Looking Beneath the Surface

Paul Cornwell

The Cross • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

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The Cross has deep significance for not only the saved, but the lost. In Christ’s sacrifice, we are made aware of our deep need, but the great love of God.

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Christ died for US

Romans 5:6–8 ESV

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Weakness as reality

> The Cross requires us to see why we Jesus’ sacrifice.

> Weakness shows itself throughout the human experience.

+ Fear and Anxiety

+ Depression

+ Confusion

+ Arrogance and Pride

+ Shame and Regret

+ Guilt

+ Sickness and Death

> There is no amount of self help, motivation, positive affirmation, or hard work that we can do that will save us from our own weakness.

> Even those who you would think have it all together are still weak.

Christ died for you.

> Even in spite of your sin and weakness Christ still died for you.

> You are a precious image bearer whom God loves. God’s love is not in conflict with God’s Will. God’s Will is in perfect harmony with his character.

> We did not earn Christ’s sacrifice. It was freely given.

Christ died for OUR SINS

1 John 1:7

7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Sin as reality.

> Sin is not something that you can simply wish away.

> Sin desires darkness and to hide.

> Many have attempted to explain away sin in our culture.

Do You Believe? 12 Historic Doctrines to Change Your Everyday Life (Because of Sin, Life Is War)- Paul David Tripp

It is important to understand that you bring your children into a world that is a spiritual war zone. Your marriage is a spiritual battleground. Your church life is made messy because of this spiritual war. Spiritual wars take place at your work. Nothing escapes this great conflict between light and darkness, between good and evil, between God and the devil. This war explains why so many things in our lives are complicated and difficult, and it explains why we should live with eyes open and hearts engaged. Imagine how much easier our lives would be if this war were not raging in us and all around us. It’s important to understand that sin is not just a matter of your heart and your behavior, but it is also a war, and therefore we must be ready, armed with the gospel and resting in the presence and power of our captain, Jesus.

Cleansed

> To be cleansed is to have all impurity removed from us.

> For us to see the cross represents changed lives lived for the glory of God and our flourishing.

> Cleansing leads to sanctification and changed lives both vertically and horizontally.

Christ died OUR DEATH

1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

All people, in all times, and all the world are required to answer before God for their sin.

The penalty of sin is so great, our lives are the only acceptable payment for our great rebellion.

Jesus took on our penalty for our rebellion.

Christ died for us that he might BRING US TO GOD

1 Peter 3:18 (ESV)

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Throughout the Bible, being brought before God was a scary experience because people become highly aware of their weakness and imperfections in light of his glory.

> Moses before the burning bush

> Isaiah’s call

> Ezekiel’s call

> Job’s discourse with God.

We cannot come before God because of our sin.

The picture of God’s love was Jesus dying on the cross while looking at the crowd and saying, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) As Jesus hangs from a tree in both emotional and physical misery, his mind is both on the Father’s will and showing compassion to those he is dying for.

God loves you and desires to see you in relationship with Him.

> We were never meant to be a part from our creator. Instead we chose to rebel and willfully become slaves to sin.

> It was God’s desire, and initiated through his perfect will and love for you as his image bearer to see Christ as the sacrifice for your sin and rebellion.