Be Not Confounded
A Sermon on 1 Peter 2:6
Originally preached Feb. 18, 1962
Scripture
6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
Sermon Description
Where can one find hope? In a life that is often filled with turmoil and conflict, there is no more important question. In this sermon on 1 Peter 2:6 titled “Be Not Confounded,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones looks at the great biblical truth that Jesus Christ is the hope. All those that trust in Him will never be confounded or put to shame. This is because in Christ they find an otherworldly hope, a hope that is greater than all the suffering and pain in this world. Jesus is better than the hopes that the world offers, whether it is modern science and medicine, or modern philosophy and politics. The hopes of this world are just like the world: sinful and passing away. But the gospel gives hope even when this world is full of sin and rejects Christ, for the hope of the gospel is the redemption of the body and the forgiveness of sins for all who believe. Where is one’s hope? This sermon asks this vital question, but more importantly, it tells of the greatest hope in this world, Jesus Christ.
Sermon Breakdown
- The ultimate test of any teaching or theory is whether it works in practice.
- The Bible emphasizes the importance of the practical test - it shows how teachings stand up to the challenges and trials of real life.
- The "acid test" for any view of life is whether it prevents us from being "confounded" - disappointed, bewildered, desperate or put to shame.
- To be "confounded" means to be disappointed when a theory doesn't work out as expected, to be left without an explanation, to be driven to desperation or to end up looking foolish.
- Many modern theories have failed the practical test and left their proponents confounded, unable to understand why events have unfolded as they have.
- The only way not to be confounded is to build your life on the "chief cornerstone" of Jesus Christ and his gospel.
- This foundation has been laid by God himself, not by human theories. It provides a sure and lasting basis for life.
- Those who trust in Christ become God's own people. He takes a special interest in them and cares for them.
- God proved his love by giving his Son to die for us. If he did that, he will never abandon us or fail to provide what we need.
- God's ultimate purpose is that we might glorify him, both now and in the life to come. Our present sufferings are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us.
- There is no circumstance in life, death or eternity that can confound, disappoint or put to shame the believer in Christ. His mercy and grace are sufficient for all things.
- We can say with the Psalmist, "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." Hidden in Christ, the Rock of Ages, we will never be confounded.
Sermon Q&A
Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on 1 Peter 2:6
What does it mean to "not be confounded" according to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, "not being confounded" has multiple meanings: first, it means "not being disappointed" - your faith doesn't let you down when you need it most. Second, it means not being intellectually bewildered or confused by life's events. Third, it means "not making haste" or not being in a desperate, frantic state when troubles come. Fourth, it means "not being put to shame" - not being exposed as a fool at the end of your life when your theories and beliefs are tested.
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say the Bible is relevant to modern life?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that the Bible is intensely practical, not remote from life as some think. He states, "I want to assure you that it always is intensely practical and always meeting us just where we are." The Bible addresses the fundamental human need for security and certainty in an uncertain world. It's about our journey through life, understanding that we are "strangers and pilgrims" here, and it provides the only reliable foundation that can withstand life's tests and trials.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones identify as the "chief cornerstone" that prevents believers from being confounded?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones identifies Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone: "What has God done? What is this foundation? It is particularly what he's done in his son, his only begotten son. Here is this chosen foundation stone, this elect, precious stone. The son of God." He emphasizes that Christ is "the beginning, the end, the alpha, the Omega... There's no foundation apart from him. This is the whole teaching of the Bible."
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrast worldly philosophies with biblical truth?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones contrasts worldly philosophies that promised progress and advancement with biblical truth by pointing to their practical failure. He references the optimistic theories of Darwin, Herbert Spencer, H.G. Wells, and Bertrand Russell, noting how these philosophies promised human advancement but instead led to world wars and despair. He states that these philosophers are now "completely confounded" and don't understand what's happening, while biblical truth provides understanding even in difficult times.
What does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say is the ultimate test for any teaching or philosophy?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that "the ultimate test of all teaching is practical." Using Jesus' parable of the two houses (one built on rock, one on sand), he explains that theories can only be tested when "the rain descended and the floods came and the wind blew." The practical test is whether a teaching can withstand life's trials and enable a person to face every contingency—including suffering, old age, death, and judgment—without being confounded, disappointed, or put to shame.
How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones describe the security of believers in Christ?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones describes believers as "God's people" who enjoy special protection: "Whatever's happening to me, the one who is sitting above the water floods is my God and my father. And I'm his child. I'm one of his people. Nothing shall be allowed to harm me." He states that believers have obtained mercy, are forgiven, have no condemnation, and can face all of life's contingencies—including suffering, temptation, old age, death, and judgment—without fear or confusion because they are secure in Christ.
What analogy does Dr. Lloyd-Jones use to describe the security found in Christ?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones uses the analogy of a rock in a storm, quoting Psalm 61: "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." He describes believers as finding refuge in "the Rock of Ages" while the storms of life rage. He concludes the sermon by quoting a hymn: "O safe to the rock that is higher than I. My soul in its conflicts and sorrows would fly... In the tempests of life on its wide heaving sea, Thou blessed rock of ages I'm hiding in thee."
Why does Dr. Lloyd-Jones say Christians are not surprised by suffering and difficulties?
Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that Christians are not surprised by suffering because they have a realistic view of life: "My view of life is this, that I expect nothing from life in this world. It's an evil world. It's a sinful world. This is a veil of tears. I don't expect perfect bliss and happiness in this life." He says Christians don't expect perfect health or for loved ones to live forever, calling such expectations "the romance of the fool." Instead, Christians understand the fallen nature of the world and are prepared for difficulties.
Sermons on Knowledge
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.