JESUS THE ROCK OF AGES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 10:4
Key Verse:
“And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 10:4
Supporting Texts: Psalm 18:2; Isaiah 26:4; Matthew 7:24-25; Deuteronomy 32:4
INTRODUCTION:
In a world full of instability and turmoil, many seek security in wealth, power, or human wisdom, only to find disappointment. But those who put their trust in Jesus discover an enduring stability that cannot be shaken by life’s uncertainties. He is the Rock of Ages: firm, unchanging, and everlasting.
From the days of Moses to the revelation of Christ in the New Testament, God has always revealed Himself as the Rock: a symbol of strength, faithfulness, and permanence. In Him, we find refuge from the storms of life, strength in our weakness, and hope in our despair.
The believer who builds his or her life on Jesus Christ stands on an indestructible foundation. When the winds of adversity blow and trials come, such a person remains firm because their confidence is in the Rock that cannot be moved.
1. JESUS IS OUR SOLID FOUNDATION
Every lasting structure begins with a strong foundation. Likewise, every believer’s life must be anchored in Christ, the sure and eternal foundation. Without Him, every effort collapses under the pressure of trials and temptations.
a) The Sure Foundation (Matthew 7:24-25): Jesus compared those who obey His words to a wise man who built his house upon the rock. When the rain and wind came, the house stood firm because it was grounded on something solid, the truth of Christ.
b) The Everlasting Strength (Isaiah 26:4): The Lord is called the Rock of Ages because His strength never diminishes. Generations rise and fall, but His power and reliability remain constant.
c) The Foundation of Faith (1 Corinthians 3:11): No other foundation can sustain eternal life apart from Christ. Every believer must build upon Him, for He alone supports a life of righteousness and purpose.
d) The Unmoved Trust (Psalm 125:1): Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, immovable and steadfast forever. Faith rooted in Jesus cannot be destroyed by the pressures of life.
Biblical Example: The Wise Builder (Matthew 7:24-27) The man who built his house upon the rock survived the storm, while the one who built on sand fell. Those who build their lives on Jesus will endure every trial.
2. JESUS IS OUR PLACE OF REFUGE
In times of danger and distress, Jesus becomes our hiding place and strong tower. He protects, preserves, and provides safety for those who dwell in Him.
a) The Hiding Place in Trouble (Psalm 91:1-2):
Those who abide under the shadow of the Almighty find refuge in His presence. Jesus shelters His people from the storms of life and the attacks of the enemy.
b) The Fortress of Defence (Psalm 18:2): David declared that the Lord was his fortress and deliverer. No weapon formed against those who dwell in Christ can prosper because He surrounds them with divine protection.
c) The Comfort in Trials (Isaiah 32:2): Jesus is like a shelter from the storm and a shadow from the heat. When life becomes unbearable, His presence provides strength and calmness to endure.
d) The Strong Tower of Safety (Proverbs 18:10): The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. In Jesus, we find total security from every form of harm.
Biblical Example: David Hiding in the Rock (1 Samuel 23:25-28) — When Saul sought to kill David, God provided a place of escape called the Rock of Division. Just as David was preserved, so will all who hide in Jesus be kept from danger.
3. JESUS IS OUR SOURCE OF SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT
The Rock of Ages not only provides safety but also supplies sustenance. From Him flows the living water that refreshes the soul and strengthens our spiritual lives.
a) The Rock that Gives Living Water (Exodus 17:6): When Moses struck the rock, water flowed out to satisfy the thirst of Israel. This symbolised Jesus, who satisfies the spiritual thirst of all who believe in Him.
b) The Strengthener of the Weary (Isaiah 40:29-31): Jesus renews the strength of those who wait on Him. Like a refreshing stream, His grace empowers believers to soar above challenges.
c) The Bread of Life (John 6:35): Christ nourishes our inner man. Whoever feeds on Him through His Word and Spirit will never hunger or thirst again.
d) The Fountain of Living Waters (John 7:37-38): Those who come to Jesus are filled with rivers of living water, the Holy Spirit, producing life, joy, and fruitfulness.
Biblical Example: The Israelites in the Wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:4) — The same Rock that sustained them with water is a picture of Jesus who continually refreshes and sustains believers today.
4. JESUS IS OUR VICTORIOUS DEFENDER
The Rock of Ages does not merely protect; He fights for His people and guarantees their victory over every force of darkness. His strength ensures that no weapon can prevail against His children.
a) The Conquering Stone (Daniel 2:34-35): The stone cut without hands destroyed worldly kingdoms. This represents Jesus, whose kingdom conquers every power of darkness and stands forever.
b) The Divine Warrior (Exodus 14:14): The Lord fights for His children. Those who rest in Him will see their enemies defeated without lifting a finger.
c) The Unshakable Defence (Psalm 62:2): When storms of adversity arise, those grounded in the Rock remain secure because their foundation cannot be moved.
d) The Eternal King (Hebrews 12:28): Christ’s kingdom cannot be destroyed. Those who belong to Him partake in His eternal victory and authority.
Biblical Example: Peter’s Confession (Matthew 16:16-18) — Jesus declared, “Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Rock of Ages ensures that His people always overcome.
CONCLUSION:
Jesus Christ, the Rock of Ages, is the believer’s firm foundation and eternal refuge. When life’s storms rage, those who stand upon Him remain secure, unshaken, and victorious. No enemy or challenge can overthrow a life anchored in Christ.
Therefore, every believer must consciously build upon this Rock through faith, obedience, and trust. When your life is rooted in Jesus, you will withstand every storm, overcome every battle, and live victoriously through His unchanging strength.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord Jesus, be my sure and unshakable foundation in every area of life.
2. Rock of Ages, hide me under Your covering in the storms of life.
3. Every unstable foundation in my life, be rebuilt upon Christ the Rock.
4. O Lord, let me drink daily from the fountain of Your living water.
5. Lord, make me steadfast and immovable in faith.
6. Rock of Ages, fight every battle that rises against me.
7. Let Your presence be my everlasting refuge and defence.
8. O God, make me fruitful through my connection to Christ the Rock.
9. Lord, keep me rooted and grounded in Your truth.
10. Father, establish my destiny upon the Rock that never fails.
