The Cross: Foundation for Spiritual Growth and Purpose

 

Summary

The cross is central to our faith and the very reason we have eternal life. It is crucial to remember that the life of God within us is because of the sacrifice made on the cross. Forgetting the cross means losing sight of our purpose and motivation for spiritual growth. The forgiveness and grace we receive through the cross should drive us to mature spiritually. Many seek to understand God's will without the willingness to grow spiritually. However, without spiritual growth, we cannot truly discern or live out God's will. Our new nature, given to us through salvation, is meant to be lived out in spiritual maturity, not through our old nature. God saved us not only for eternity but also to fulfill a historical purpose in our lives here and now. We are called to be used by God in this time, to live out His will and purpose.

Key Takeaways

- The cross is the foundation of our faith and the source of eternal life. It is essential to keep the cross at the forefront of our minds to understand our purpose and motivation for spiritual growth. Forgetting the cross leads to a loss of direction and purpose. [00:08]

- God's forgiveness and grace are meant to inspire us to grow spiritually. This growth is not optional but necessary to understand and live out God's will. Without a commitment to spiritual maturity, we cannot fully grasp or execute His plans for us. [00:21]

- Many desire to know God's will but are unwilling to invest in their spiritual growth. This reluctance hinders their ability to discern and live out God's will. Spiritual maturity is a prerequisite for understanding and fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. [00:21]

- Salvation is not just about securing a place in heaven; it is about being used by God in the present. We have a historical purpose to fulfill, and our lives are meant to reflect God's will and purpose here on earth. [00:32]

- Our new nature, given through salvation, is meant to be lived out in spiritual maturity. We are called to abandon our old nature and embrace the new life God has given us, allowing Him to use us for His purposes in this world. [00:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - The Centrality of the Cross
[00:21] - Motivation for Spiritual Growth
[00:32] - God's Will and Spiritual Maturity
[00:32] - Historical Purpose of Salvation
[00:32] - Living Out the New Nature

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 2:20 - "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."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, why is the cross central to our faith and spiritual growth? [00:08]
2. What does the sermon suggest is the relationship between God's forgiveness and our spiritual maturity? [00:21]
3. How does the sermon describe the purpose of our salvation beyond securing a place in heaven? [00:32]
4. What does the sermon say about the necessity of spiritual growth in understanding and living out God's will? [00:21]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Galatians 2:20 relate to the idea of living out our new nature in spiritual maturity? What does it mean for Christ to live in us?
2. In Romans 12:2, what does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, and how does this relate to discerning God's will? [00:21]
3. Ephesians 4:22-24 talks about putting off the old self and putting on the new self. How does this passage connect with the sermon's message about abandoning our old nature? [00:32]
4. The sermon mentions a historical purpose for our lives. How might this purpose be reflected in the way we live out our faith daily? [00:32]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you lost sight of the cross in your daily life. How did it affect your spiritual growth and sense of purpose? [00:08]
2. What specific steps can you take to ensure that God's forgiveness and grace motivate you to grow spiritually? [00:21]
3. Identify an area in your life where you have been reluctant to invest in spiritual growth. What changes can you make to overcome this reluctance? [00:21]
4. How can you actively seek to understand and live out God's will in your current circumstances? What might be hindering you from doing so? [00:21]
5. Consider your new nature in Christ. What practical actions can you take this week to live out this new identity and abandon your old ways? [00:32]
6. Think about the historical purpose God has for your life. How can you align your daily actions with this purpose? [00:32]
7. What is one specific way you can allow God to use you for His purposes in your community or workplace this week? [00:32]

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross as Our Compass
The cross is the foundation of our faith and the source of eternal life. It is essential to keep the cross at the forefront of our minds to understand our purpose and motivation for spiritual growth. Forgetting the cross leads to a loss of direction and purpose. [00:08]

"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." (1 Corinthians 1:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally keep the significance of the cross at the forefront of your daily life this week?


Day 2: Grace as a Catalyst for Growth
God's forgiveness and grace are meant to inspire us to grow spiritually. This growth is not optional but necessary to understand and live out God's will. Without a commitment to spiritual maturity, we cannot fully grasp or execute His plans for us. [00:21]

"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (2 Peter 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you commit to growing spiritually this week, allowing God's grace to transform you?


Day 3: The Willingness to Mature
Many desire to know God's will but are unwilling to invest in their spiritual growth. This reluctance hinders their ability to discern and live out God's will. Spiritual maturity is a prerequisite for understanding and fulfilling God's purpose in our lives. [00:21]

"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God." (Hebrews 6:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you feel stagnant? How can you take a step towards maturity in that area today?


Day 4: Salvation's Present Purpose
Salvation is not just about securing a place in heaven; it is about being used by God in the present. We have a historical purpose to fulfill, and our lives are meant to reflect God's will and purpose here on earth. [00:32]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can actively participate in God's purpose for your life today, reflecting His will in your actions?


Day 5: Embracing the New Nature
Our new nature, given through salvation, is meant to be lived out in spiritual maturity. We are called to abandon our old nature and embrace the new life God has given us, allowing Him to use us for His purposes in this world. [00:32]

"Put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:24, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one aspect of your old nature that you need to let go of. How can you embrace your new nature in Christ in a practical way this week?

Quotes

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Transcript
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