GLORYING IN THE CROSS!

GLORYING IN THE CROSS!

Gal 6:14-15

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.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

1 Cor 2:1-2

2:1 And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

           He who is not clothed with humility will soon uncover his nakedness. God hates pride and will frustrate every attempt to promote oneself above the glory of the cross. The simple preaching of the cross has made able men of many a dullard.

           Paul certainly had much that would set him above the common man. You will find a short pedigree in the third chapter of the book to the Philippians. He was well born and well educated but he determined to know nothing but “Christ and Him crucified!” If we read the above verses slowly enough we will see why.

1. The Cross puts man in right relationship with the world!

           Paul said that the cross had crucified the world to him and had crucified him to the world. The cross ended Paul’s partnership with the world. Since the Cross the world was unfriendly to Paul and he was uncomfortable in it.

2. The Cross puts man in right relationship with himself!

           Paul spent considerable time explaining himself to the Corinthian church. Again and again he addresses the topic of glory. He was convinced that his training and upbringing would serve him well only if he focused on the cross of Christ.

Rom 12:3

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

3. The Cross puts man in right relationship with the Lord!

           This is, of course, the most important relationship. Paul said that “in Christ” neither circumcision (Judaism) nor uncircumcision (being a gentile) gives a man any advantage. All have sinned and come short of the glory (there is that word again) of God. The Jews have sinned being Jews and the gentiles have sinned as well. There is none that doeth good, no not one!

1 Cor 1:17-19

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Dear Lord, let your cross define my relationship with the world, with myself and with you. AMEN