The Cross: Offense and Glory in Salvation

 

Summary

The central theme of the Gospel is the cross of Jesus Christ, a message that has been both a source of offense and a cause for glory throughout history. The Apostle Paul, in his letters to the Galatians, emphasizes that the cross is the core of Christian preaching. It is not merely a symbol of suffering or a tragic event but the pivotal point of salvation. The cross signifies that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died for the sins of humanity, and this act is the sole means of reconciliation with God. This message, however, is divisive. It either offends or captivates, leaving no room for neutrality.

The offense of the cross lies in its implications. It declares that all are sinners, helpless to save themselves, and in need of a savior. This proclamation challenges human pride and self-reliance, as it asserts that neither birth, religious rituals, nor moral efforts can secure salvation. The Jews found it offensive because it undermined their reliance on nationality, circumcision, and the law. The Greeks, with their philosophical pursuits, saw it as foolishness, unable to accept that salvation could come through the death of a carpenter from a despised region.

Yet, for those who see the cross for what it truly is, it becomes a source of glory. Paul, once an enemy of the cross, came to glory in it because he saw the Son of God, the Prince of Glory, dying for his sins. The cross reveals the justice, righteousness, and love of God. It shows that God is just, as sin is punished, and loving, as He provides a way of salvation through His Son. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's faithfulness to His promises and His eternal plan for humanity.

The cross demands a response. It calls us to examine our hearts and our standing before God. Do we find it offensive, or do we glory in it? The cross is not just a historical event but a personal message that speaks to our deepest needs and offers the hope of eternal life.

Key Takeaways:

- The cross of Jesus Christ is the central message of the Gospel, dividing humanity into those who are offended by it and those who glory in it. It is not merely a symbol of suffering but the means of salvation, declaring that Jesus' death is the only way to be reconciled with God. [06:41]

- The offense of the cross lies in its declaration that all are sinners, helpless to save themselves, and in need of a savior. This challenges human pride and self-reliance, as it asserts that neither birth, religious rituals, nor moral efforts can secure salvation. [31:12]

- For those who truly see the cross, it becomes a source of glory. It reveals the Son of God, the Prince of Glory, dying for our sins, demonstrating God's justice, righteousness, and love. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's faithfulness to His promises. [41:06]

- The cross demands a personal response. It is not just a historical event but a message that speaks to our deepest needs, offering the hope of eternal life. We must examine our hearts and our standing before God, asking whether we find the cross offensive or glorious. [18:32]

- The cross shows that God is eternally just and loving. It assures us that sin is punished and that God has a plan for our salvation. The cross is a testament to God's faithfulness and His eternal purpose for humanity, offering hope and reconciliation. [47:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Galatians
- [00:31] - The Offense of the Cross
- [01:15] - Paul's Preaching Focus
- [02:07] - The Central Message of the Gospel
- [03:13] - Preaching Christ Crucified
- [04:08] - The Cross in Paul's Epistles
- [05:00] - The Gospel's Core
- [06:03] - The Apostolic Message
- [07:03] - Differing Reactions to the Cross
- [09:00] - Understanding Offense and Glory
- [10:45] - The Cross Divides Humanity
- [12:17] - Misunderstandings of the Cross
- [15:45] - True Preaching of the Cross
- [18:32] - Personal Reflection on the Cross
- [20:27] - Why the Cross Offends
- [29:52] - The Cross Proclaims Our Sinfulness
- [36:36] - The Cross's Personal Message
- [41:06] - The Glory of the Cross
- [47:12] - The Cross Reveals God's Nature

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Galatians 5:11
- Galatians 6:14
- 1 Corinthians 1:23-24

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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul mean when he refers to the "offense of the cross" in Galatians 5:11? How does this relate to the persecution he faced? [00:31]
2. In Galatians 6:14, Paul states that he will only glory in the cross of Jesus Christ. What does it mean to "glory" in the cross according to the sermon? [09:53]
3. How does the sermon describe the differing reactions people have to the message of the cross? [07:56]
4. What are some reasons given in the sermon for why the cross is a source of offense to both Jews and Greeks? [23:36]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon suggest that the message of the cross is divisive, causing some to be offended and others to glory in it? [09:00]
2. How does the sermon explain the transformation in Paul's attitude towards the cross, from offense to glory? [38:56]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the implications of the cross for human pride and self-reliance? [31:12]
4. How does the sermon describe the cross as a demonstration of God's justice, righteousness, and love? [47:12]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal response to the message of the cross. Do you find it offensive or glorious? Why do you think you respond this way? [18:32]
2. The sermon challenges human pride and self-reliance. In what areas of your life do you rely on your own efforts rather than on the grace offered through the cross? [31:12]
3. How can you actively "glory" in the cross in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to make the cross central to your faith journey? [09:53]
4. The sermon describes the cross as a message that speaks to our deepest needs. What are some of your deepest needs, and how does the message of the cross address them? [18:32]
5. Consider the ways in which the cross reveals God's faithfulness to His promises. How can this assurance impact your trust in God during challenging times? [47:12]
6. The sermon mentions that the cross demands a personal response. What is one specific way you can respond to the message of the cross this week? [18:32]
7. How does understanding the cross as a demonstration of God's love and justice change your perspective on your relationship with God and others? [47:12]

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross Divides Humanity

The cross of Jesus Christ stands as the central message of the Gospel, creating a clear division among humanity. It is not just a symbol of suffering but the means of salvation, declaring that Jesus' death is the only way to be reconciled with God. This message is polarizing, as it either offends or captivates, leaving no room for neutrality. The cross challenges human pride and self-reliance, asserting that neither birth, religious rituals, nor moral efforts can secure salvation. For some, this is a stumbling block, while for others, it is the power of God for salvation. [06:41]



1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, 'I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.'"



Reflection: In what ways have you found yourself offended by the message of the cross, and how can you open your heart to see it as the power of God for salvation?





Day 2: The Offense of the Cross

The offense of the cross lies in its declaration that all are sinners, helpless to save themselves, and in need of a savior. This challenges human pride and self-reliance, as it asserts that neither birth, religious rituals, nor moral efforts can secure salvation. The Jews found it offensive because it undermined their reliance on nationality, circumcision, and the law. The Greeks, with their philosophical pursuits, saw it as foolishness, unable to accept that salvation could come through the death of a carpenter from a despised region. The cross demands that we acknowledge our need for a savior and abandon our self-sufficiency. [31:12]



Galatians 5:11 (ESV): "But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case, the offense of the cross has been removed."



Reflection: What aspects of your life do you rely on for self-worth or salvation, and how can you surrender these to embrace the message of the cross?





Day 3: The Glory of the Cross

For those who truly see the cross, it becomes a source of glory. It reveals the Son of God, the Prince of Glory, dying for our sins, demonstrating God's justice, righteousness, and love. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's faithfulness to His promises. It shows that God is just, as sin is punished, and loving, as He provides a way of salvation through His Son. The cross is not just a historical event but a personal message that speaks to our deepest needs and offers the hope of eternal life. [41:06]



Colossians 2:14-15 (ESV): "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."



Reflection: How can you actively glory in the cross today, recognizing it as the ultimate demonstration of God's love and justice in your life?





Day 4: The Cross Demands a Personal Response

The cross demands a personal response. It is not just a historical event but a message that speaks to our deepest needs, offering the hope of eternal life. We must examine our hearts and our standing before God, asking whether we find the cross offensive or glorious. This reflection calls us to consider our personal relationship with God and how the cross impacts our daily lives. It challenges us to move beyond intellectual assent to a heartfelt embrace of the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. [18:32]



2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV): "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."



Reflection: What is one specific way you can respond to the message of the cross today, allowing it to transform your heart and actions?





Day 5: The Cross Reveals God's Nature

The cross shows that God is eternally just and loving. It assures us that sin is punished and that God has a plan for our salvation. The cross is a testament to God's faithfulness and His eternal purpose for humanity, offering hope and reconciliation. It reveals the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to restore a broken relationship with humanity. As we reflect on the cross, we are reminded of God's unwavering commitment to His promises and His desire for us to be in a right relationship with Him. [47:12]



Romans 3:25-26 (ESV): "Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus."



Reflection: How does understanding the cross as a revelation of God's nature change the way you view your relationship with Him, and how can you live out this understanding in your daily life?

Quotes



I should like to call your attention this evening to two statements which are to be found in the epistle to the Galatians the first in chapter 5 and verse 11 and the second in chapter 6 and verse 14 chap 5: 11 chapter 6:4 and I Brethren if I yet preach circumcision why do I yet suffer persecution then is the offense of the Cross ceased but God forbid that I should Glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by whom the world is crucified unto me and I unto the world. [00:00:00]

Now there can be no doubt at all that the content the essential message of the preaching of the Gospel is this message concerning the cross if I yet am preaching circumcision as the way of Salvation says Paul well why am I still being persecuted if I were doing that the offense of the trust would have ceased by which he's really saying I'm not preaching circumcision I am preaching the cross and it is because I am doing so that I am still being persecuted. [00:02:02]

There is no doubt therefore at all as you go through the Epistles of this great Apostle there is no question but that the very nerve and center of his preaching was the cross the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross on calvary's hill and as you go to the book of The Acts of the Apostles in which we are given an account of the preaching of the first preachers the apostles everywhere you find that it is the same message Jesus Christ and him crucified the cross the death of this person upon the cross on calvary's hell. [00:05:51]

It is a message which proclaims that the death of Jesus of Nazareth who was the son of God upon the cross on calvary's Hill is the one and only means and way of Salvation that there is no other the great Proclamation that was made you remember to Zacharias the father of John the Baptist was that God have visited and redeemed his people and the way in which he has done so is through Jesus Christ and him crucified. [00:06:49]

There are some people who are offended by it if I were still preaching circumcision says Paul well I would no longer be persecuted because then would the offense of the Cross have ceased by which he's telling us that there were some people who were deeply offended by this preaching of the Cross and the death of Christ it was an offense to them but on the other hand he tells us about himself God forbid that I should Glory save in the cross of the law of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:07:52]

The preaching of this one message which was the very nerve and center of the Christian Proclamation divided mankind into these two groups those who are offended by it those who Glory in it very well then this becomes useful for us it seems to me in two main ways it first of all helps us to know exactly what this message of the Cross really is and it's very important that we should know that because there are many people who talk about the cross. [00:10:47]

When the message of the Cross is truly preached as it was by the Apostle Paul and all the other Apostles it do one of two things it either makes a man hate it and be offended by it deeply and bitterly or else he says it's the most glorious it is the most wonderful thing that I've ever known it's the thing for for which I live and by which I live I glory in it it's life to me it's everything. [00:11:36]

The cross tells us this you're not saved by your birth whatever it is you're not saved by circumcision or by baptism or any Act of men whatever it is you are not saved by your knowledge of the law not even by your possession of the law of God you're not saved by your religion they saw the mean here was a message which says that this man and this man alone saves Us by dying. [00:27:28]

The cross is a cause of offense it is because of what it proclaims and what it proclaims is that we are all sinners here is the message that the Son of God has come down from Heaven to Earth and has deliberately come in order to die that death on that cross because that is the only way whereby a man can be saved what are the implications the first implication is this that I'm a sinner if this is true of all men it's true of me I'm a sinner all have sinned and have come short of the glory of God. [00:29:44]

The most wonderful thing of all about the cross to me is this is what it tells me about God himself and this is precious above every other knowledge it tells me that God is eternal unlike me he is just he is righteous he is Holy if I didn't believe that I'd have no confidence in anything if my God is one who can change as I change and play fast and loose with his own laws and his own Holiness I should feel utterly insecure this evening. [00:47:08]

As I look at that cross this is what I see that God is eternally just and righteous and holy that's why his son died the only way that sin can be forgiven is that it be punished and God punished his own son he laid our iniquity upon him and he smote him he's smitten of God and as I see him there on the cross smitten of God I see the righteousness and the justice and the Everlasting Holiness of God proclaimed in all its Glory. [00:47:50]

I see also that God has a great plan and a purpose for me and for my soul and indeed for the whole world so that as I look out at the world this evening and with my own human eyes don't understand it and see no hope for it I look back at the cross I say there is there in Christ he's going to head up again in one all things both which are in heaven and which are on earth and beneath the Earth there's a plan of God it was being carried out that's what I find in the cross. [00:48:56]

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Transcript
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