Glory in the Cross

Boast - to glory, exult, rejoice

The Cross is the Power of God to Salvation (11-14)

There is a contrast between the focus of the two doctrines:

Man’s achievement vs. Christ’s atonement.

They boasted in their works. Paul boasted in his weakness

False teachers boasted in their “converts”, Paul boasted in the cross.

“On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame, and I love that old cross where the dearest and best for a world of lost sinners was slain. So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, till my trophies at last I lay down, I will cling to the old rugged cross, and exchange it someday for a crown.”

2 Timothy 4:8 ESV

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

The Cross Ensures our Continued Sanctification (15-16)

It has separated us from this world’s system.

The world lies in darkness, but we are now the children of light.

It has made us a new creation.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The Cross Gives Meaning to Our Suffering (17)

Paul identified with the suffering of the cross and it drew him closer to the Lord.

Paul wanted to know Christ fully, his power and the fellowship of his suffering.

Philippians 3:10 ESV

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Phil

Philippians 3:10–11 ESV

that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

James 1:2–4 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

You can either get bitter over suffering, or you can allow it to drive you to the cross.

Fanny Crosby (Blessed Assurance) and Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (aka Liddie H. Edmunds)

My faith has found a resting place, not in device or creed,

I trust the ever Living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument, I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus died, and that he died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves, this ends my fear and doubt.

A sinful soul I come to him, He’ll never cast me out.

My heart is leaning on the Word, the written Word of God,

Salvation by my Savior’s name, Salvation through His blood.