The Cross: Embracing Transformation and True Discipleship
Summary
In our journey through the new teaching series "The Cross: Discover the Mysteries," we delve into the profound significance of the cross in our Christian faith. The cross is not merely a symbol; it is the very essence of our belief, the foundation upon which our relationship with God is built. As we explore Galatians 2:20, we are reminded that our old selves have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer we who live, but Christ who lives in us. This transformation is a continuous process, where we bring every part of our lives to the cross for crucifixion—our hearts, souls, minds, thoughts, actions, beliefs, behaviors, habits, and desires.
The cross stands as a powerful contradiction. It represents both death and life, hate and love, violence and peace. It is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, where sin is forgiven, and we are sustained until Jesus returns. The cross is where heaven met earth, where God came to man, uniquely displayed in Christianity. The shape of the cross itself, with its three points, reflects the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Jesus' journey to the cross was marked by immense suffering, yet He endured it for the joy set before Him—the joy of being united with the Father and the promise of returning for us. As followers of Christ, we are called to live with this same joy, embracing the cross and its cost, recognizing that true discipleship involves sacrifice.
The cross must be the centerpiece of our Christianity. We must never forget the price Jesus paid for us on the cross. It is through the power of the cross that we find strength, worth, purpose, and hope. As we continue in this series, let us surround ourselves with the symbol of the cross, not as a mere decoration, but as a constant reminder of the greatest act of love the world has ever seen.
Key Takeaways:
- The cross is a paradox that embodies both the most profound loss and the greatest victory. It is where our Savior willingly laid down His life, transforming an instrument of death into a symbol of eternal life. This understanding should reshape our perspective on suffering and sacrifice, as we recognize that through Christ's example, our greatest trials can lead to our most significant triumphs. [45:08]
- True discipleship demands a daily crucifixion of the self. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of surrendering every aspect of our lives to God. This surrender is not passive; it is an active and deliberate choice to align our desires, thoughts, and actions with the will of God, allowing Him to transform us one degree at a time. [29:16]
- The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, surpassing all earthly wonders. It is through the cross that we are united with God, cleansed from sin, and sustained in our faith. This power is not abstract; it is personal, intimate, and transformative, offering us a relationship with the Creator that is more profound than any cosmic discovery. [33:56]
- The cross is not just a symbol of Christianity; it is the very essence of our faith. It is where the divine and human intersect, where the full cycle of sin is broken, and where we find redemption. As we reflect on the cross, let us be moved by its mysteries and allow its truths to penetrate our hearts, leading us to a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. [39:56]
- Embracing the cross means understanding the cost of following Jesus. It is a call to live counter-culturally, to face potential persecution, and to stand firm in our faith. This embrace is not about seeking suffering but about recognizing that our allegiance to Christ may lead us through trials. Yet, it is in these moments that our faith is refined and our commitment to the Savior is solidified. [25:12]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Galatians 2:20 (NIV): "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
- 1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV): "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
- Hebrews 12:2 (NIV): "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 2:20, what does it mean to be "crucified with Christ"?
2. How does 1 Corinthians 1:18 describe the perception of the cross to different groups of people?
3. What motivated Jesus to endure the cross according to Hebrews 12:2?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the contradictions associated with the cross? ([30:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for Christ to live in us, as stated in Galatians 2:20? How does this impact our daily lives?
2. How can the cross be both a symbol of death and a source of life? ([30:29])
3. Why is it important to understand the cost of following Jesus, as mentioned in the sermon? ([25:02])
4. How does the power of the cross sustain us in our faith according to the sermon? ([34:16])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the need to surrender a part of your life to God. What steps did you take to bring that aspect to the cross? ([29:01])
2. The sermon mentions that true discipleship involves daily crucifixion of the self. What is one specific area of your life that you need to surrender to God today? ([29:16])
3. How can you keep the cross as the centerpiece of your faith in your daily routine? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of its significance? ([34:48])
4. The cross is described as a powerful contradiction. How can this understanding reshape your perspective on personal suffering and sacrifice? ([30:05])
5. Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. What joy or hope can you focus on to help you endure your current challenges? ([45:21])
6. The sermon encourages us to surround ourselves with the symbol of the cross. How can you incorporate this practice into your home or workspace to keep the reminder of Jesus' sacrifice present in your life? ([47:30])
7. Reflect on the cost of following Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you feel resistance to this cost? How can you address these areas with prayer and community support? ([25:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Paradox of Suffering and Triumph
The cross stands as a profound paradox, a convergence of suffering and victory. It is a reminder that the greatest losses can lead to the most significant triumphs. The Savior's willingness to endure the cross turned an instrument of death into a beacon of eternal life. This perspective challenges believers to view their trials through the lens of the cross, understanding that suffering can be a precursor to glory. The cross invites followers of Christ to embrace their hardships, knowing that these moments can refine faith and character, leading to ultimate victory in Christ.
"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison." (2 Corinthians 4:17 ESV)
Reflection: How can your current struggles be viewed as opportunities for spiritual growth in light of the cross's paradox? [45:08]
Day 2: The Daily Crucifixion of Self
True discipleship is marked by a daily decision to crucify one's self with Christ. It is not merely a one-time event but a continuous journey of surrendering every aspect of life to God. This active and deliberate choice involves aligning desires, thoughts, and actions with God's will. It is a transformative process that requires humility and the willingness to let go of personal ambitions for the sake of Christ's kingdom. As believers lay down their lives, they find new life in Christ, who lives within them and shapes them into His likeness.
"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." (Galatians 2:20a ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits? [29:16]
Day 3: The Cross as the Ultimate Power
The cross is not just a symbol of sacrifice; it is the ultimate demonstration of God's power. It surpasses all earthly wonders, uniting believers with God, cleansing them from sin, and sustaining their faith. This power is personal and transformative, offering an intimate relationship with the Creator that is more profound than any human discovery. Through the cross, followers of Christ experience the fullness of God's love and grace, which empowers them to live lives that reflect His glory.
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8 ESV)
Reflection: How does the power of the cross personally impact your relationship with God, and how can it transform your daily walk with Him? [33:56]
Day 4: The Essence of Our Faith
The cross is the essence of Christian faith, where the divine and human intersect. It is the place where sin's cycle is broken and redemption is found. Reflecting on the cross leads to a deeper understanding of God's love and grace. It is not merely a symbol but the very core of Christianity, calling believers to live in the reality of what Jesus accomplished. The cross challenges followers to allow its truths to penetrate their hearts and transform their lives.
"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: In what ways can you allow the truths of the cross to penetrate your heart more deeply, leading to a transformed life? [39:56]
Day 5: Embracing the Cost of the Cross
Embracing the cross means understanding and accepting the cost of following Jesus. It is a call to live counter-culturally, to face potential persecution, and to stand firm in faith. This embrace is not about seeking suffering but about recognizing that allegiance to Christ may lead through trials. In these moments, faith is refined, and commitment to the Savior is solidified. Believers are called to joyfully accept the cost, knowing that it leads to a deeper fellowship with Christ.
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (2 Timothy 3:12 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you might need to stand firm in your faith despite potential consequences? How can you prepare your heart to embrace this cost? [25:12]
Quotes
"The cross is Satan's greatest defeat and God's greatest victory. And what is Satan wanting to do with his greatest defeat? He wants it to be another symbol of Christianity and for it to lose its power and for it to lose its authority." [23:47](Download | )
"The cross is both death and life. But the cross is both hate and love. They hated him, but yet it was the most amazing act of love. It was a place of violence, but yet it brought peace." [31:09](Download | )
"Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He's seated at the place of honor beside God's throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won't become weary and give up." [45:08](Download | )
"The whole journey of a Christian is bringing piece by piece back to the cross and letting it be nailed there. That the old self is being nailed to the cross." [28:22](Download | )
"The cross has to be the centerpiece of your Christianity. I want you to think about a few things when we talk about the mysteries of the cross. Just think about this. The cross is a beautiful example of where heaven met earth." [35:00](Download | )
"Without the awe of the cross, then we can never honor God. We also have to come back to this place where we recognize the sacrifice of the cross. Because without the sacrifice of the cross beating deep into the core of your being, then it's impossible for you to truly surrender." [24:24](Download | )
"God says, look at the cross. That's where you'll find the true power of God at work. What kind of power do you find at the cross? You find the power to be united with God. You find the power for sin to be forgiven at the cross." [33:56](Download | )
"Get a cross around you and let the cross fill you with hope. Through the power of the cross, we maintain our strength in our faith. That through the power of the cross, we're reminded that we are worth something." [46:57](Download | )
"But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law when he was hung on the cross. He took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing, our sin. For it is written in the Scriptures, cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." [39:56](Download | )
"When you look at Jesus, the Bible clearly tells us that Jesus was fully God and fully man. And when you look at where the cross sits and where those two pieces, the God element and man's element, and they cross together, what do you see? You see the intersection of where heaven met earth, where God came to be among us." [36:48](Download | )
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?