Glory in the Cross: A New Life in Christ
Summary
In reflecting on the profound words of the Apostle Paul in Galatians 6:14, we are reminded of the centrality of the cross in the life of a believer. Paul, once known as Saul of Tarsus, was a man of great intellect and standing, yet he came to see the cross of Christ as the pinnacle of his existence. This transformation is a testament to the power of the cross, which is not merely an event at the beginning of the Christian journey but the very essence of life itself. The cross is the source from which all Christian life flows, and it is the lens through which we must view ourselves and the world.
Paul's encounter with the cross gave him a new perspective on himself. He realized that his previous self-centered life, marked by pride in his heritage, intellect, and religious zeal, was ultimately empty. The cross revealed to him his true nature as a sinner in need of redemption. This revelation is not just about acknowledging sin but understanding the depth of our need for Christ's sacrifice. The cross liberates us from the bondage of self, allowing us to live not for ourselves but for Christ, who died and rose again for us.
This new life in Christ is characterized by a shift in how we live, suffer, and even face death. The cross teaches us to live not by our own strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to fulfill the righteousness of the law. It also provides a framework for enduring suffering, as we follow the example of Christ, who suffered unjustly yet entrusted himself to God. Finally, the cross removes the sting of death, offering us the hope of eternal life with Christ.
The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a declaration of victory over sin and death. It is the foundation of our faith and the source of our hope. As we glory in the cross, we are reminded that we are not our own; we have been bought with a price. Our lives are now hidden in Christ, and we live by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us.
Key Takeaways:
- The cross of Christ is central to the Christian life, not just a starting point. It is the source of all spiritual life and the lens through which we must view everything. Without the cross, there is nothing; with it, there is everything. [05:56]
- The cross gives us a new view of ourselves, revealing our true nature as sinners in need of redemption. It liberates us from self-centeredness and pride, allowing us to live for Christ rather than ourselves. [09:38]
- Through the cross, we learn how to live a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. It changes our perspective on sin, showing it as the enemy of our souls, and motivates us to live a holy life in gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. [39:31]
- The cross teaches us how to suffer, providing an example in Christ who endured suffering with patience and trust in God. It offers comfort and strength in the face of life's trials and injustices. [42:19]
- Death is no longer a source of fear because the cross has taken its sting away. It assures us of victory over death and the promise of eternal life with Christ, transforming our view of death from loss to gain. [46:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Cross
- [00:28] - Paul's Transformation
- [01:06] - The Centrality of the Cross
- [02:00] - Paul's Past and Conversion
- [03:07] - The Stumbling Block of the Cross
- [04:12] - The Cross as the Center of Life
- [05:23] - The Cross and Christian Maturity
- [06:22] - New Position in Christ
- [07:27] - The Cross and Self-View
- [09:38] - Liberation from Self
- [14:51] - Self-Centeredness vs. Christ-Centeredness
- [19:05] - New Life in Christ
- [28:51] - Living by Faith
- [39:31] - The Cross and Sanctification
- [42:19] - Suffering with Christ
- [46:55] - Facing Death with Hope
- [51:09] - Conclusion: Glory in the Cross
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Galatians 6:14
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
- Romans 8:1-2
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Paul describe his relationship with the cross in Galatians 6:14, and what does this reveal about its importance in his life? [00:28]
2. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul speaks of becoming a "new creature." What does this transformation entail according to the sermon? [09:17]
3. According to Romans 8:1-2, what is the significance of living "in Christ Jesus" and how does it relate to the concept of freedom from sin and death? [29:19]
4. How does the sermon describe Paul's past view of himself before his encounter with the cross, and what changed after? [02:00]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for the cross to be the "source of all spiritual life" as mentioned in the sermon, and how does this understanding affect a believer's daily life? [05:56]
2. How does the cross provide a new perspective on suffering, and what example does Christ set for believers in enduring trials? [42:19]
3. The sermon mentions that the cross liberates us from self-centeredness. How does this liberation manifest in a believer's life, and what are the implications for personal relationships? [09:38]
4. In what ways does the cross transform a believer's view of death, and how does this transformation offer hope? [46:55]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current view of the cross. How central is it to your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to make it more central? [05:56]
2. Consider a time when you faced suffering or injustice. How can the example of Christ's endurance on the cross guide you in similar situations in the future? [42:19]
3. Identify an area in your life where self-centeredness might be affecting your relationships. What practical steps can you take to shift your focus from self to serving others? [09:38]
4. How does your understanding of being a "new creature" in Christ influence your actions and decisions? What is one specific change you can make this week to align more closely with this new identity? [09:17]
5. Think about your perspective on death. How does the assurance of victory over death through the cross change your outlook on life and eternity? [46:55]
6. In what ways can you actively live out the freedom from sin and death that is described in Romans 8:1-2? What is one specific area of sin you can address with this newfound freedom? [29:19]
7. How can you incorporate the message of the cross into your conversations with others, especially those who may not share your faith? What is one conversation you can initiate this week? [05:56]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross as the Source of Spiritual Life
The cross of Christ is not merely a historical event or the starting point of the Christian faith; it is the very essence of spiritual life. It is through the cross that believers find the source of all spiritual vitality and the lens through which they must view themselves and the world. Without the cross, there is nothing; with it, there is everything. The cross is the foundation upon which the entire Christian life is built, and it is the means by which believers are continually transformed and renewed. As Paul experienced, the cross is the pinnacle of existence, reshaping priorities and perspectives. [05:56]
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: In what ways can you make the cross the central focus of your daily life, allowing it to shape your thoughts, actions, and interactions with others?
Day 2: Liberation from Self-Centeredness
The cross of Christ provides a new perspective on oneself, revealing the true nature of humanity as sinners in need of redemption. It liberates believers from self-centeredness and pride, allowing them to live for Christ rather than themselves. This transformation involves a deep understanding of one's need for Christ's sacrifice and a shift from a self-focused life to one centered on Christ. The cross exposes the emptiness of a life lived for personal gain and invites believers to embrace a life of humility and service. [09:38]
Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV): "But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where pride or self-centeredness has taken root. How can you surrender this to Christ and allow His humility to transform you?
Day 3: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Through the cross, believers learn to live a new life empowered by the Holy Spirit. This new life is characterized by a shift in perspective on sin, recognizing it as the enemy of the soul, and a motivation to live a holy life in gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. The cross teaches believers to rely not on their own strength but on the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables them to fulfill the righteousness of the law. This empowerment leads to a life of obedience and sanctification, as believers are continually transformed into the image of Christ. [39:31]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own strength? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in this area today?
Day 4: Suffering with Christ
The cross provides a framework for enduring suffering, as believers follow the example of Christ, who suffered unjustly yet entrusted himself to God. It offers comfort and strength in the face of life's trials and injustices, teaching believers to suffer with patience and trust in God's sovereignty. The cross transforms suffering from a source of despair to an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance on God. By embracing the cross, believers find the strength to endure and the hope of sharing in Christ's glory. [42:19]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: How can you view a current trial or difficulty in your life as an opportunity to grow closer to Christ and rely more fully on His strength?
Day 5: Victory Over Death
The cross removes the sting of death, offering believers the hope of eternal life with Christ. It assures them of victory over death and transforms their view of death from loss to gain. Through the cross, death is no longer a source of fear but a doorway to eternal life with Christ. This assurance provides believers with the confidence to face death with hope and peace, knowing that they have been bought with a price and their lives are hidden in Christ. [46:55]
1 Corinthians 15:54-55 (ESV): "When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: 'Death is swallowed up in victory.' 'O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'"
Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal life with Christ change your perspective on death and influence the way you live your life today?
Quotes
The Apostle tells us that the cross governs his view of himself, that he's got a new view of himself and that he's got a new view of himself as the result of the Cross. Now, this of course has been implicit on several occasions already as we've dealt with this matter, but it's only been implicit there. [00:07:31]
The cross gives a man an entirely different view of himself. Now, how does that happen? Well, I read at the beginning that fifth chapter of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians because he there expounds this particular aspect in a particularly clear manner. Now, you remember he puts it like this. [00:08:09]
One of the most wonderful things that the Cross of Christ does to a man who knows its meaning and understands what happened there is that it delivers him from himself. And this is one of the most glorious deliverances a man can ever know, to be free and delivered from yourself. [00:09:38]
A man as he is by nature or a man who is not a Christian, a man who hasn't seen the message of the Cross, he's got a view of himself. How does he view himself? Well, according to the Apostle, he views himself after the flesh or if you like according to the flesh. [00:10:02]
The Apostle puts it like this: a man as he is by nature or a man who is not a Christian, a man who hasn't seen the message of the Cross, he's got a view of himself. How does he view himself? Well, according to the Apostle, he views himself after the flesh. [00:10:06]
The Apostle tells us about this view of self without the light cast upon it by the Cross of Christ. The second characteristic of that view is this: that it is entirely self-centered. The Apostle puts it like this, you remember, he says that he died for all that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves. [00:14:45]
The self-centered man or woman is always selfish, obviously feeding the self, pandering it to it, wanting it to obtain things, wanting others not to have it, everything to build up and to satisfy this horrible, terrible self which governs us and which controls us. [00:16:32]
He has seen that he, like everybody else, is a sinner and a vile sinner at that, that is full of sin, that is unworthy, that is vile. You see, once a man sees himself in the light of the Cross, he sees the horror of that self-centered view in its every aspect. [00:20:00]
The cross shows him that the Son of God would never have died on that cross unless men were in this desperate plight. If he could have been saved in any other way, he would have been. He can't, therefore he proclaims upon the cross that man is completely hopeless and vile. [00:26:00]
The cross gives us an entirely new view of sin, and it shows us sin as our greatest enemy. It shows us what we like and what we are fond of and what the world dazzles before us as the enemy of our souls, the thing that puts us in jeopardy. [00:36:01]
The cross teaches us how to suffer, not only how to live morally and ethically, but how to suffer strengths and arrows of outrageous fortune. They come to us all, misunderstanding people, misunderstanding us, injustices done to us, the failure of trusted friends, people in whom we reposed every confidence letting us down. [00:42:19]
The cross not only teaches me how to live, it teaches me how to suffer, that I should follow in his steps, and it also teaches me how to die. And we've all got to die, and it's only the cross that really can teach me how to die. [00:45:30]
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