The Transformative Power of the Cross in Our Lives

Devotional

Day 1: The Cross as Transformative Power

The cross of Christ is not merely a historical event but a transformative power that reorients our lives. It offers both eternal and abundant life, changing our thinking and actions, and leading us to a life of different conduct and outcomes. This transformation is not just about a future promise but impacts our present reality, guiding us to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. The cross challenges us to see beyond our current circumstances and to embrace a life that is marked by the power and presence of God. [11:25]

"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 allow the transformative power of the cross to change your daily actions and decisions today?

Day 2: Certainty in Christ's Completed Work

Jesus' declaration, "It is finished," signifies the completion of a work that is not just potential but certain for those called by God. This work ensures that believers will be glorified and completed in Christ, sustaining our faith even in our frailty. The certainty of Christ's work on the cross provides a foundation for our faith, giving us confidence that our salvation is secure and that we are being transformed into His likeness. This assurance allows us to live with hope and purpose, knowing that our future is secure in Him. [21:16]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: How does the certainty of Christ's completed work on the cross give you confidence in your faith journey today?

Day 3: Evident Marks of the Cross

The power of the cross is evident in our lives through six marks: practicing genuine love for others, abhorring evil and holding fast to good, eagerly pursuing the things of God, possessing a joyful hope that leads to patience in trials and constant prayer, living humbly to serve others through generosity, and trusting God, which frees us to do good. These marks are not about moralism but about the supernatural work of God in our lives. They reflect the transformation that occurs when we allow the power of the cross to shape our character and conduct. [24:38]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Which of the six marks of the cross is most evident in your life, and which one do you feel called to develop further?

Day 4: Living in Humility and Generosity

The cross calls us to live humbly, serving others through generosity and helping actions. It challenges us to love genuinely, even our enemies, and to live in harmony with others. This call to humility and generosity is a reflection of Christ's own life and ministry, and it invites us to follow His example in our interactions with others. By embracing a life of humility and generosity, we demonstrate the love of Christ to the world and participate in His redemptive work. [29:12]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice humility and generosity in a specific relationship or situation today?

Day 5: Trusting God and Overcoming Evil with Good

Trusting God frees us to do good, even in the face of evil. By relinquishing vengeance and bitterness, we allow the power of the cross to transform us and overcome evil with good. This trust in God enables us to respond to challenges and adversities with grace and love, reflecting the character of Christ in our actions. As we trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, we are empowered to live out the gospel in a way that brings healing and reconciliation to a broken world. [33:23]

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:21, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a situation where you need to let go of bitterness and trust God to help you overcome evil with good? How can you take a step towards that today?

Sermon Summary

The power of the cross is not merely a historical event or a philosophical concept; it is the intersection where mercy, judgment, and justice meet through Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God. The message of the cross is transformative, offering eternal life and abundant life to those who believe. It is folly to those who are perishing, but to those being saved, it is the power of God. This power reorients our thinking, changes our actions, and destines us for a life of different conduct and outcomes. The cross is not just a ticket to heaven; it is a source of abundant life in the present.

Jesus' declaration, "It is finished," signifies the completion of a work that is not just potential but certain for those called by God. This work ensures that believers will be glorified and completed in Christ. The power of the cross sustains our faith, even when we feel frail and weak. It is not our efforts that keep us afloat but the power of the cross that holds us. The cross sanctifies us, making us new creations in Christ, and grants us all things that pertain to life and godliness.

The power of the cross is evident in our lives through six marks: practicing genuine love for others, abhorring evil and holding fast to good, eagerly pursuing the things of God, possessing a joyful hope that leads to patience in trials and constant prayer, living humbly to serve others through generosity, and trusting God, which frees us to do good. These marks are not about moralism but about the supernatural work of God in our lives.

The cross calls us to love genuinely, even our enemies, and to live in harmony with others. It challenges us to abhor evil and love good, as defined by God's revelation, not cultural norms. We are to pursue God with zeal, rejoicing in hope, being patient in tribulation, and constant in prayer. Our lives should be marked by humility, generosity, and a trust in God that allows us to overcome evil with good. This is the power of the cross at work in us, transforming us into the image of Christ and preparing us for eternal glory.

Key Takeaways

1. The Transformative Power of the Cross: The cross is not just a historical event but a transformative power that reorients our lives, offering both eternal and abundant life. It changes our thinking and actions, leading to a life of different conduct and outcomes. [11:25]
2. Completion and Certainty in Christ: Jesus' work on the cross is not just a potential outcome but a certain one for those called by God. It ensures that believers will be glorified and completed in Christ, sustaining our faith even in our frailty. [21:16]
3. Marks of the Cross in Our Lives: The power of the cross is evident in our lives through genuine love, abhorring evil, pursuing God, joyful hope, humility, and trust in God. These marks are not about moralism but the supernatural work of God. [24:38]
4. Living in Humility and Generosity: The cross calls us to live humbly, serving others through generosity and helping actions. It challenges us to love genuinely, even our enemies, and to live in harmony with others. [29:12]
5. Trusting God and Overcoming Evil with Good: Trusting God frees us to do good, even in the face of evil. By relinquishing vengeance and bitterness, we allow the power of the cross to transform us and overcome evil with good. [33:23]
** [33:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - The Power of the Cross
[02:15] - Message of the Cross
[04:00] - Eternal and Abundant Life
[06:45] - Jesus' Declaration: It is Finished
[09:30] - Sustaining Faith Through the Cross
[11:25] - Marks of the Cross in Our Lives
[13:52] - Genuine Love and Abhorring Evil
[16:20] - Pursuing God with Zeal
[18:45] - Joyful Hope and Patience in Trials
[21:16] - Living in Humility and Generosity
[24:38] - Trusting God and Overcoming Evil
[27:10] - The Supernatural Work of the Cross
[29:12] - Conclusion and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of the Cross

Bible Reading:

1 Corinthians 1:18 - "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."
John 19:30 - "When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
Romans 12:9-21 - A passage highlighting the marks of the cross in our lives, including genuine love, abhorring evil, and living humbly.

Observation Questions:

According to 1 Corinthians 1:18, how is the message of the cross perceived differently by those who are perishing compared to those who are being saved? [11:25]
What does Jesus' declaration "It is finished" in John 19:30 signify about the work He completed on the cross? [09:30]
In Romans 12:9-21, what are some specific behaviors and attitudes that demonstrate the power of the cross at work in a believer's life? [24:38]
How does the sermon describe the role of the cross in sustaining our faith, especially during times of weakness? [21:16]

Interpretation Questions:

What does it mean for the cross to be a source of both eternal and abundant life, and how does this impact a believer's daily life? [06:45]
How does the sermon explain the certainty of Jesus' work on the cross for those called by God, and what implications does this have for believers' assurance of faith? [21:16]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the power of the cross reorients a believer's thinking and actions? [11:25]
How does the sermon interpret the call to "abhor what is evil and hold fast to what is good" in the context of cultural norms versus God's revelation? [21:16]

Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt the power of the cross sustaining your faith during a difficult period. How did this experience change your perspective or actions? [21:16]
The sermon emphasizes genuine love, even for enemies. Identify someone you find difficult to love. What practical steps can you take this week to show them genuine love? [13:52]
Consider the areas in your life where you might be holding onto bitterness or a desire for vengeance. How can you trust God to handle these situations and free yourself to do good? [33:23]
The sermon calls for humility and generosity. What is one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week through an act of generosity? [29:12]
How can you actively pursue the things of God with zeal in your daily routine? Identify one new habit or practice you can start this week to deepen your relationship with God. [24:38]
Think about a recent situation where you were tempted to retaliate or respond negatively. How can you apply the principle of overcoming evil with good in similar future situations? [33:23]
The sermon mentions the importance of constant prayer. What is one specific prayer focus you can commit to this week, and how will you incorporate it into your daily life? [29:12]

Sermon Clips

The power of the cross has been a series of sermons I've been working through for a few weeks and my premise is that what Jesus did was a real practical eternal value to us first Corinthians 1 18 this is our theme verse first Corinthians 1 18 for the word or the message of the cross is folly to those who are perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God a very straightforward statement here that the message of the cross and let's deal with that first what is the message of the cross it is not just a historical event that occurred that Jesus died there it is not a philosophical concept the message of the cross is that mercy and judgment and justice met by the incarnate son of God who was God in human flesh though sinless justice he died for sinners the message of the cross is that God so loved the world that he gave his only son so that those who would believe in him could have eternal life so that's a very straightforward statement the message of the cross and then we have two categories of receptivity to this message you [00:00:30] (98 seconds) Edit Clip

and so the power of the cross is this intersection between where you are and where God wants you to be and it is a beautiful thing for those who are still in that state of unbelief they are still perishing but to us who are being saved it is the power of God what Jesus did on the cross didn't just give me a ticket to heaven it reoriented my thinking it changed my actions and destined me for different conduct which produced different outcomes so the cross is good for eternity but the cross is also good for actual living in the present time John 1930 when Jesus had received the sour wine he said it is finished and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit there's seven statements of Jesus that he made on the cross here's the seventh and he was thirsty he said I thirst and they gave him bitter wine to his lips to drink and after that Jesus said it is finished and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit I want to ask you a question what does it mean that Jesus finished something what did he finish [00:04:17] (90 seconds) Edit Clip

what did Jesus finish did he finish something that you might through your own energy and effort pull yourself up by your bootstraps and see yourself to heaven and see yourself to abundant life in the here and now did Jesus just give you opportunity or did he give you something actual and effective the teaching of the scripture says that the work of the cross wasn't potential outcome it was certain outcome for everyone for whom is called they shall eventually be glorified fixed completed [00:05:49] (36 seconds) Edit Clip

college seminary all this I'm in it I'm in as good a position to know my way to the kingdom as anyone I know enough and yet I'm as frail and weak as a kitten by faith you you I know you believe I know you know the cross is powerful but do you ever just stand back and say I'm this close to shipwrecking my own faith or giving up or exhausting myself and just not wanting not wanting to love God the same as I should you say well pastor you shouldn't feel that way let me tell you this folks you and I have something in common we are frail and we are but dust except for the power of the cross we would not be able to sustain our faith the simple fact that you sustain your faith and keep on believing through trial and tribulation is a strong signal that you have genuine faith so some of you kids are in college and you hear professors who are not just curious or questioning faith matters but antagonistic and really even angry about matters of faith except the Holy Spirit holds you Jesus said my sheep come to me and when they come to me I will hold them and no man can take take them from my hand this is your case you should never boast except in the power of the cross so the boasting isn't I try hard enough to keep myself afloat in the faith the boasting is in the cross [00:06:41] (111 seconds) Edit Clip

the power and completion of it Jesus said it is finished and what is finished not just that you would get your ticket but that you would get the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit to bring you into the world to reorient your whole life the way you think is reoriented the way you live is changed and the testimony that you portray to the world is different because of the power of the cross Philippians 1 6 and I'm sure of this Paul said that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ so the power of the cross is not just that you could be okay at the judgment the power of the cross is that you will be completed in life and you will be part of the beautiful bride prepared for for the Savior Jesus loved the church and gave himself for her and we're part of that so what you will experience these people being baptized what you will experience as you walk through life and those of you been in the faith for years you you know what I'm saying you will by progress through providential circumstances that God brings into your life through people you will as time goes by grow more and more like Jesus I'm sure for every one of you who believes truly in Christ that he is going to complete something in you something beautiful and something wonderful second Peter 1 and 3 his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness so it says he's going to complete something and how is he going to complete it by giving us divine power the person who lives absent the divine power [00:08:32] (127 seconds) Edit Clip

If the power of the cross is at work in you, where Jesus, who was perfect from heaven, gave himself in sacrifice for us, and then we live as if we can receive our ticket to heaven and then act as if it doesn't matter what we do and how we live and how we love or don't love. And if the power of the cross isn't working in you, you practice love for others. This love for others is for enemies. Yes. If you love only your brothers, then how is this any different than unsaved people? We love God's creation because God loves his own creation. But it's also a special love for brothers and sisters. I think it's important for us to remember that being in the faith together is a special thing. We should get to know each other. We should be vulnerable. We should know and be known, and we should love. We should know each other. [00:13:52] (63 seconds) Edit Clip

the brethren in a special way we see it repeated in the scripture so we're going to go verse by verse through Romans 9 12 9 through 21 practice genuine love for others here's the verse 9 and 10 let love be genuine abhor what is evil hold fast to what is good love one another with brotherly affection outdo one another in showing honor how should we live who are Christ's followers we should love genuinely sometimes we present ourselves lovingly with self -interested motivations it's been said that we love in we love because of but God loves in spite of and so our love expressed to others usually is because what can they do for me do I owe them something that I have to return a favor for we practice genuine love for others and it must be genuine not based on reciprocity or return or or or a favor it's based on the love of God who loves others I see it this way sometimes and some of this is my temperament I get angry quick I'll get red in the face at the staff meeting two weeks ago something was said about something I got red in the face and I said to all the staff that oh I'm about to pop off I feel I feel my whole face turn red I feel like whoa I'm about to pop off and then pastor Ike said Lee you don't need to pop off it's gonna be fun so I get mad quick and I get over it quick now some of you have the other problem you're slow to burn but when you ever catch on fire you can't put it out I'm not picking on you my problems the same as your problem it's just a different angle of the same thing [00:14:55] (128 seconds) Edit Clip

don't make any mistakes I'm not calling you to a higher level of moralism I'm calling you to an awareness of what God who gives exceeding grace into our lives and changes us supernaturally and I'm asking you to think am I walking with God so that in fact this represents who I am as a person number two you're practicing love and you're hating evil and hold fast to the good this is verse 12 chapter 12 verse 9b so when you see a pastor or someone teaching and they say verse 9b that means the second part of verse 9 and here it is let love be genuine here it is abhor what is evil hold fast to what is God good how do you know that the power of God is at work in your life because you really do not [00:18:14] (60 seconds) Edit Clip

You do not crave or desire evil the same way that you used to You abhor what is evil you hold fast to what is good This is the experience that Again supernatural The things that you used to desire and pursue Have been set aside For the glory of God For the love of your neighbor [00:19:14] (29 seconds) Edit Clip

Hating evil and loving good Is not culturally defined The definition of what that means Isn't because it's popular Or it's what everyone else thinks It must be the scriptures God has revealed himself And he has revealed what is good and evil And so in humility We don't just listen to the news channels And therefore be informed of what we should be passionate about In public life If we do that then we're going to be schizophrenic Because it depends on what channel you're listening to And how frustrating is that? [00:20:08] (44 seconds) Edit Clip

Loving God Loving your neighbor Hating evil and loving good Is determined by God's revelation There are some things that are culturally acceptable today That I cannot accept I cannot accept abortion on demand I cannot accept that [00:20:52] (23 seconds) Edit Clip

overcome evil with good and there it is so my point here is that the cross at work in you and you trust God for the outcome that means I don't have enough money necessarily to feed the hungry or to give drink to the thirsty and I don't have enough person that personal energy to forgive them and let bitterness go you couldn't do it in your flesh God allows you to do it in his grace and when that happens what is the net outcome you will overcome evil with good so don't use your power don't do it you say yeah but I could have said this you could have and Jesus could have come down from the cross he humbled himself and became obedient to the cross so that we might have eternal life I've got one verse to complete and here it is Philippians 2 verse 3 do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves [00:38:57] (68 seconds) Edit Clip

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