the wicked is under God’s sovereign control, so that believers need not fear. Those who disobey God’s will not somehow thwart His eternal purpose. He will someday be glorified in His saving His elect and in justly condemning the reprobate. We are assured that the wicked will be punished.

And yet, those who are disobedient are responsible for their sin, even if it is in line with God’s predestined plan. Act 2:23  Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death;

Rom 9:15-18  For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION."  (16)  So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.  (17)  For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE I RAISED YOU UP, TO DEMONSTRATE MY POWER IN YOU, AND THAT MY NAME MIGHT BE PROCLAIMED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH."  (18)  So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.

God chose some before the foundation of the world to receive the gift of grace in salvation. This necessarily means that not all are elect. That there are those who He left in their fallen state. God is God. What I really don’t understand is why He would save any? He is certainly not obligated to. Make no mistake there is not one person in that fallen condition who desires salvation. Not one. And before we judge God as harsh. It is not God who left man it is man who rebelled against God. And we do the same thing don’t we? Take dogs for instance. There are dogs whose owners decide whether they are going to hunting, an outside dog, or an inside dog. Hunting dogs are kept in kennels, they aren’t really to be played with and it doesn’t matter what kind of weather it is outside they are in it. Or work dogs like sled dogs. We have all seen the National Geographic shows where the dogs are outside in the freezing cold. Then there are the inside pets. But somehow we bristle at the thought that God has some vessels for honor and some for dishonor. That is our pride speaking. The rest of Roman 1 gives us the answer. Rom 1:24-32  Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves,  (25)  who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.  (26)  For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature.  (27)  Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.  (28)  And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;  (29)  being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,  (30)  backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,  (31)  undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;  (32)  who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

God gives them over to the desire of their heart. He let’s then have their own way. They wanted to drink from the cup of rebellion, and He let them drink all that they wanted. That’s frightening really. And should serve as a warning to us all about flirting with sin.

But there is another cup from which they will drink. And it is the cup of God’s wrath. The first cup they drank willingly and freely, the second cup they will drink eternally.

Jesus will be central in everything. He is central to the believer as the object of faith. He is central to the disbeliever as the object of his scorn. Yet in both Christ will be glorified and exalted. In the believer in salvation and in the unbeliever judgement.

Php 2:9-11  Therefore also God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,  (10)  that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth,  (11)  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.