In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept that some good things can have a negative impact on people. He gives examples of how ambulances, which save lives, can also bring death, and how water, essential for life, can also be deadly. The preacher then addresses the idea that some people believe they can live a good life without the need for a miraculous conversion or being born again. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in Jesus, who is referred to as the stone that causes men to stumble but also offers salvation to those who trust in him. The sermon concludes with the message that Jesus is a strange stone, both causing stumbling and offering eternal security.

John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept His humble origins and the nature of His ministry. He discusses their misconceptions about the Messiah's glory and power, which led them to reject Jesus due to their expectations of a worldly king. Gill emphasizes that their disobedience to the Gospel and refusal to accept divine revelation are the root causes of their stumbling. He also notes that while some are appointed to believe, others are left in their disobedience, leading to their spiritual downfall. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the contrast between those who embrace Christ and those who reject Him due to their own understanding and expectations.

Samuel Davies preaches about Jesus Christ as the only foundation, emphasizing the importance of building our hopes and eternal happiness on Him alone. He explains how the stone laid in Zion is a tried, precious, and sure foundation, contrasting it with the refuge of lies that sinners trust in. Davies urges listeners to examine whether they are truly built upon this solid rock, highlighting the need to surrender all false hopes and dependencies to fully trust in Christ. He warns that rejecting this foundation will lead to inevitable ruin and encourages believers to find their rest and security in Jesus amidst life's storms and the impending judgment.

T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the profound meaning of Christ's presence in our lives, emphasizing that encountering Christ will lead to a deeper understanding of His significance and a realization of the vastness of union with Him. He highlights the three aspects of the fellowship of Christ's sufferings: co-operation in delivering souls, discipline for Christlikeness, and developing capacity to understand Divine truths. The sermon delves into how Christ determines destinies, being a stumbling block for some and a source of lifting for others, based on their response to Him. It also explores the challenges posed by Christ's presence, His manner of life, and His Cross, which often provoke reactions and reveal the true thoughts of many hearts.

Greek Word Studies for a sermon on stumbling spiritually, focusing on the literal and figurative meanings of 'proskopto' (to stumble against an obstacle). The preacher delves into various Bible verses where 'proskopto' is used, illustrating how individuals stumble spiritually when they fail to recognize God's provision for righteousness, ultimately leading to their downfall. The sermon emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ as the foundation for eternal life, contrasting those who stumble over Him with those who believe in Him and will not be disappointed.