The Cross: Our Glory, Victory, and Deliverance

 

Summary

In Galatians 6:14, Paul declares, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." This statement encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, emphasizing the centrality of the cross. The cross, often viewed through a lens of tragedy, is instead a symbol of glory and victory for believers. It is the means by which we are saved and delivered from the world. The Apostle Paul gloried in the cross because it represents the ultimate triumph over sin and death, and it is through the cross that we see the full glory of Christ and God the Father.

The cross is not just a historical event but a profound spiritual reality that separates us from the world and its values. It is the place where the power of the devil is defeated. The devil, who has long held sway over humanity, is rendered powerless by the work of Christ on the cross. This victory is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. The cross is the means by which we are reconciled to God, and it is through this reconciliation that we are empowered to live free from the tyranny of sin and Satan.

The world, in its wisdom, often fails to recognize the spiritual forces at play. Many attempt to solve the world's problems through human means, ignoring the deeper spiritual battle. The Bible, however, provides the true explanation: the world is under the influence of the devil, and it is only through the cross that this power is broken. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power, and it is the means by which we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light.

Key Takeaways:

1. The cross is the central fact of the Christian faith, representing both the greatest tragedy and the greatest victory. It is through the cross that we are saved and delivered from the world. The cross is not a symbol of defeat but of glory and triumph. [02:25]

2. The cross separates us from the world and its values, delivering us from the power of the devil. It is through the cross that we see the full glory of Christ and God the Father. The cross is the means by which we are reconciled to God. [05:20]

3. The world often fails to recognize the spiritual forces at play, attempting to solve problems through human means. The Bible provides the true explanation: the world is under the influence of the devil, and it is only through the cross that this power is broken. [12:54]

4. The devil's power is tremendous, but it is ultimately a usurped power. The cross is the means by which we are delivered from the tyranny of sin and Satan. Through the cross, we are reconciled to God and empowered to live free from the devil's influence. [25:31]

5. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power. It is the means by which we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The victory of the cross is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. [48:41]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Galatians 6:14
[00:32] - The Christian's Glory in the Cross
[01:09] - The Centrality of the Cross
[02:13] - The Cross: Tragedy and Triumph
[03:12] - Understanding Good Friday
[04:13] - The Cross as Deliverance
[05:02] - The Glory of God in the Cross
[06:07] - The Vastness of the Cross
[07:22] - The Cross as Victory Over the Devil
[09:00] - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers
[10:08] - The World's Condition and the Devil's Influence
[13:09] - Biblical Teaching on the Devil
[20:09] - The Devil's Power and Human Nature
[25:09] - The Devil's Dominion Over Humanity
[35:05] - Christ's Mission to Destroy the Devil's Works
[48:41] - Reconciliation and Victory Through the Cross
[53:17] - The Cross: Ultimate Triumph Over Evil

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Galatians 6:14 - "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."
2. Colossians 2:15 - "And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
3. John 12:31-32 - "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says he will only glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ? How does this reflect his attitude towards worldly values? [00:10]
2. How does the sermon describe the cross as both a tragedy and a triumph? What are the implications of this duality for believers? [02:13]
3. According to the sermon, how does the cross separate believers from the world and its values? [05:20]
4. What role does the cross play in the defeat of the devil's power, as discussed in the sermon? [09:52]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the cross serve as a symbol of both God's love and power, and what does this mean for believers today? [48:41]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the world fails to recognize the spiritual forces at play? How does this affect the way people try to solve problems? [12:54]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of being reconciled to God through the cross, and what impact does this have on a believer's life? [47:08]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the devil's power and how it is ultimately a usurped power? [45:37]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways do you find yourself glorying in things other than the cross? How can you shift your focus to align more with Paul's declaration in Galatians 6:14? [00:10]
2. The sermon describes the cross as a present reality for believers. How can you live out this reality in your daily life, especially in moments of struggle or temptation? [48:41]
3. Consider the ways in which you might be influenced by the world's values. How can the message of the cross help you resist these influences and live a life set apart? [05:20]
4. The sermon emphasizes the victory of the cross over the devil's power. How can this understanding empower you to confront spiritual battles in your life? [09:52]
5. How can you better recognize and address the spiritual forces at play in your life and the world around you, rather than relying solely on human means to solve problems? [12:54]
6. In what ways can you demonstrate the love and power of God, as revealed through the cross, to those around you? [48:41]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt separated from God. How does the message of reconciliation through the cross offer hope and a path back to a closer relationship with Him? [47:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross as the Pinnacle of Christian Faith
The cross stands as the central symbol of the Christian faith, representing both the greatest tragedy and the greatest victory. It is through the cross that believers are saved and delivered from the world. The cross is not a symbol of defeat but of glory and triumph. It is the means by which humanity is reconciled to God, showcasing the ultimate triumph over sin and death. The Apostle Paul gloried in the cross because it represents the full glory of Christ and God the Father. This understanding transforms the cross from a mere historical event into a profound spiritual reality that impacts the believer's life daily. [02:25]

"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: In what ways can you actively embrace the power of the cross in your daily life, allowing it to transform your perspective on challenges and victories?


Day 2: The Cross as a Divider from Worldly Values
The cross serves as a spiritual boundary that separates believers from the world and its values. It delivers them from the power of the devil, who has long held sway over humanity. Through the cross, believers see the full glory of Christ and God the Father, and it is the means by which they are reconciled to God. This separation is not just a future hope but a present reality, empowering believers to live free from the tyranny of sin and Satan. The cross is a constant reminder of the victory over spiritual forces that seek to influence and control. [05:20]

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where worldly values have taken precedence. How can you realign this area with the values of the cross today?


Day 3: The Cross as the Solution to Spiritual Blindness
The world often fails to recognize the spiritual forces at play, attempting to solve problems through human means. The Bible provides the true explanation: the world is under the influence of the devil, and it is only through the cross that this power is broken. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power, and it is the means by which believers are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. This understanding calls for a shift in perspective, recognizing the spiritual battle that underlies worldly issues. [12:54]

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a current problem you are facing. How might recognizing the spiritual dimension of this issue change your approach to resolving it?


Day 4: The Cross as Liberation from Sin and Satan
The devil's power is tremendous, but it is ultimately a usurped power. The cross is the means by which believers are delivered from the tyranny of sin and Satan. Through the cross, they are reconciled to God and empowered to live free from the devil's influence. This liberation is not just a future promise but a present reality, enabling believers to live in the freedom and victory that Christ has secured. The cross is a constant reminder of the believer's new identity and authority in Christ. [25:31]

"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Colossians 1:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel trapped by sin or negative influences? How can you apply the truth of the cross to experience freedom in this area today?


Day 5: The Cross as the Ultimate Demonstration of God's Love
The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power. It is the means by which believers are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The victory of the cross is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. This victory assures believers of their place in God's kingdom and empowers them to live in the light of His love and grace. The cross is a daily reminder of God's unwavering commitment to His people and His desire for their redemption and transformation. [48:41]

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God's love. How can the truth of the cross reassure you of His love and draw you closer to Him today?

Quotes

The cross is the biggest thing in the whole universe there's no end to it that's one of the reasons why the Apostle does glory in it. I reminded you a few Sunday nights back how Isaac Watts puts it in his hymn "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" as you've got to look at it and you can stand all around it look at it from different aspects and angles and every time you do so you'll see some fresh glory you'll see a new aspect of truth you'll see something that you've never seen before there's no end to this cross that's why he glories in it. [00:06:00]

The cross is a great victory, the cross as the final move as it were here on Earth in a great battle, a great conflict, a great crusade. I call your attention therefore tonight to the cross as it displays to us the Lord Jesus Christ as a victor, as a conqueror. We've just been singing that hymn "O Jesus King Most Wonderful, Thou Conqueror Renowned." That aspect, I wonder how often we've considered it in that way. [00:07:24]

The cross as this marvelous exposition of the triumph of the Son of God over the devil and all his forces and powers. Now then, let's look at it like this: this subject, you see, follows on very logically and indeed quite inevitably for those who believe the Bible from the matter that we were considering together last Sunday night. The Apostle says that he glories in the cross because it is by the cross that the world is been crucified to him and him to the world. [00:09:46]

The world is as it is because of the outlook and the mind of the world, the mind of men as he is by nature and before God deals with him through the Lord Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. But you see, we still haven't finished, and that's an important thing in itself. I'm quite sure the trouble with most of us is this: is that we've never seen the greatness of the cross. We've never seen this glory as we ought. [00:05:23]

The devil's power is tremendous, but it is ultimately a usurped power. The cross is the means by which we are delivered from the tyranny of sin and Satan. Through the cross, we are reconciled to God and empowered to live free from the devil's influence. The Apostle Paul sums it all up by saying all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. There is none righteous, no, not one. [00:28:37]

The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power. It is the means by which we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The victory of the cross is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. The Apostle Paul puts it like this in the first epistle to the Colossians: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." [00:48:41]

The cross is the central fact of the Christian faith, representing both the greatest tragedy and the greatest victory. It is through the cross that we are saved and delivered from the world. The cross is not a symbol of defeat but of glory and triumph. The Apostle glories in it, and we've been considering why he does, and that's what we're going to continue doing tonight. [00:04:13]

The world often fails to recognize the spiritual forces at play, attempting to solve problems through human means. The Bible provides the true explanation: the world is under the influence of the devil, and it is only through the cross that this power is broken. The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power, and it is the means by which we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. [00:12:54]

The cross separates us from the world and its values, delivering us from the power of the devil. It is through the cross that we see the full glory of Christ and God the Father. The cross is the means by which we are reconciled to God. The Apostle Paul says that he glories in the cross because it is by the cross that the world is crucified to him and him to the world. [00:05:20]

The cross is the means by which we are saved, delivered from the world. It is the thing in which, as we've been seeing, one rarely sees fully the person and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also the place, the thing in which one sees the glory of God the Father, the truth concerning the Father. So we glory in the cross as we look at it, as we see it showing these various aspects of the truth to us. [00:04:58]

The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God's love and power. It is the means by which we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. The victory of the cross is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who are in Christ. The Apostle Paul puts it like this in the first epistle to the Colossians: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." [00:48:41]

The cross is the means by which we are saved, delivered from the world. It is the thing in which, as we've been seeing, one rarely sees fully the person and the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also the place, the thing in which one sees the glory of God the Father, the truth concerning the Father. So we glory in the cross as we look at it, as we see it showing these various aspects of the truth to us. [00:04:58]

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Transcript
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