SF672 - HOW THE CROSS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU (Luke 23 35)
SF672
HOW THE CROSS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR YOU
Luke 23:35
Introduction
(1 Corinthians 1:23 NIV) "but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,"
"Stumbling block" = skandalon; a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (fig. cause of displeasure or sin):--occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumbling-block.
Four Significant Questions related to the Crucifixion…
Why did Jesus have to die?
Why did Jesus have to die on the cross?
What Does Jesus' Death on the Cross Mean to Me?
What Should I Do about Jesus' Death on the Cross?
1A. Why Did Jesus Have to Die?
1B. Because of the Presence of Sin
Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, And in sin my mother conceived me.
(Romans 3:23 NIV) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,”
2B. Because of the Power of Sin
(John 3:18-19 NCV) "People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God's one and only Son. {19} They are judged by this fact: The Light has come into the world, but they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things."
(John 8:34 NIV) "Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin."
3B. Because of the Penalty of Sin
(Romans 6:23 NIV) "For the wages of sin is death…"
(Deuteronomy 24:16 NIV) "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin."
(Revelation 21:8 NIV) "But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.""
2A. Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
1B. In Order to Fulfill Bible Prophecy
(Isaiah 53:5 NIV) "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."
Quoting Deuteronomy 21:23 Paul wrote…
(Galatians 3:13 NIV) "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.""
Jesus said…
(John 3:14 NIV) "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,"
2B. In Order to Complete the Old Testament Imagery
Hebrews 9:6-15, 22
The Old Testament sacrifices looked forward to Calvary (6-10)
Christ's death on the cross fulfilled the imagery (both physically and spiritually) and satisfied the justice of God.
3A. What Does Jesus' Death on the Cross Mean to Me?
1B. It Means that My Sins have been Forgiven
(John 19:30 NIV) "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit."
(Hebrews 9:14 NIV) “How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
2B. It Means that Eternal Life is a gift
(Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV) "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- {9} not by works, so that no one can boast."
3B. It Means that I can be Sure that I Have Eternal Life
(1 John 5:13 NIV) “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”
4A. What Should I Do about Jesus' Death on the Cross?
1B. I Must Repent of My sins and turn to God through Jesus
(Acts 3:19 NIV) "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,"
(Acts 17:30 NIV) "In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent."
2B. I Must Believe what the Bible teaches about Jesus
(Acts 16:31 NIV) "They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved--you and your household.""
(Acts 4:12 NIV) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.””
(Colossians 1:19-20 NIV) "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, {20} and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."
3B. I Must Confess Jesus Publicly
(Romans 10:9 NIV) “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
(Acts 2:38 NCV) "Peter said to them, "Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."
Preparation for the Lord's supper
(1 Corinthians 11:27-30 NIV) "Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. {28} A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. {29} For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. {30} That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep."
A Caution Against Carelessness (11:27)
Careless about our relationship - salvation
Careless about our discipleship - baptism
Careless about our fellowship - daily walk
A Cure for Carelessness (11:28)
Self-examination, literally to put yourself to the test; to see what you are made of. This can be a painful process.
Test your relationship.
Test your discipleship.
Test your fellowship.
The question is not are you worthy to receive the Lord's Supper. None of us are worthy in ourselves for we are all sinners saved by grace. The question is are you prepared to partake in the Supper in a worthy manner.