1. The Message of the Cross

2. The ‘crux’ Crux: cross Unmentionable in polite Roman society Crucifixion: ‘hang him on the unlucky tree’ – Cicero

3. 1 Co.1:18 We could understand if early Christians reluctantly admitted that Jesus died by crucifixion They actually boasted in it (Gal.6:14) All heaven is interested in the cross of Christ, all hell is terribly afraid of it, while men are the only beings who more or less ignore its meaning

4. I. The Message of the Cross, 1 Co.1:18

5. Jesus warns His disciples Mt.10:38 Mt.16:21…24 There are no crown-wearers in heaven who were not cross-bearers here below

6. I.The Message of the Cross II. The Meaning of the Cross, 1 Co.2:2

7. The cross says something about... 1. Sacrifice. Mk.15:21…30. Jn.12:32-33 2. Shame. Ph.2:7-8. Jn.19:31. Mt.27:46 3. Sin. God could ignore our sin (unjust) We could pay for our sin (Lk.12:57-59) God could pay for our sin (cross). Ro.3 God could ignore our sin (unjust) We could pay for our sin (Lk.12:57-59) God could pay for our sin (cross). Ro.3

8. The cross says something about... 1. Sacrifice. Mk.15:21…30. Jn.12:32-33 2. Shame. Ph.2:7-8. Jn.19:31. Mt.27:46 3. Sin. 4. Spotless Savior. 1 Pt.1:19 Sin takes a lifeLife is in blood Sacrificially: Lamb Eternally: foreordained Historically: manifest

9. The cross says something about... 1. Sacrifice. Mk.15:21…30. Jn.12:32-33 2. Shame. Ph.2:7-8. Jn.19:31. Mt.27:46 3. Sin. 4. Spotless Savior. 1 Pt.1:19 5. Suppression. Col.2:14-15

10. The cross says something about... 1. Sacrifice. Mk.15:21…30. Jn.12:32-33 2. Shame. Ph.2:7-8. Jn.19:31. Mt.27:46 3. Sin. 4. Spotless Savior. 1 Pt.1:19 5. Suppression. Col.2:14-15 6. Sentence (eternity in hell). Mt.25:46

11. I.The Message of the Cross III. The Mark of the Cross, Gal.6:17 II. The Meaning of the Cross

12. Effects of the cross 1. Joy, Ep.2:16 2. Sanctification, Ph.3:18 3. Boasting, Gal.6:14 The Cross Not wood on which He died Not a sign His sufferings for the Lost The Cross Not wood on which He died Not a sign His sufferings for the Lost

13. Effects of the cross 1. Joy, Ep.2:16 2. Sanctification, Ph.3:18 3. Boasting, Gal.6:14. Cf. Galatians – 3:13, curse (10); 2 Co.5:21 5:11, offense. 1 Co.1:22-23 6:12, persecution. Judaizers avoid it 6:14, boast: atoning death for me

14. Why boast? 1. Revealed God’s love to world. Ro.3; 6 2. Replaced God’s wrath w. mercy 3. Renounced world for cross Cross 1: Christ’s Jews mocked only one cross Cross 2: world... to Paul Paul viewed world as man on cross. Lk.23 Cross 3: Paul... to world Paul died to values of world

15. Boasters Jews: “children of Abraham” – Ro.2:23 Pharisees: “separated”; superior to others Judaizers: “flesh” – Gal.6:12 [14; 1 Tim.1:13] We cannot boast in ourselves and the cross at the same time [2:20; 5:24]

16. Why boast? 1. Revealed God’s love to world. Ro.3; 6 2. Replaced God’s wrath w. mercy 3. Renounced world for cross 4. Rescued from doom. Ro.5:6-8