Strength in Weakness: The Power of the Cross
Summary
### Summary
Have you ever wondered if following Jesus was the best choice? This question often arises when we see others seemingly thriving in worldly pursuits. Robert Frost's poem, "The Road Less Traveled," humorously addresses the indecisiveness we sometimes feel. Similarly, we may question our path as followers of Jesus, especially when worldly success seems more appealing. However, the cross of Christ teaches us that God's way is always better, even if it appears weak or foolish to the world.
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross may seem weak, but it is actually a profound demonstration of strength. Just as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" showed unexpected strength, Jesus' humble sacrifice brought salvation to humanity. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 1:18, stating that the message of the cross is foolishness to those perishing but the power of God to those being saved.
Paul also highlights that Christians may appear foolish to the world, but they possess true wisdom. He reminds the Corinthian church that God chose the weak and foolish to shame the strong and wise. This divine wisdom surpasses human intellect and is evident in the lives of believers who boast not in themselves but in the Lord.
Moreover, Paul acknowledges that his own preaching may have seemed clumsy, yet the gospel remains effective. He encourages believers to rely on the power of God rather than human wisdom. Even when we feel inadequate, the gospel's power is not diminished.
In conclusion, walking the Jesus way may involve humility and struggle, but it is the path of true wisdom, power, and effectiveness. Jesus invites us to follow Him, promising rest for our souls. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remain confident that God's way is always better.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Sacrifice: Strength in Weakness
- Jesus' sacrifice on the cross may appear weak to the world, but it is a profound demonstration of strength. Just as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" showed unexpected strength, Jesus' humble sacrifice brought salvation to humanity. This teaches us that true strength often lies in humility and self-sacrifice. [10:00]
2. True Wisdom in Following Christ
- Christians may appear foolish to the world, but they possess true wisdom. Paul reminds us that God chose the weak and foolish to shame the strong and wise. This divine wisdom surpasses human intellect and is evident in the lives of believers who boast not in themselves but in the Lord. [17:55]
3. The Power of the Gospel
- Paul's preaching may have seemed clumsy, yet the gospel remains effective. He encourages believers to rely on the power of God rather than human wisdom. Even when we feel inadequate, the gospel's power is not diminished, reminding us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. [27:55]
4. Walking the Jesus Way
- Walking the Jesus way involves humility and struggle, but it is the path of true wisdom, power, and effectiveness. Jesus invites us to follow Him, promising rest for our souls. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remain confident that God's way is always better. [36:02]
5. Boasting in the Lord
- When God works in our lives, we should not boast in our own abilities but in the Lord. Whether it's overcoming temptation or seeing our children walk with the Lord, we must recognize that it is God's power at work in us. This humility keeps us grounded and focused on God's glory. [23:56]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:21] - The Road Less Traveled
[02:41] - Questioning Our Path
[03:41] - The Temptation of Worldly Success
[04:37] - God's Way is Always Better
[05:26] - Prayer for Guidance
[06:20] - Jesus' Sacrifice: Weak or Strong?
[07:24] - Les Miserables and Unexpected Strength
[10:00] - The Power of the Cross
[11:20] - 1 Corinthians 1:18 - The Message of the Cross
[12:25] - The Right Perspective
[13:25] - Different Perspectives: Jews and Greeks
[15:24] - Preaching Christ Crucified
[17:55] - True Wisdom in Following Christ
[19:25] - Paul's Message to the Corinthians
[21:57] - Jesus' Disciples: Unlikely Choices
[23:56] - Boasting in the Lord
[25:56] - The Effectiveness of the Gospel
[27:55] - Paul's Clumsy Preaching
[30:54] - The Power of God in Weakness
[33:25] - Being All In for Jesus
[36:02] - Walking the Jesus Way
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
2. Matthew 11:28-30
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, how do different groups of people perceive the message of the cross? [11:20]
2. What does Paul say about the types of people God chooses to shame the wise and strong in 1 Corinthians 1:27-28? [21:26]
3. How does Jesus describe His invitation to those who are weary in Matthew 11:28-30? [36:02]
4. What example from "Les Miserables" was used to illustrate unexpected strength, and how does it relate to Jesus' sacrifice? [07:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing but the power of God to those being saved? [11:20]
2. How does the concept of strength in weakness, as demonstrated by Jesus' sacrifice, challenge common worldly views of power and success? [10:00]
3. In what ways does Paul’s own experience of feeling clumsy in his preaching (1 Corinthians 2:1-5) reinforce the idea that the gospel’s power does not rely on human wisdom? [31:24]
4. How does Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to find rest in Him contrast with the burdens of worldly pursuits? [36:02]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt tempted to follow a path that seemed easier or more respected by the world. How did you handle that situation, and what can you learn from it? [03:41]
2. How can you demonstrate the strength found in humility and self-sacrifice in your daily life, similar to Jesus' example on the cross? [10:00]
3. In what ways can you rely more on God's wisdom rather than your own understanding or the approval of others? [17:55]
4. Think of a situation where you felt inadequate or clumsy in sharing your faith. How can you trust in the power of the gospel despite your feelings of inadequacy? [33:25]
5. Jesus promises rest for our souls when we follow Him. What specific steps can you take this week to accept His invitation and find rest in Him? [36:02]
6. How can you practice boasting in the Lord rather than in your own abilities or achievements? Identify one area of your life where you can give God the glory. [23:56]
7. Consider the challenges you face in walking the Jesus way. What practical actions can you take to remain confident that God's way is always better, even when it involves humility and struggle? [37:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Strength in Humility and Sacrifice
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross may appear weak to the world, but it is a profound demonstration of strength. Just as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" showed unexpected strength, Jesus' humble sacrifice brought salvation to humanity. This teaches us that true strength often lies in humility and self-sacrifice. The world may not understand this kind of strength, but it is the foundation of our faith. When we embrace humility and self-sacrifice, we align ourselves with the heart of Jesus and His mission to save the world. [10:00]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you can choose humility over pride. How can you demonstrate Christ-like strength through humility and self-sacrifice today?
Day 2: True Wisdom in Following Christ
Christians may appear foolish to the world, but they possess true wisdom. Paul reminds us that God chose the weak and foolish to shame the strong and wise. This divine wisdom surpasses human intellect and is evident in the lives of believers who boast not in themselves but in the Lord. The wisdom of following Christ is not about worldly success or recognition but about living a life that reflects God's values and priorities. This kind of wisdom often goes against the grain of societal norms but leads to a deeper, more fulfilling life. [17:55]
James 3:17 (ESV): "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: In what ways can you seek and apply God's wisdom in your daily decisions, even if it seems foolish to others?
Day 3: The Power of the Gospel
Paul's preaching may have seemed clumsy, yet the gospel remains effective. He encourages believers to rely on the power of God rather than human wisdom. Even when we feel inadequate, the gospel's power is not diminished, reminding us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. This is a powerful reminder that our effectiveness in sharing the gospel does not depend on our eloquence or abilities but on God's power working through us. [27:55]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Identify an area where you feel inadequate in your faith journey. How can you rely on God's power rather than your own abilities in this area?
Day 4: Walking the Jesus Way
Walking the Jesus way involves humility and struggle, but it is the path of true wisdom, power, and effectiveness. Jesus invites us to follow Him, promising rest for our souls. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remain confident that God's way is always better. This path may not always be easy, but it leads to a deeper relationship with God and a more meaningful life. Embracing the Jesus way means trusting in His promises and finding rest in His presence, even amid difficulties. [36:02]
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Reflection: What is one specific challenge you are facing right now? How can you trust Jesus and find rest in His promises as you navigate this challenge?
Day 5: Boasting in the Lord
When God works in our lives, we should not boast in our own abilities but in the Lord. Whether it's overcoming temptation or seeing our children walk with the Lord, we must recognize that it is God's power at work in us. This humility keeps us grounded and focused on God's glory. Boasting in the Lord means giving Him credit for the victories and blessings in our lives, acknowledging that without Him, we can do nothing. [23:56]
Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"
Reflection: Reflect on a recent victory or blessing in your life. How can you give God the glory and boast in His work rather than your own abilities?
Quotes
1. "Brothers and sisters, sometimes the thought will come into our mind, did I really choose the best path when I decided to be a follower of Jesus? Maybe you don't ask it in such clear terms as that, but maybe you've got this little question that pops into your mind in this subtle moment, and maybe your neighbor pulls into their driveway with a brand-new vehicle that they bought, and you've heard about some of their new accomplishments and the accolades that they've got, and you start to wonder just a little bit, would I be more happy if I had some of those things going on in my life?" [02:41] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We so desperately need to know that God's way is always, always the better way because things will come at us day after day. An opportunity to go that way. An opportunity to make a little shortcut in this area of life. We need to be 100% confident that God's way is the better way. Amen? Amen." [04:37] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus' sacrifice may look weak, but it's actually strong. Jesus' sacrifice may look weak. Maybe you've had that conversation with someone about what Jesus did on the cross. And maybe they're scratching their heads because they're like, okay, you're worshiping someone who died in a humiliating way? And that's what you're banking all your hope on in life? This morning I saw a number of people wearing a cross around their neck, proclaiming, hey, what Jesus did on the cross, it's not weak, it's strong." [06:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To those who are perishing, the word of the cross looks like foolishness. But he continues and tells us about the right perspective as well. He says to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. That's why we come in and we worship and we raise our hands. And we say, thank you, God, for saving me because there's no other way that I could be saved. You're the only way. Jesus, when you went to the cross, we saw just how powerful you are. Amen?" [12:25] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Christians, followers of Jesus, may look foolish, but they're actually wise. Christians may look like they don't know which way is up to those people of the world, but we are actually walking in the wisdom that is truly wise. Here's an example for you. I remember back in middle school, I didn't always buy into what other people, maybe particularly my parents, thought was wise." [17:55] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world. Think back to the people that Jesus called as his twelve disciples. A lot of these guys maybe had started out in school, and then they ended up going, to be fishermen. Maybe not their dream job that they would have picked as a young person. Fishermen, maybe a little bit smelly. You got Matthew, he's a tax collector, kind of a trader to his people, financially motivated. You got some of these people that were not super impressive from worldly perspective. But Jesus said, I want that guy. I want that young lady." [21:26] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Brothers, and sisters, if your children are growing up and they're walking with the Lord, don't say, yeah, that was me. I did that. You point at the power of God. Amen? If God's at work in your heart and you've stepped away from patterns of temptation, you don't say, hey, it's because I figured out a way to overcome those things. You know it was God in you changing your heart. My friends, let the one who boasts boast in the Lord." [23:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Brothers and sisters, anything else that you worship in this world is impotent to accomplish anything for you. Amen? And that's why our third point today, is this. As Paul proclaimed the gospel, that his speech may have looked clumsy. Paul's speech may have looked clumsy, but the gospel is effective regardless. Paul came and he proclaimed the gospel and he didn't feel like he was a professional orator. But he says the gospel is powerful no matter what." [27:27] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You know, you may be here today and you may feel clumsy. Anyone ever feel clumsy in your life, okay? You feel a little clumsy? Maybe you get an opportunity, you feel the Holy Spirit giving you an opportunity to talk to someone about your faith and you start thinking about all the things that could go wrong. Anyone ever do that? You're like, oh, I don't know. Oh, if I want to, you know, bring this up. What if I misquote the Bible verse? What if I forget one of the things? What if I forgot to tell him Jesus rose again from the dead and I leave Jesus on the cross? What if something goes wrong here? But the thing is, even though Paul felt clumsy, he knew that the gospel will be effective." [33:25] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus says these words, come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden. You may have been walking the way of the world where you've got to try harder, be better, do some life hacks and do that grind so that you can pull it together. You may have been walking the way of the world. Jesus says, don't worry about that. Come to me and I will give you rest. He says, take my yoke upon you and learn from me. He's saying, come and be my apprentice. Follow me. Walk the Jesus way as you walk through life. He says, learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart. He may look weak to the world, but make no mistake, he's more powerful than any other. He says, and you will find rest for your soul." [36:02] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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