How can we better understand the power of the cross in our lives? The surprising centerpiece “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:23) Why the cross confounds human wisdom • Jews expected a conquering Messiah, not a crucified one (Isaiah 53:3). • Greeks prized philosophical brilliance; a blood-soaked cross looked irrational (Acts 17:21–32). • God deliberately chose what appears “weak” to showcase His superior strength (1 Corinthians 1:27). The cross reveals God’s power • Saves: “to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). • Justifies: “having canceled the debt… nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14). • Reconciles: “through the cross, by which He put hostility to death” (Ephesians 2:16). • Liberates: “our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless” (Romans 6:6). Helping the truth move from page to life 1. Marvel daily – Read a Gospel scene of the crucifixion (e.g., Luke 23) and let the details sink in. – Remember Romans 5:8: His love is proven, not hypothetical. 2. Personalize Galatians 2:20 – Replace “I” with your name as you recite: “_____ has been crucified with Christ…” – Affirm that His finished work defines your identity, worth, and future. 3. Bring sin to the cross immediately – Confess quickly; believe 1 John 1:7 that “the blood of Jesus… cleanses us from all sin.” – Refuse self-condemnation; Christ has already borne the guilt (1 Peter 2:24). 4. Lean on cross-bought victory in temptation – Quote Romans 8:32 when doubts arise: “He who did not spare His own Son… how will He not also… graciously give us all things?” – Speak truth to cravings: “I am dead to that; my life is hidden with Christ” (Colossians 3:3). 5. Serve from cruciform love – Let Philippians 2:8 shape relationships: humbly prefer others, even when unseen or costly. – Practice micro-surrenders—time, comfort, preference—echoing the macro-surrender of Calvary. Signs you’re growing cross-shaped • Gratitude outweighs grumbling. • Sin loses glamour; righteousness gains appeal. • Forgiveness flows quicker, mirroring the mercy received. • Suffering is interpreted through hope, not despair (Hebrews 12:2). • Christ’s honor, not self-promotion, becomes the driving motive. Living in the shadow of the cross The power that shattered sin, silenced Satan, and secured eternal life is still active. Stay near the wood where blood ran red, and you will find unflagging strength, unshakable joy, and unstoppable love for a world that still calls the message “foolishness.” |
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