The Cross Behind Me

Intro: The Cross Before Me

Denial of self-interests

Decision to bear the stigma of Christ

Dedicated fellowship with the Lord

The Cross behind me is an impassable boundary. (vs. 18-19)

EX: The first church I preached at for an extended period in KY. No Trespassing

Paul’s use of the word “law”

The Mosiac Law

The teachings of the elders (Matt. 15:2-3)

For Paul, the cross was the boundary marker between his old life and his new life, and he would not trespass it!

Romans 6:6-7 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin.”

EX: Dolly Parton is a famous rags to riches story!

Proverbs 26:11 “As a dog returneth to his vomit, So a fool returneth to his folly.”

The Cross behind me is the means for this present life. (v. 20)

The perfect, passive nature of the crucified self.

EX: Driver’s License

First, to take part in the crucifixion requires you to take part in the resurrection

Romans 6:4-5 “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:”

Second, the resurrected lifestyle begins today not tomorrow.

Third, the standard of my faith is found in the Son of God.

He’s the only one loved me

He’s the only one who gave Himself for me. (Literally on my behalf)

The Cross behind me is my only hope for the God before me. (v. 21)

To understand the first part of this verse, we must grasp the significance of the last part.

Righteousness - The meeting of a proper standard.

Lady Justice and her symbols

The meaning of frustrate (Mark 7:9)

Conclusion:

This morning the cross looms as a distant event in history.

It is the boundary line that separates this congregation this morning.

It is the means for a new life for someone in this congregation this morning.

It is the only hope before God for all of the congregation this morning!