Boasting in the Cross: Our Identity in Christ

 

Summary

In this season of reflection on the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ, we are reminded of the profound significance of His crucifixion and resurrection. As we approach Easter, our focus is on lifting up Jesus, admiring, enjoying, and worshiping Him. Today, we delve into the glory of our crucified Savior, drawing from Galatians 6:14, where Paul declares, "Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." This statement encapsulates the essence of our faith, urging us to find our joy and pride in the cross above all else.

Boasting, in this context, means to make much of, to take pride in, or to set our affection on something. Paul, despite his impressive education, career, and ministry, chooses to boast only in the cross. This choice is striking because the cross, an instrument of suffering and death, is not something one would typically boast about. Yet, Paul sees it as the ultimate source of joy and accomplishment.

The cross prevents spiritual and eternal evils, purchases grace and glory, and displays divine perfections. It is where God's love and justice meet, demonstrating His righteousness and mercy. The cross is not just about forgiveness; it is about transformation. It changes us from the inside, birthing new life in us through Christ's sacrifice.

Reflecting on the cross, we are invited to consider what it prevents in our lives—the darkness and sin from which we are redeemed. It also displays the perfection of God's love and justice, magnifying both in a way that nothing else can. Furthermore, the cross purchases for us an eternal inheritance of grace and glory, leading us into ever-increasing joy in God's new creation.

As we contemplate the cross, we are called to make more of Jesus than our greatest triumphs or disappointments. Our prayer is to be people who boast in the cross above all else, finding our identity and purpose in the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Cross as Our Sole Boast: Paul’s declaration to boast only in the cross challenges us to prioritize Christ's sacrifice above all personal achievements or experiences. It invites us to find our identity and joy in what Jesus accomplished for us, rather than in our own successes or failures. [01:50]

2. Transformation Through the Cross: The cross is not just a symbol of forgiveness but a transformative power that changes us from within. It prevents the spiritual and eternal evils that could have consumed us, offering a new life in Christ. This transformation is the true change agent in our lives, beyond education or opportunity. [15:07]

3. Divine Perfections Displayed: At the cross, God's love and justice meet perfectly. This union magnifies both attributes, showing us the depth of God's character. The cross is a profound demonstration of God's righteousness and mercy, inviting us to marvel at His divine perfections. [20:24]

4. Eternal Grace and Glory Purchased: The cross purchases for us an eternal inheritance, leading us into ever-increasing joy in God's new creation. This grace and glory are gifts that will never be exhausted, continually leading us into new delights and deeper joy. [24:03]

5. Making Much of Jesus: In light of the cross, we are called to make more of Jesus than our greatest triumphs or disappointments. Our lives should reflect a deep affection for Christ, setting Him as the center of our existence and boasting in His sacrifice above all else. [32:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Passion of Christ
- [00:28] - Lifting Up Jesus
- [01:06] - The Glory of Our Crucified Savior
- [01:22] - Boasting in the Cross
- [02:13] - Personal Reflections on Boasting
- [03:09] - Making More of the Giver
- [04:03] - Paul's Achievements and Focus
- [05:20] - Paul's Personal Story
- [06:35] - Suffering and Triumphs
- [08:34] - Single Focus on the Cross
- [10:01] - The Astonishing Focus on the Cross
- [12:24] - The Inexhaustible Value of the Cross
- [13:46] - Preventing Evil Through the Cross
- [19:31] - Perfections Displayed at the Cross
- [23:46] - Grace and Glory Purchased
- [30:48] - Ever-Increasing Joy in Christ
- [32:38] - Making Much of Jesus
- [33:13] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Galatians 6:14

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says, "Far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ"? How does this statement reflect his priorities? [01:22]
2. In what ways does the sermon describe the cross as a transformative power in the life of a believer? [15:07]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the meeting of God's love and justice at the cross? [20:24]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of things Paul could have boasted about but chose not to? [04:03]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does Paul choose to boast only in the cross, despite his many accomplishments and experiences? What does this reveal about his understanding of the gospel? [05:20]
2. How does the cross prevent spiritual and eternal evils, according to the sermon? What implications does this have for believers today? [13:46]
3. In what ways does the cross display divine perfections, and why is this significant for our understanding of God's character? [19:31]
4. How does the sermon describe the eternal grace and glory purchased by the cross? What does this mean for the believer's future hope? [24:03]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there personal achievements or experiences you tend to boast about more than the cross? How can you shift your focus to make more of Jesus? [03:09]
2. The sermon emphasizes transformation through the cross. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need transformation? How can you invite Christ's transformative power into that area? [15:07]
3. Consider the meeting of God's love and justice at the cross. How does this understanding affect your view of God's character and your relationship with Him? [20:24]
4. The cross is described as purchasing an eternal inheritance of grace and glory. How does this promise influence your daily life and decisions? [24:03]
5. In light of the sermon, what practical steps can you take to make more of Jesus than your greatest triumphs or disappointments? [32:38]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper affection for Christ, setting Him as the center of your existence? What changes might this require in your daily routine or priorities? [32:38]
7. Reflect on the prayer shared at the end of the sermon. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily life to help you focus on the cross above all else? [33:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Boasting in the Cross Alone
In Galatians 6:14, Paul emphasizes that his only boast is in the cross of Jesus Christ. This is a radical statement, considering the cross was an instrument of shame and suffering. Yet, Paul sees it as the ultimate source of joy and accomplishment. By boasting in the cross, we are invited to prioritize Christ's sacrifice above all personal achievements or experiences. This means finding our identity and joy in what Jesus accomplished for us, rather than in our own successes or failures. The cross becomes the lens through which we view our lives, shaping our values and priorities. [01:50]

"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." (Galatians 6:14, ESV)

Reflection: What personal achievements or experiences do you find yourself boasting about? How can you shift your focus to boast in the cross of Christ today?


Day 2: Transformation Through the Cross
The cross is not just a symbol of forgiveness but a transformative power that changes us from within. It prevents the spiritual and eternal evils that could have consumed us, offering a new life in Christ. This transformation is the true change agent in our lives, beyond education or opportunity. Through the cross, we are redeemed from darkness and sin, and we are invited to live a life that reflects the love and sacrifice of Jesus. This transformation is ongoing, continually shaping us into the image of Christ. [15:07]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced transformation through the cross? How can you allow this transformation to continue shaping your life today?


Day 3: Divine Perfections Displayed
At the cross, God's love and justice meet perfectly. This union magnifies both attributes, showing us the depth of God's character. The cross is a profound demonstration of God's righteousness and mercy, inviting us to marvel at His divine perfections. It is here that we see the fullness of God's love and justice, working together to bring about our salvation. This understanding of God's character should lead us to worship and adore Him, recognizing the incredible sacrifice made on our behalf. [20:24]

"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you." (Psalm 89:14, ESV)

Reflection: How does the union of God's love and justice at the cross impact your understanding of His character? How can you respond in worship today?


Day 4: Eternal Grace and Glory Purchased
The cross purchases for us an eternal inheritance, leading us into ever-increasing joy in God's new creation. This grace and glory are gifts that will never be exhausted, continually leading us into new delights and deeper joy. Through the cross, we are given access to the riches of God's grace, which transforms our present and secures our future. This eternal perspective should shape how we live our lives, focusing on the lasting joy and glory that await us in God's presence. [24:03]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: How does the promise of eternal grace and glory influence your daily life? What steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective today?


Day 5: Making Much of Jesus
In light of the cross, we are called to make more of Jesus than our greatest triumphs or disappointments. Our lives should reflect a deep affection for Christ, setting Him as the center of our existence and boasting in His sacrifice above all else. This means prioritizing our relationship with Jesus and allowing His love and sacrifice to shape every aspect of our lives. By making much of Jesus, we find true fulfillment and purpose, living a life that honors Him in all we do. [32:38]

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21, ESV)

Reflection: What areas of your life need to be more centered on Jesus? How can you make more of Him in your daily actions and decisions today?

Quotes


Paul says I want to be a person who finds joy in Jesus Christ more than I find joy in anyone else I want to set my heart on Jesus Christ more than I set my heart on anything else and I certainly want to be making much more about what Jesus Christ has done for me than I ever make of myself out of anything that I may ever have done or do in the future for him far be it from me to boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:03:30]

Paul could have spent a lot of time talking about his suffering people like to hear about suffering and someone who's got a story will always draw a crowd if they have a story about suffering and and Paul had been flogged he had been beaten he had been shipwrecked he had the most amazing stories of having to face and overcome unimaginable opposition within the church what a seminary could have put together on that and he says far be it from me to make much of that. [00:06:34]

He says far be it from me to boast except in one thing single focus the cross of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ I want to take pride in him I want to find my joy in him I want to make much of him and especially I want to make much of his cross now isn't that striking why the cross I mean it would have been easy for Paul to say wouldn't it I want to make much of Jesus Christ in His miracles perhaps. [00:08:35]

It is impossible he says to fully describe all the effects of the cross unless we could fully add up and then he mentions three things all the spiritual and eternal evils it prevents all the grace and the glory that it purchases and all the divine person that the divine perfections that it displays if you were to try and fathom the full value the riches and the glory of the cross of Jesus Christ. [00:10:49]

Think of all the evil that is prevented by the cross remember that Paul tells us in another letter the first letter of Timothy he looks back on his earlier life when he was very religious but you see there are a lot of things go on under the surface with very religious people and he says this looking back on that time he says I was a blasphemer I was a persecutor and I was a violent man. [00:13:53]

What changes a person on the inside and Paul gives the answer in this very letter in in Galatians 2:20 you will know this verse I'm sure he says I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me and the life that I live in the flesh I know live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me here's what changed me he says Christ gave his life for me on the cross. [00:16:45]

Think of the extent of that all the darkness that would have been in you and then multiply it by all the darkness that would have been in all the people of God and then multiply that by all eternity Christ has redeemed us from a massive corruption and Paul says far be it from me to boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ and that's only the beginning. [00:18:22]

The cross is the place where God's love and God's justice meet both God's love and God's justice are poured out in fullness and perfection at the cross you ever this in the book of Romans Romans chapter 5 and verse 8 God demonstrates his love for us in this that while we were still sinners Christ died for us so the cross is all about the pouring out of God's love. [00:19:39]

The Justice of God magnifies his love and the love of God magnifies his justice the more you think about his justice the more amazing his love will seem to you the more you think about his love the more amazing his justice will seem to you if God had simply said there will be an amnesty for the sins of all people I will suspend judgment I will offer forgiveness for all we would say surely God must love us. [00:21:05]

The glories he says that are found separately in other works of God are found United here at the cross he says the joys of heaven glorify God's goodness and the pins of Hell glorify God's justice but the cross glorifies both of them together in a more remarkable manner than heaven or hell glorifies either there is a more remarkable honor done to the Justice of God by the sufferings of Jesus than all the torments of devils. [00:22:55]

All the evil it prevents there's an infinity because it's eternal all the perfections that it displays there's a second infinity the height the breadth and depth the length of God's love and of his justice and of his wisdom and of his mercy and then on top of that to fathom the greatness of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ you would need to add all the grace and all the glory that it purchases. [00:23:03]

I want to make much of him I want to take pride in him I want to set my affection on him I want the world to know by him I want the center of my life to be him don't you find yourself saying I want to make more of him than my greatest triumph and I want to make more of him than my greatest disappointment so here's a prayer with which we close and I hope that you will want to make it yours today. [00:32:47]

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Transcript
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Were there any personal stories shared?