The Transformative Power of the Cross
Summary
The power of the cross is a profound and transformative reality. When Jesus declared, "It is finished," He was not speaking metaphorically but in a real and practical sense. The cross signifies that Jesus holds the keys to death, hell, and the grave, offering us more than just a ticket to heaven. It is the foundation of our joy and the essence of our Christian walk. The message of the cross is perceived as folly by those who are perishing, but for those being saved, it is the power of God. It meets us at our greatest point of need, bridging the separation from God caused by sin. Through the cross, God invites us into His family, offering eternal life and a restored relationship with Him.
The narrative of the two Adams illustrates the restoration process. The first Adam brought ruin through disobedience, while the second Adam, Jesus, brought restoration through His obedience. The cross is the turning point, where the reign of death is replaced by the reign of life. This restoration is not just for humanity but for all creation, which groans for redemption. The power of the cross assures us that God will restore the fallen, broken world to its intended glory.
The reign of death, introduced by the first Adam, affects us physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and financially. Yet, the reign of life through Jesus Christ offers hope and transformation. The gospel is not about what we do but about what Jesus has done. It is the foundation of our faith, leveling the playing field for all. As believers, we are called to live under grace, not law, experiencing a new orientation towards sin and righteousness.
The cross is the ultimate comeback story, where Jesus' resurrection defied death and offered hope to all. This hope is not just for the future but impacts our present reality, enabling us to endure suffering with patience and anticipation. The restoration of all things is assured, and we eagerly await the day when Jesus will right the ruin, and every knee will bow in acknowledgment of His lordship.
Key Takeaways:
1. The cross is a practical reality, not a metaphor. It signifies Jesus' victory over death, hell, and the grave, offering us more than just salvation but a restored relationship with God. Understanding this deepens our joy and enriches our Christian walk. [01:52]
2. The narrative of the two Adams highlights the restoration process. The first Adam's disobedience brought ruin, while Jesus, the second Adam, brought restoration. This restoration is not just for humanity but for all creation, which groans for redemption. [03:41]
3. The reign of death affects us in multiple dimensions—physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and financially. Yet, the reign of life through Jesus offers hope and transformation, enabling us to live under grace and experience a new orientation towards sin and righteousness. [19:24]
4. The gospel is about what Jesus has done, not what we do. It is the foundation of our faith, leveling the playing field for all. As believers, we are called to live under grace, experiencing a new orientation towards sin and righteousness. [26:30]
5. The cross is the ultimate comeback story, where Jesus' resurrection defied death and offered hope to all. This hope impacts our present reality, enabling us to endure suffering with patience and anticipation of the restoration of all things. [31:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:52] - The Practical Power of the Cross
- [03:41] - The Two Adams: Ruin and Restoration
- [06:01] - The Reign of Death
- [10:07] - Creation's Groaning for Redemption
- [12:27] - Hope in Judgment
- [14:28] - The Resurrection Power
- [17:17] - The Impact of Sin
- [19:24] - The Reign of Death's Cost
- [22:51] - The Reign of Life
- [26:30] - Understanding the Gospel
- [28:22] - Dominion and the Cross
- [31:01] - Restoration and Hope
- [33:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. Romans 5:17-19 - Discusses the contrast between the first Adam and the second Adam, Jesus, and the reign of death versus the reign of life.
3. Romans 8:18-25 - Speaks about the future glory and the creation's eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Corinthians 1:18 say about how different groups perceive the message of the cross? [01:52]
2. How does Romans 5:17-19 describe the impact of the first Adam's disobedience compared to the second Adam's obedience? [03:41]
3. According to Romans 8:18-25, what is creation eagerly waiting for, and how does this relate to the power of the cross? [10:07]
4. What are the different dimensions of life that the reign of death affects, as mentioned in the sermon? [19:24]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon explain the practical reality of the cross beyond just a metaphorical understanding? [01:52]
2. In what ways does the narrative of the two Adams illustrate the restoration process, and why is this significant for believers? [03:41]
3. How does the sermon describe the reign of life through Jesus, and what implications does this have for believers' daily lives? [22:51]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of suffering in the Christian life and the hope offered by the resurrection? [14:28]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your understanding of the cross. How does viewing it as a practical reality rather than a metaphor change your perspective on your faith journey? [01:52]
2. Consider the areas of your life affected by the reign of death (physical, spiritual, emotional, relational, financial). How can you invite the reign of life through Jesus into these areas? [19:24]
3. The sermon mentions living under grace rather than law. How can you practice this in your daily interactions and decisions? [26:30]
4. How does the hope of the resurrection influence your ability to endure current challenges or suffering? What specific steps can you take to hold onto this hope? [14:28]
5. The sermon describes the cross as the ultimate comeback story. Can you identify a situation in your life where you need a "comeback"? How can the power of the cross inspire you in this situation? [31:01]
6. How can you actively participate in the restoration process described in the sermon, both in your personal life and in your community? [03:41]
7. Reflect on the idea that the gospel is about what Jesus has done, not what we do. How does this understanding affect your approach to sharing your faith with others? [26:30]
Devotional
Day 1: The Cross as a Practical Reality
The cross is not merely a symbol or metaphor; it is a profound and practical reality that signifies Jesus' victory over death, hell, and the grave. When Jesus declared, "It is finished," He was affirming the completion of His mission to restore humanity's relationship with God. This victory offers believers more than just salvation; it provides a foundation for joy and a deeper understanding of our Christian walk. The cross meets us at our greatest point of need, bridging the separation from God caused by sin and inviting us into His family. Understanding the practical power of the cross enriches our faith and transforms our daily lives. [01:52]
Colossians 2:13-14 (ESV): "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross."
Reflection: In what ways can you allow the reality of the cross to transform your daily interactions and decisions today?
Day 2: Restoration Through the Two Adams
The narrative of the two Adams illustrates the process of restoration. The first Adam's disobedience brought ruin and separation from God, while Jesus, the second Adam, brought restoration through His obedience. This restoration is not limited to humanity but extends to all creation, which groans for redemption. The cross marks the turning point where the reign of death is replaced by the reign of life, assuring us that God will restore the fallen, broken world to its intended glory. As believers, we are invited to participate in this restoration process, living in the hope of redemption for all creation. [03:41]
Romans 5:18-19 (ESV): "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's restoration work in your community or environment today?
Day 3: The Reign of Life Over Death
The reign of death, introduced by the first Adam, affects us in multiple dimensions—physically, spiritually, emotionally, relationally, and financially. However, the reign of life through Jesus Christ offers hope and transformation. The gospel is not about what we do but about what Jesus has done, leveling the playing field for all. As believers, we are called to live under grace, experiencing a new orientation towards sin and righteousness. This transformation empowers us to live with hope and purpose, knowing that the reign of life has overcome the reign of death. [19:24]
1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (ESV): "For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you feel the impact of the reign of death. How can you invite Jesus' reign of life into that area today?
Day 4: The Gospel's Foundation of Grace
The gospel is fundamentally about what Jesus has accomplished, not about our own efforts. It is the foundation of our faith, leveling the playing field for all people. As believers, we are called to live under grace, not law, experiencing a new orientation towards sin and righteousness. This understanding of the gospel invites us to rest in the finished work of Christ, freeing us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. Embracing this grace allows us to live with confidence and joy, knowing that our identity is secure in Christ. [26:30]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: Reflect on an area where you struggle to accept God's grace. How can you begin to embrace His grace more fully in that area today?
Day 5: The Cross as the Ultimate Comeback Story
The cross is the ultimate comeback story, where Jesus' resurrection defied death and offered hope to all. This hope is not just for the future but impacts our present reality, enabling us to endure suffering with patience and anticipation. The restoration of all things is assured, and we eagerly await the day when Jesus will right the ruin, and every knee will bow in acknowledgment of His lordship. This hope empowers us to live with purpose and resilience, knowing that our present struggles are not in vain. [31:01]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How can the hope of the resurrection influence the way you approach a current challenge or difficulty in your life today?
Quotes
"The power of the cross is very real to an effect. When Jesus said it is finished, he meant something real and practical. He didn't say it was finished in some type of metaphorical way. He meant in a real practical way. Revelation says that he holds the keys to death, hell, and the grave. That's the real practical point of the power of the cross." [00:00:05] (23 seconds)
"The word of the cross, the message of it, is that God met man at the point of man's greatest need. Our separation from him. The purpose for God creating us was to have fellowship with him and enjoy him and to glorify him. And so our ancestor Adam kind of threw a problem with that." [00:01:10] (23 seconds)
"The message of the cross that God meets man, apart from man's doing and contingent upon only God's power and God's grace, that's the message. And for those that are being saved, it is the power of God. So for today, I want us to concentrate and look forward in the future time about the power of the cross to restore fully Adam's fallen race." [00:02:19] (29 seconds)
"Man and woman did he make him, but he made us in our image. In the image of the Trinity, God made man and woman. And God is restoring what was ruined by the first Adam by the power of the second Adam. The second Adam is known as Jesus. And so what was messed up by the first has been restored by the second." [00:02:58] (30 seconds)
"Death reigned through that one man. Much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. So we've got two reigning forces, a reign to death and a reign unto life. Following the first Adam's fail and ruin in the garden and the second Adam's victory in the resurrection." [00:05:08] (27 seconds)
"The power of the cross is that with certainty, the God who created us in his image to bear his glory shall restore this fallen, broken, ruined mess and restore it to glorifying him throughout the whole cosmos. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it in hope." [00:10:23] (27 seconds)
"The power of the cross is those who receive abundance of grace and this free gift of righteousness. We might reign in Jesus Christ. This means there's an overcoming. There's an overdoing. There's an overabounding. There's an overdoing. There's an overdoing. There's an overdoing. There's an overdoing." [00:23:56] (16 seconds)
"The gospel is not what you're supposed to do. The gospel is what Jesus did. And so many times I would say, do you understand what the gospel is? And someone would say to me something like, well, the gospel means I should ask Jesus into my heart. No, that's the wrong answer. It really is a harmful answer." [00:26:01] (21 seconds)
"The breakthrough of the power of the cross was crushing the failure of the first Adam to keep his dominion, of which many theologians think he surrendered some or all of it to Satan. The power of the cross is the breaking of it. And that's why when Jesus said, Amen. I have the keys of death, hell, and the grave." [00:28:44] (24 seconds)
"This restoration, we read the Scripture quite closely, but creation is waiting eagerly. You are waiting eagerly. All of our voices are groaning because of the pain that we go through in this earth. Take hope, dear friends, that those suffering may endure for a season, for even a night, joy comes in the morning. There's coming a day when Jesus will right this ruin, and the exclamation point of the resurrection will be evident for all to see." [00:29:48] (34 seconds)
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