CHRIST, THE STUMBLING STONE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Romans 9:30-33
Key Verse: "As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." (Romans 9:33, KJV)
Supporting Texts: Isaiah 8:14-15; Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:22; 1 Peter 2:6-8; Matthew 21:42-44; Acts 4:10-12.
Description: Jesus Christ is the only foundation of salvation; those who believe in Him receive righteousness by faith, while those who reject Him stumble over the very One sent to save them.
INTRODUCTION
Romans 9:30-33 concludes Paul's discussion on God's sovereign dealings by explaining why many Gentiles received righteousness while many Israelites failed to obtain it. The Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness through the Law, obtained it by faith. Israel, however, pursued righteousness through works and failed because they refused to trust in Christ. They stumbled over the very Messiah whom God had promised.
The image of Christ as the "stumbling stone" comes from the Old Testament. God foretold that the Messiah would become both a sanctuary for those who believed and a stone of offence for those who rejected Him. The same Jesus who saves the humble becomes a stumbling block to those who depend upon self-righteousness and unbelief.
This passage reminds every believer that salvation cannot be earned by good works, religious activities, or human achievements. It is received only through faith in Jesus Christ. Those who place their trust in Him will never be put to shame, while those who reject Him will miss God's gift of salvation.
1. RIGHTEOUSNESS IS RECEIVED THROUGH FAITH IN CHRIST
No one can become righteous before God through human effort.
a) The Gentiles Obtained Righteousness By Faith (Romans 9:30)
Those who believed in Christ received God's righteousness even though they had not lived under the Mosaic Law.
b) Salvation Is By Grace Through Faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)
No person can earn salvation because it is God's gracious gift.
c) Faith Pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)
Those who come to God must believe that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
d) Believe In The Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 16:31)
Faith in Christ alone brings forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life.
Biblical Example: The Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:25-34). After hearing the Gospel, he believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and was immediately saved together with his household.
2. SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS LEADS TO SPIRITUAL FAILURE
Depending upon religious works instead of Christ leads to disappointment.
a) Israel Pursued Righteousness By Works (Romans 9:31-32)
They relied upon keeping the Law instead of trusting in God's promised Messiah.
b) Human Effort Cannot Save (Titus 3:5)
Salvation comes through God's mercy rather than our own righteous deeds.
c) Pride Blinds The Heart (Proverbs 16:18)
Self-confidence often prevents people from recognising their need for Christ.
d) Submit To God's Righteousness (Romans 10:3-4)
Believers must abandon self-righteousness and embrace the righteousness found in Christ alone.
Biblical Example: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee trusted in his own goodness, while the tax collector humbly sought God's mercy and was justified.
3. CHRIST IS THE STUMBLING STONE TO THOSE WHO REJECT HIM
Jesus becomes either the foundation of salvation or the cause of spiritual stumbling.
a) Christ Was Foretold As The Stumbling Stone (Isaiah 8:14; Romans 9:33)
God had already revealed that many would reject His Messiah.
b) Jesus Is The Chief Cornerstone (Psalm 118:22; Ephesians 2:20)
The stone rejected by many has become the foundation of God's Kingdom.
c) Rejecting Christ Leads To Judgement (John 3:18)
Those who refuse to believe remain under condemnation.
d) Receive Christ By Faith (John 1:12)
Everyone who receives Jesus becomes a child of God.
Biblical Example: The Jewish religious leaders (Matthew 21:42-46). Although they rejected Jesus, He became the Chief Cornerstone of God's redemptive plan.
4. THOSE WHO TRUST IN CHRIST SHALL NEVER BE ASHAMED
Faith in Christ brings assurance, confidence, and eternal hope.
a) God Never Disappoints Those Who Trust Him (Romans 9:33)
Those who believe in Christ will never be put to shame.
b) Christ Is The Only Way Of Salvation (Acts 4:12)
There is no other name under heaven by which people can be saved.
c) Stand Firm In Your Faith (1 Corinthians 16:13)
Believers must remain steadfast in their confidence in Christ.
d) Proclaim Christ Boldly (Matthew 10:32-33)
Those who confess Christ before others will be acknowledged by Him before the Father.
Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 7:54-60). Though opposed and martyred for his faith, Stephen remained steadfast in Christ and entered into eternal glory without shame.
CONCLUSION
Romans 9:30-33 clearly teaches that righteousness is received through faith in Jesus Christ and not by human works or religious performance. Christ is the Cornerstone upon whom every believer must build. Those who reject Him stumble because they refuse God's way of salvation, but those who trust in Him receive forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.
Therefore, let us place our complete confidence in Jesus Christ alone. Reject every form of self-righteousness and continue to live by faith in the Son of God. As you remain firmly established upon Christ, you shall never be put to shame, but you shall stand confidently before God and enjoy the blessings of His eternal salvation.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, thank You for providing Jesus Christ as the only foundation of my salvation, in Jesus name.
2. Lord, help me to trust completely in Christ and never in my own righteousness, in Jesus name.
3. Father, remove every form of pride and self-confidence that hinders my complete dependence upon You, in Jesus name.
4. Lord, strengthen my faith to stand firmly upon Christ in every circumstance, in Jesus name.
5. Father, help me never to stumble through unbelief or disobedience, in Jesus name.
6. Lord, establish my life upon the unshakable foundation of Your Word, in Jesus name.
7. Father, use me to lead many souls to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
8. Lord, grant me boldness to proclaim the Gospel without fear or compromise, in Jesus name.
9. Father, preserve me in the faith until the end of my Christian journey, in Jesus name.
10. Lord, let my life continually bring honour and glory to the name of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.
PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. You shall remain firmly established upon Jesus Christ, the unshakable Cornerstone.
2. Every spirit of unbelief and spiritual blindness shall depart from your life.
3. You shall never stumble away from the faith but shall grow stronger in your walk with God.
4. The Lord shall fill your heart with unwavering faith and complete confidence in His Word.
5. You shall never be put to shame because your trust is in Jesus Christ.
6. Every power seeking to draw you away from God's purpose shall fail completely.
7. The grace to proclaim Christ boldly shall rest mightily upon your life.
8. The Lord shall use you as a witness to bring many people into His Kingdom.
9. Your faith shall remain steadfast through every trial and every opposition.
10. From this day forward, you shall stand firmly upon Christ, walk in the righteousness that comes by faith, overcome every obstacle through His grace, fulfil your divine assignment, and inherit everlasting glory, in the mighty name of Jesus.
