The Rock That Is Christ - No. 2
Text. I Cor. 3:9-11.
Introduction: The divisions of Christianity had their beginning at Corinth. Here, for the first time Christians began to classify and arrange themselves under human leaders. 1:12.
In the first three chapters Paul shows the carnality of such a course, and sets before them Christ as the only foundation of true faith.
As pointed out in lesson 1, "rock" or "foundation" is an architectural term. Former lesson set Christ forth as the "chief cornerstone." This lesson will present him as the "Foundation." Of what is He the Foundation?
I. Foundation Of The Gospel
A. He is the founder, source, subject and glory of the gospel. (Rom. 1:18). "of Christ." It is the "power of God unto salvation" because Christ, His Son is the one through whom God has spoken in this age. (Heb. 1:3.)
1. "Life and immortality through the gospel." (2 Tim. 1:8-10.)
2. "Glorious gospel of Christ." (2 Cor. 4:4,5.)
3. Its source: "Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Gal. 1:11, 12.)
B. All the privileges, blessings, ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel bear his name, and all its light and glory emanate from him. Truly he is its foundation.
II. Foundation Of A Sinner's Acceptance With God.
A. Christ the only way of access to God; no other way a sinner may reach the throne of His grace.
1. Justified by faith in him, and obedience to him. (Rom. 5:1,2; Heb. 11:8; Heb. 5:8,9.)
2. Reconciled by him. (2 Cor. 5:19; Eph. 2:18.)
3. Redemption and forgiveness of sins are in his blood. (Col. 1:13, 14; Heb. 9:12.)
4. The one Mediator between man and God. (1 Tim. 2:5; Acts 4:12.)
a. He who rejects Christ must dwell in darkness. There is no other Savior — no other refuge — no other remedy — no other way of salvation.
III. Foundation Of The Christian's Hope
A. "Begotten unto a lively (living) hope." (I Pet. 1:3.) "Living" hope, because He lives. If our hope is in a man or men it will die with the man.
1. Without Christ, there is no hope. (Eph. 2:12; I Cor. 15:19; Psa. 148:5.)
2. "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Col. 1:27.)
a. This is why Christians love him serve him, commune with him and it is why multitudes have died for him.
IV. Foundation Of The Church
A. "On this rock I will build my church." (Matt. 18:18-13.)
1. His strength — stability, is affirmed in "the gates of hell shall not prevent it."
B. He is head over all things to the church. (Eph. 1:19-23.)
C. Church is built upon him. (Eph. 2:19-22.) Upon him it stands and around him it revolves. He is its only light, life, and guide.
Conclusion: The sinner has every reason for confidence in him. In him is strength, perpetuity, eternal life. To reject him is to reject the life of the world, and is to be guilty of our own soul's blood. It is to go down to torment by the stroke of our own suicidal hand.
— Box 72, Newbern, Tennessee