Embracing the Wisdom of the Cross

 

Summary

Beloved congregation, today we delve into the profound mysteries of our faith, the paradoxes that confound the wise, and the simple truths that guide our walk with the Lord. We stand at the foot of the Cross, a symbol that bewilders the intellect yet resonates deeply within the soul. It is here, in the shadow of the Cross, that we confront the limitations of human wisdom and embrace the strength found in what the world perceives as weakness.

We often seek answers, craving certainty in our decision-making. Yet, the Cross invites us into a different kind of knowing—a knowing that begins in the heart before it ever touches the mind. This is not a faith that can be argued into existence; it is a faith that must be felt before it can be understood. The Apostle Paul speaks of a wisdom that is internal and eternal, one that frustrates our desire for easy answers and instead draws us into a deeper pursuit of God through prayer and scripture.

The early church grappled with their expectations of a Messiah who would overthrow earthly powers. Instead, Jesus established His kingdom without war or vengeance, confounding our human understanding of victory. This divine economy, this invisible currency of faith, is what propels us to live by faith in a world we cannot fully comprehend.

We are reminded of the principles laid out in Scripture, such as the joy God finds in a cheerful giver and the principle of sowing and reaping. These concepts, while seemingly counterintuitive, are evident in every aspect of life, from our families to our workplaces. Kindness begets kindness, and the opposite is true for harshness and sin.

The Ten Commandments, given to us through Moses, provide a foundational framework for living—a guide to taking our relationship with God and others seriously. Yet, Jesus distilled these commandments into two essential commands: love God and love people. This simplification does not diminish the importance of sin but rather emphasizes the primacy of love in our moral lives.

In our journey through Lent, we are called to give up bad theology and embrace the basics of our faith. We are encouraged to understand repentance not just as a private matter but as a public declaration of our need for God's forgiveness. True repentance involves confession, turning away from sin, and believing in the transformative power of God's grace.

As we consider the cost of sin, we recognize that it carries a relational price, both with God and with others. Yet, the cost of redemption is singular—the price paid by Christ on the Cross. This gift of grace is available to all, regardless of our background or spiritual maturity. It is up to us to accept and repent, or to remain unchanged.

In summary, the message of the Cross is the power of God to those who are being saved. It is a message that transcends human wisdom and invites us into a relationship with the Divine that is marked by faith, love, and repentance.

Key Takeaways:

- The Cross stands as a testament to a wisdom that is not of this world, challenging us to find certainty not in human logic but in the assurance of God's love and salvation. This divine wisdom is a beacon that guides us through the complexities of life and into the arms of grace. [31:59]

- True faith begins in the heart, a place of intuition and spiritual resonance, before it ever becomes a matter of intellectual assent. This heart-first approach to faith is essential for a genuine encounter with the living God, whose ways often defy our expectations and understanding. [32:49]

- The pursuit of God is not a path free of questions or doubts; rather, it is in the seeking, the praying, and the wrestling with Scripture that we find our deepest connection to the Divine. The questions themselves become the journey, drawing us closer to the heart of God. [33:32]

- The principle of sowing and reaping is not merely a moral axiom but a spiritual reality that manifests in every area of life. Our actions and attitudes have a ripple effect, influencing our relationships and shaping our world. This principle calls us to live with intentionality and grace. [35:17]

- Repentance is a powerful act that goes beyond private reflection; it is a public stance that acknowledges our failings and seeks restoration. It is an essential practice for a healthy spiritual life, fostering healing and reconciliation with God and with one another. [38:30]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments
2. 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Message of the Cross
3. James 5:16 - Confession and Healing

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the two categories into which Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments according to Matthew 22? ([23:02])
2. How does Paul describe the message of the Cross in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25?
3. What does James 5:16 say about the act of confession and its purpose?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that true faith begins in the heart before it becomes a matter of intellectual assent? ([31:59])
2. How does the principle of sowing and reaping manifest in our daily lives, according to the sermon? ([35:17])
3. What does the sermon mean by stating that repentance is a public stance and not just a private reflection? ([38:30])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the limitations of human wisdom. How did you find strength in what the world perceives as weakness? ([31:09])
2. The sermon mentions that kindness begets kindness. Can you recall a recent situation where your kind actions had a positive ripple effect? How did it influence your relationships? ([35:17])
3. The sermon encourages giving up bad theology during Lent. What are some theological misconceptions you might need to let go of, and how can you embrace the basics of your faith more fully? ([16:35])
4. Repentance involves confession, turning away from sin, and believing in God's grace. Is there a specific area in your life where you need to practice true repentance? How can you make this a public declaration? ([38:30])
5. The sermon highlights the relational cost of sin. How have your actions affected your relationships with God and others? What steps can you take to seek restoration? ([26:50])
6. Jesus simplified the commandments into loving God and loving people. How can you practically show love to God and your neighbors this week? ([23:02])
7. The sermon suggests that the questions we have in our faith journey might be the answer themselves. How can you embrace your doubts and questions as a way to deepen your relationship with God? ([32:49])

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Wisdom Beyond Logic
The Cross stands as a profound testament to a wisdom that transcends our earthly understanding. It challenges believers to seek certainty not in the finite realm of human logic but in the infinite assurance of God's love and salvation. This divine wisdom is not something that can be fully grasped by the intellect alone; it requires a leap of faith into the arms of grace, where true understanding begins. In a world that often values knowledge and power, the Cross presents a counter-narrative, one that finds strength in vulnerability and victory in surrender. It is a beacon that guides through life's complexities, reminding us that the ultimate truth is found in the divine mystery of God's love for humanity. [07:40]

"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." - 1 Corinthians 1:25 (ESV)

Reflection: How can embracing the wisdom of the Cross change your approach to the challenges you face in your daily life?

Day 2: Heart-First Faith
True faith begins not with intellectual assent but with an intuitive, heartfelt recognition of the Divine. This heart-first approach to faith is essential for a genuine encounter with God, whose ways often defy human expectations and understanding. It is in the quiet stirrings of the soul that one can truly connect with the living God, finding a faith that resonates on a deeper level than mere thought. This spiritual resonance is the starting point for a transformative journey, one that leads to a richer, more profound understanding of God's presence in our lives. [32:49]

"And they said to each other, 'Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?'" - Luke 24:32 (ESV)

Reflection: What are the ways in which your heart has been leading you closer to God, and how can you be more attentive to its guidance?

Day 3: The Journey of Seeking God
The pursuit of God is a dynamic journey filled with questions, doubts, and deep spiritual longing. It is not a path that promises easy answers but one that invites believers to seek, pray, and wrestle with Scripture. This process of seeking is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the depth of one's faith. It is in the very act of questioning and yearning for understanding that one draws closer to the heart of God. The journey itself becomes sacred, a means through which the Divine reveals itself in unexpected and profound ways. [33:32]

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7 (ESV)

Reflection: What questions or doubts are you currently wrestling with, and how can they become a means to deepen your relationship with God?

Day 4: The Ripple Effect of Our Actions
The principle of sowing and reaping is a spiritual reality that manifests in every aspect of life. It is a reminder that our actions and attitudes have far-reaching consequences, influencing our relationships and the world around us. This principle calls believers to live with intentionality, recognizing that kindness begets kindness, and that the seeds we plant through our words and deeds will bear fruit in time. It is a call to embody grace in all interactions, understanding that the smallest act of love can have a transformative impact. [35:17]

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." - Galatians 6:7 (ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to sow seeds of kindness and grace in your relationships?

Day 5: The Power of Public Repentance
Repentance is a profound act that extends beyond the private sphere, serving as a public declaration of one's need for God's forgiveness. It is an acknowledgment of personal failings and an earnest seeking of restoration. This practice is essential for a healthy spiritual life, fostering healing and reconciliation with God and with others. True repentance involves a turning away from sin and a belief in the transformative power of God's grace. It is a courageous step toward wholeness and peace. [38:30]

"Repent, therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out," - Acts 3:19 (ESV)

Reflection: Can you identify a recent instance where you fell short, and how can you take steps toward public repentance and reconciliation today?

Quotes

1) "The Cross of Christ, the basis of everything we believe in, and yet it's a paradox in itself. If you need all the answers in order to make a decision, you're going to be frustrated." [31:59] ( | | )

2) "Paul is talking about an internal and an eternal power of wisdom, and it's frustrating because we have so many questions all the time." [32:49] ( | | )

3) "The whole economy and understanding of how God works has always confused me, and I hope it always does. It's that invisible currency of faith in the Eternal World." [33:32] ( | | )

4) "What you sow you will reap. Think about how we interact with people; kindness is always repaid. If you are kind, it will be repaid to you, so is being a jerk and sinning against another person." [35:17] ( | | )

5) "There's one price for sin and repentance, no matter who you are, no matter where you are from, no matter how long you've been sitting in church. There is one price, and that price has been paid." [29:06] ( | | )

6) "We have a society that is very justice-driven, we're not necessarily repentance-driven. We want revenge, we want to see answers, we want to see someone held accountable even if there's repentance." [37:41] ( | | )

7) "We still need to come to a place before God where we say, 'God, I am sorry. I have messed up, you know I've messed up, I have caused harm to my relationship with you and with others, and I am sorry.'" [38:30] ( | | )

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Transcript
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