How can we ensure the "cross of Christ" is not "emptied of its power"? Understanding the Warning “For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with words of wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.” (1 Corinthians 1:17) What Empties the Cross of Its Power? • Replacing the simple gospel with human philosophies or eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:1–2,4–5) • Trusting religious rituals or personal merit instead of Christ’s finished work (Galatians 5:2–4) • Boasting in achievements, status, or ministries rather than in the Lord (Galatians 6:14) • Diluting the offense of the cross to gain cultural acceptance (Galatians 1:10; 5:11) • Living in unrepentant sin that contradicts the message of crucifixion to self (Romans 6:6) Guardrails That Keep the Cross Central • Proclaim Christ crucified plainly and confidently—He is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:23–24) • Anchor assurance of salvation in His substitutionary death, not in personal performance (Ephesians 2:8–9) • Depend on the Holy Spirit’s work rather than persuasive techniques (1 Corinthians 2:4) • Exalt grace—adding works empties grace and nullifies the cross (Galatians 2:21) • Practice habitual gratitude for the cross; thanksgiving keeps hearts soft and focused (Colossians 2:6–7) • Embrace humility; the cross levels all pride (Philippians 2:5–8) • Walk in daily self-denial, taking up your own cross and following Jesus (Luke 9:23) Living Daily in the Power of the Cross • Preach the gospel to yourself: “He canceled the debt, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14) • Confess sin quickly, knowing the blood of Jesus cleanses continually (1 John 1:7–9) • Extend forgiveness to others as you have been forgiven (Ephesians 4:32) • Face trials with confidence that victory was secured at Calvary (Romans 8:37–39) • Serve sacrificially—love displayed through the cross now flows through believers (2 Corinthians 5:14–15) • Boast only in the cross, letting the world’s allure diminish (Galatians 6:14) When the Cross Remains Powerful The gospel shines undimmed, faith rests on God’s power, sinners find true salvation, saints grow in holiness, and all glory goes to Christ alone (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 1:31). |
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