295. ROM 9:33. CHRIST A ROCK OF OFFENCE, &C

Rom_9:33. Christ a Rock of Offence, &C

"Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling-stone and rock of offence, and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."’97Rom_9:33.

The apostle had been vindicating the sovereign right of Deity to cast off the Jewish nation, and to extend his favor and the privileges of the Gospel to the Gentiles. He shows, however, that God did not do this without reason; for he remarks, that Israel "sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law, for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone," ver. 32. Then he takes notice that this had been predicted, as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion," &c. Isa_8:14. The text presents,

I. What Christ was to the unbelieving Jews.

II. What he is to those who believe.

Notice,

I. What Christ was to the unbelieving Jews.

"A stumbling-block and rock of offence." They stumbled and were offended.

1. On account of the meanness of his appearance.

His parentage, his birthplace, his poverty, all offended their pride. They expected a Messiah possessing worldly riches, and dignity, and glory.

2. On account of the spirituality of his reign.

They wanted an earthly potentate, one to break the yoke of the Romans, one to elevate them to temporal aggrandizement and power. Jesus offered no worldly emoluments. He headed no army. He preached submission to existing authorities, and declared solemnly that his kingdom was not of this world.

3. On account of the plainness of his reproofs.

They imagined themselves to be the only sanctified people on earth. The only favorites of heaven. Jesus denounced their professions to be hypocrisy. He exposed heir love of praise, their deceit, and their oppressions; and urged upon them a religion of humility, of sincerity, and good ness. Mat_23:1-39.

4. They were offended at his condescension and mercy.

He ate with publicans and sinners. He removed misery wherever he came. He forgave the sins of harlots and notorious sinners. And hence they utterly refused his doctrine, and associated his name with all that was evil. How many of you have been offended at the claims and doctrines of Jesus, and have stumbled over him?

Notice,

II. What Jesus is to those who believe.

"But whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Now here notice,

1. The character.

"Whosoever believeth." Now, this believing is cordially receiving with the whole heart, the testimony God has given of the Son, and resting entirely on Jesus for acceptance and eternal life. Then observe,

2. The declaration.

"They shall not be ashamed." Now he who cordially believes on Christ, shall not be ashamed,

(1) Of the object of his faith. He shall look upon Jesus with very different feelings to the captious, unbelieving Jew. He will exult in his name. Be exalted through his humiliation. Glory in his cross "Count all things but loss," &c.

"Ashamed of Jesus, sooner far," &c.

(2) Of the doctrines of Christ. Faith, repentance, holiness, &c.

(3) Of the ordinances of Christ. Baptism, Lord’s Supper, preached gospel, &c.

(4) Nor of the followers of Christ. However poor, illiterate, despised, persecuted, &c.

(5) Not ashamed to profess Christ, and suffer for Christ. Suffer joyfully in his cause, and for his sake. But there is another reading. He that believeth shall "not make haste;" he shall not be agitated in trouble, but in patience shall possess his soul, and with fortitude abide in the trying hour. Moreover, it may be read, He that believeth shall not be "confounded." His adversaries shall not effect his ruin; and in the great day of judgment he shall stand acquitted, and be publicly confessed by Jesus, while unbelievers will be covered with confusion, and everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord &c.

Application

1. Rejectors of Christ must perish. Wo unto them who stumble, and are offended in him. There is no other Saviour, and now utterly fearful at last, will be the "wrath of the Lamb!"

2. The believer’s happiness and safety are certain and secure. His basis is the rock of eternal ages. His hopes shall be realized, and he shall not be ashamed, agitated, or confounded.

3. Urge upon all to come to Jesus, to believe in him, and have everlasting life.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS