Glory in the Cross: Love, Freedom, and Assurance

In our time together today, we reflected deeply on the profound significance of the cross of Jesus Christ. The cross is not merely a symbol of suffering but a testament to the boundless love and grace of God. It is through the cross that we understand the extent of God's love for us, as He gave His only Son for our redemption. This act of love is unparalleled, and it is in this that we find our true glory—not in our wisdom, might, or riches, but in the knowledge and understanding of God.

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, emphasizes that our only boast should be in the cross of Christ. The world, with all its allure and temptations, loses its grip on us when we are crucified with Christ. The cross signifies our victory over sin and death, offering us the promise of eternal life. It is through the cross that we are set free from the bondage of sin, and it is through the cross that we find true freedom—the freedom to live a life pleasing to God.

We are reminded that the wisdom of this world cannot lead us to God. True understanding comes through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. The cross is a reminder that our salvation is not something we can earn through our own efforts or achievements. It is a gift from God, a manifestation of His grace and mercy. As we reflect on the cross, we are called to lay aside our desires for personal glory and instead, find our identity and purpose in Christ.

The cross also assures us of God's provision. If God did not spare His own Son, how much more will He provide for our needs? This assurance allows us to live with confidence and hope, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and faithful God. As we continue our journey of faith, let us glory in the cross, for it is the source of our salvation, our strength, and our hope.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Cross as a Testament of Love: The cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's love for humanity. It shows the extent to which God is willing to go to redeem us, offering His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins. This profound love calls us to respond with gratitude and worship, recognizing that our worth is found in being loved by God. [21:46]
• 2. True Glory in Knowing God: Our natural inclination is to seek glory in wisdom, might, or riches, but true glory is found in knowing and understanding God. This knowledge is not attained through human intellect but is revealed by the Holy Spirit. It is a gift that transforms our lives and aligns us with God's purposes. [09:16]
• 3. Freedom Through the Cross: The cross liberates us from the bondage of sin and the world's allure. By being crucified with Christ, we are set free from the power of sin and empowered to live a life that honors God. This freedom is not about indulging in desires but living in the liberty of righteousness. [32:42]
• 4. Assurance of God's Provision: The cross assures us that God will provide for all our needs. If He did not spare His own Son, He will certainly meet our needs according to His riches in glory. This assurance allows us to live with confidence, knowing that our lives are secure in God's hands. [23:07]
• 5. Victory Over Death and Sin: The cross signifies victory over death and sin, offering us the promise of eternal life. Through Jesus' resurrection, we have the assurance that we too will rise and live eternally with Him. This hope sustains us and gives us strength to persevere in our faith journey. [26:48]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:16] - Opening Prayer
• [04:37] - Introduction to Galatians
• [05:23] - Glory in the Cross
• [06:18] - Jeremiah's Wisdom
• [07:10] - The Folly of Human Wisdom
• [08:22] - Knowing God Through Revelation
• [09:35] - The Special Revelation of Christ
• [10:24] - The Limitations of Human Wisdom
• [11:19] - The Futility of Physical Strength
• [13:35] - The Illusion of Wealth
• [16:02] - True Riches in Christ
• [19:20] - Paul's Perspective on Glory
• [21:25] - The Cross as a Measure of Love
• [24:22] - Victory Through the Cross
• [26:09] - Assurance of Eternal Life
• [28:10] - Crucified with Christ
• [31:27] - True Freedom in Christ
• [33:03] - Closing Prayer and Hymn

1. Galatians 6:14 - "But God forbid that I should glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."
2. Jeremiah 9:23-24 - "Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord."
3. Romans 8:32 - "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"

1. According to Galatians 6:14, what is the only thing Paul says he should glory in, and why is this significant? [05:23]
2. In Jeremiah 9:23-24, what are the three things that people are warned not to glory in, and what should they glory in instead? [06:18]
3. How does Romans 8:32 assure us of God's provision, and what does this imply about God's willingness to meet our needs? [23:07]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the cross and the world's allure? How does this relate to being "crucified with Christ"? [28:10]

1. What does it mean to "glory in the cross" according to the sermon, and how does this differ from seeking personal glory in wisdom, might, or riches? [19:20]
2. How does the sermon explain the concept of true freedom through the cross, and what implications does this have for a believer's daily life? [32:42]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the cross provides assurance of God's provision, and how might this influence a believer's trust in God during difficult times? [23:07]
4. How does the sermon describe the victory over sin and death through the cross, and what hope does this offer to believers? [25:48]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you seek glory in wisdom, might, or riches? How can you shift your focus to glory in the cross instead? [06:18]
2. The sermon emphasizes freedom through the cross. Identify one area in your life where you feel in bondage. How can embracing the message of the cross help you find freedom in that area? [32:42]
3. Consider a time when you doubted God's provision. How does the assurance from Romans 8:32 challenge you to trust God more fully with your needs? [23:07]
4. The sermon speaks of victory over sin and death. What is one sin or fear that you struggle with, and how can the victory of the cross empower you to overcome it? [25:48]
5. How can you practically live out the freedom and victory found in the cross in your daily interactions with others? [28:10]
6. Reflect on the assurance of eternal life through the cross. How does this hope influence your perspective on current challenges or future uncertainties? [26:48]
7. Identify one way you can demonstrate gratitude for the love shown through the cross in your relationships or community this week. [21:46]