Dynamic Life Baptist Ministries - Pastor Victor Clay

Sermon Series: Exploring the Cross: A theological & practical perspective of the cross.
Sermon Title: The Concept of the Cross
Sermon Text: Various Scriptures
Sermon Purpose: To call the hearer to live their lives based on a historical, theological, and practical understanding of the cross.
Sermon Proposition: There are 3 fundamental concepts of the cross.

1. The cross historically symbolizes 4 characteristics. (Isaiah 53:4-11)

   • The cross symbolizes death. (Mark 8:31)

   • The cross symbolizes execution and punishment.

   • The cross symbolizes criminal charges.

   • The cross symbolizes heretical teaching.

   • The claim of being a prophet. (Matthew 26:68)

   • The claim of being a Priest. (Luke 23:35)

   • The claim of being a potentate. (Luke 23:37)

   
   

   "In the first century A.D., crucifixion was one of the strongest forms of deterrence against insurrection or political agitation in Roman provinces. Crucifixion was preceded by scourging. When the victim was affixed to the cross, he was stripped and mocked. The pain was extreme. After the victime died, the body was often left on the cross to decay and become food for scavengers."

   The imagery of the cross in the Synoptic Gospels expresses radical discipleship that leads to suffering and sometimes martyrdom. Jesus demands that His followers be willing to deny themselves and "take up the cross." The expression "take up the cross" recalls the common practice of the condemned person carrying the cross beam to the place of execution. Emil Brumner, for example, said, "He who understands the cross aright... understands the Bible, he understands Jesus Christ."

   Emil Brumner, The Mediator (London: Lullerworth, 1934). pp. 435-36.
   
   

2. The cross theologically signifies 7 concepts. (Philippians 2:6-8)

   • The cross signifies subjection.

   • The cross signifies humiliation.

   • The cross signifies ransoming. (Mark 10:45)

   • The cross signifies substitution. (2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13)

   • The cross signifies atonement. (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:6-15)

   • The cross signifies reconciliation. (Matthew 5:23-24; Colossians 1:20)

   • The cross signifies the love of God. (John 3:16)

   
   
   

3. The cross practically stipulates 3 commitments. (Lukes 9:23-26)

   • The cross mandates the stipulations for following the absent Christ. (John 16:5-7)

   • The cross mandates the stipulations for following the sent Christ. (Luke 19:10; Mark 10:45; Luke 5:32; Luke 11:23; John 12:27-28)

   • The cross mandates the stipulations for following the suffering Christ.

   • Suffering for Jesus with joy shows His supreme value. (Matthew 13:44, 6:19-20; 5:12)

   • Suffering for Jesus is temporary; Pleasure in Jesus is eternal. (John 12:25; 15:11; Romans 8:18)

   • Stipulates the disciples relationship with people. (Matthew 10:34-38)

   • Stipulates the disciples relationship with possessions. (Mark 10:21)

   • Stipulates the disciples relationship with professions. (Luke 5:11)