The Cross, The Wisdom and Power of God
The Cross: The Wisdom and Power of God
Pastor E. Keith Hassell
Foundation Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5
I. Many messages are being heard today
A. Political messages
B. Educational messages
C. Moral messages
D. Religious messages
II. There is one message that is supreme over all—the message of the cross of Christ!
A. The message of the cross unifies the church
B. The message of the cross strengthens the church
C. Emphasizing any other message above the message of the cross weakens the church and makes the message of the cross of no effect, i.e. dilutes, neutralizes, renders void, reduces to nothing
D. Paul determined not to know anything except Christ and Him crucified
III. The message of the cross is unique in nature
A. To the wise of this world the message of the cross is foolishness
B. To the strong of this world the message of the cross is weakness
IV. Why did God choose the message of the cross?
A. Every other message is a Band Aid on a cancer. Only the cross can bring true solutions and salvation into our lives
B. The wise through their wisdom did not come to the know God
C. The strong through their own strength were powerless to overcome sin
D. The ground is level at the foot of the cross—All have sinned
E. The message of the cross reduces salvation to the one issue of faith
F. Why? So that no one would glory in His presence.
V. Why did God choose the means of preaching?
A. That salvation might come to all through the simple means of hearing and believing
VI. The message of the cross is the wisdom of God
A. God has chosen the foolish things of this world to shame the wise
B. God has chosen the lowly and despised things over the esteemed things of this world
VII. The message of the cross is the power of God
A. God has chosen the weak things of this world to shame the mighty
B. God has chosen the invisible spiritual things to bring to nothing the things that are visible
VIII. The message of the cross is both the wisdom of God and the power of God
A. The message of the cross must be preached as the wisdom of God
B. The message of the cross must be preached in demonstration of the Spirit and power
IX. For those who believe Christ now becomes to us
A. Wisdom from God: The true way to God
B. Righteousness: Right standing before God
C. Sanctification: Holiness for service
D. Redemption: Salvation from sin
X. What is the message to the wise and powerful?
A. To the wise of this world: You will never know God through this world’s knowledge, reasoning, wisdom, or philosophy. You will only know Him and be saved as you look to the cross and through simple faith believe.
B. To the strong and self-sufficient: You will never know God through your own strength and righteousness. You can only know God and receive His salvation as you look at the cross and humble yourself before Him.
C. Look at the cross and believe:
1. See the cross: I deserved the cross
2. See Jesus: God loves me!
3. See His suffering: Christ died for me!
4. See the empty cross: He lives for me!