Psalms 118:22
Prophecy provides a solid foundation for faith, foretells the messiah's rejection, and warns of the consequences of rejecting God.
Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of prophecy as a foundation for faith, illustrating how it foretells events, particularly the rejection of the Messiah by religious leaders. He explains that the stone, representing Christ, is both a source of salvation and a point of judgment, urging believers to recognize the importance of this prophetic fulfillment. The sermon highlights the joy of the day Jesus entered Jerusalem, as well as the sorrow of His rejection, reminding us of the twofold relationship we have with the stone--either we fall upon it in humility or face its crushing weight. Smith encourages the congregation to be alert and informed about God's prophetic timeline.
Text
Intro: Prophecy is history written in advance. The detailing of events before they
ever happen.
I. THE PURPOSE OF PROPHECY.
A. To provide a solid foundation for faith.
1. John 13:9 Jesus said, "And now I tell you..."
2. Isa. 41 God's challenge to false gods.
a. "Prove your case give us a reason to believe tell us
something before it happens."
B. To give a scientific measuring stick, compound probabilities.
C. To keep God's people informed and alert.
1. "Knowing the time, it is high time..."
2. "You are not the children of darkenss..."
II. THINGS PROPHESIED IN THIS PASSAGE.
A. The messiah would be rejected by the religious leaders.
1. Symbol of stone or rock used elsewhere to refer to Christ.
a. Dan. "You saw a stone not cut with hands."
"The God of heaven will set up a kingdom."
b. "Ascribe greatness to our God He is our Rock."
B. God has appointed a special day for this event.
1. "This is the day that the Lord hath made."
2. Daniel tells us that this day will come 483 years after the
commandment to restore and rebuild Jeru.
3. It will be a day of rejoicing and gladness."
4. The crowds will cry "Hosanna, blessed is He who comes in the
name of Yahweh."
C. This stone will become the chief corner stone.
III. PROPHECY FULFILLED IN MATT. 21 and LUKE 19.
A. The promised day came. April 6 - 32AD.
1. Luke tells us the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with
a loud voice.
2. Matt. tells us they began to shout "hosanna" blessed is He who comes
in the name of the LORD.
3. Luke tells us that Jesus wept because of their blindness and failure
to recognize God's day of their peace.
4. Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders.
5. Jesus reminds them of this Ps. Matt. 21:42
IV. THE TWOFOLD RELATIONSHIP TO THE STONE.
A. You either fall on the stone or it will fall on you.
1. If you fall on it you will be broken.
2. If it falls on you, you will be ground to powder.
Sermon Outline
- The Purpose of Prophecy
- Things Prophesied in this Passage
- Prophecy Fulfilled in Matt. 21 and Luke 19
- The Twofold Relationship to the Stone
- You either fall on the stone or it will fall on you
- God has appointed a special day for this event
- This stone will become the chief corner stone
Key Quotes
“Prophecy is history written in advance.” — Chuck Smith
“You are not the children of darkness.” — Chuck Smith
“You either fall on the stone or it will fall on you.” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize the importance of prophecy in providing a solid foundation for faith.
- Understand the consequences of rejecting God, as seen in the messiah's rejection by the religious leaders.
- Be informed and alert to God's plans and purposes, as revealed through prophecy.