TEXT: Isaiah 28:14-22(Esp. v. 16)
READING: Acts 4:1-22
SUBJ: Christ as our sure foundation upon which we are anchored and the same which exposes the refuge of lies.
AIM: That we might experience the precious sense of assurance and encouragement in Christ, our “firm Foundation.”
INTR: Verse 16 of this text is often referenced in both Old Testament and New – thus we sense its importance in the establishment of the faith of God’s elect.
1. By this we understand that in every generation that which is right and acceptable with God is established on Himself: “I lay in Zion.”
2. It is an ever-present fact that the world mocks at the manifestation of the truth of God, the instruction of God and therefore the Gospel of His Son. See vv. 9-13. There is, however, no deception in hell.
3. The New Testament echoes the thought in declaring: 1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
THESIS: When the scourge of divine judgment passes through only that which is built upon Christ shall stand and that forevermore.
I. The covenant with death (vv. 14-15)
1. This prophecy is addressed to the political and religious leaders in Jerusalem, but it looks to the same conditions in all ages.
2. There was a tendency with the Jews to form alliances with one heathen nation against another for defense rather than to trust the Lord and serve Him only.
3. This covenant with death and hell is in the sense of being secure from them.
4. Consider then:
1) Political issues then and now and our government’s determination to trust themselves and their alliances.
2) The postmodern trend of religion in America today.
II. The City and its foundations (vv. 16-17) – Hebrews 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
1. This foundation is the expression of God Himself in His Word, His promises and all this is realized in Christ alone.
2. A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. And see also: Romans 9:33 As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
3. He is a “tried Stone.”
1) By the saints, both Old and New Testament. Such as have “laid the whole stress of their salvation upon Him.” (John Gill)
2) Tried and proven by the violent and incessant onslaught of Satan against Himself and His people.
3) By the Father in trusting Him with the outworking of His purpose and the salvation of His elect
4) By the Cross as we see Him emerge victorious and unscathed.
5) It is thought by some (perhaps rightly so) that He is the “stone of trial” or the stone by which men are tried.
4. He is the precious cornerstone that anchors and assures the proper fit and acceptance of all others.
1) As to function, it is the cornerstone whose true dimensions determine the fitness and the placement of other stones.
2) Consider: And the house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready before it was brought thither: so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building. (1 Kings 6:7)
3) And compare: And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:20-22).
4) As to revelation we cry with the Bride of Old – “He is altogether lovely.”
5. He is the sure foundation – See Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
6. So it is that believers do not make haste, they are not confounded, and they shall not be ashamed.
7. The line and the plummet shall be the test and the hail will sweep away and the water will cover that which offends.
III. The covenant with death disannulled (vv. 18-22)
1. Trodden down by the overflowing scourge – looking to Babylon and beyond.
2. Consider the short bed and the insufficient covering and the vain attempts of man to make his own way – do we want to lie in the bed that we would make? How sad that men feel secure in the way of their own choosing.
3. The warning – there will be a “consumption” or consuming of the whole earth, but the sure foundation and all that are upon it will continue ever.
