What does "stone of stumbling" mean, and how can we avoid stumbling? Setting the Scene: The Stone Imagery in Scripture • Scripture often pictures Christ as a stone—either a cornerstone that supports God’s house or a rock that trips those who will not believe. • Isaiah first presents the idea, and the New Testament amplifies it, showing how people respond differently to the same Stone. The Phrase Defined: What Is a “Stone of Stumbling”? • “Stone of stumbling” means a rock lying in the path that causes a fall. • Spiritually, it describes Christ Himself when people meet Him with unbelief, self-righteousness, or disobedience. • The same Lord who saves becomes an obstacle to those who refuse to submit. Key Passages That Use the Phrase • Isaiah 8:14–15: “He will be a sanctuary, but to both houses of Israel He will be a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense… many will stumble; they will fall and be broken.” • Romans 9:32–33: “They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written: ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.’” • 1 Peter 2:6–8: “For it stands in Scripture: ‘See, I lay in Zion a chosen and precious cornerstone…’ ‘A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.’ They stumble because they disobey the word…” • Psalm 118:22: “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Why Do People Stumble Over the Stone? • Misplaced confidence in works instead of faith (Romans 9:32). • Rejection of Jesus’ identity and authority (John 1:11). • Unwillingness to submit to God’s Word (1 Peter 2:8). • Offense at the humility of the cross (1 Corinthians 1:23). Practical Ways to Avoid Stumbling • Embrace Christ as Cornerstone ‑ Acknowledge Him as the only foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). ‑ Build every area of life on His teaching (Matthew 7:24–25). • Cultivate Active Faith ‑ Trust God’s grace, not personal merit (Ephesians 2:8–9). ‑ Keep believing even when His ways offend human wisdom (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Obey the Word Immediately ‑ Quick obedience prevents hardness of heart (Hebrews 3:12–13). ‑ Let Scripture correct attitudes before they harden into rebellion (James 1:22–25). • Stay Humble and Repentant ‑ Regular self-examination removes spiritual trip hazards (2 Corinthians 13:5). ‑ Confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). • Remain in Christian Fellowship ‑ Mutual encouragement helps keep eyes fixed on Christ (Hebrews 10:24–25). ‑ Accountability warns us when we drift (Galatians 6:1–2). Living in Step with the Cornerstone Christ will either uphold us or trip us, depending on our response. By trusting Him, submitting to His Word, and walking in humble obedience, we move from stumbling to standing firm, becoming “living stones” built into His spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). |
    |