The Power of the Cross
THE POWER OF THE CROSS 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-2:5
INTRODUCTION: The Cross validates itself with power of its own.
I. THE CROSS HAS POWER TO HUMBLE US (1:26-29)
1. God makes the first move (1:26a "your calling")
2. God saves everyone the same way (1:26)
3. God calls the workers He wants (1:27-28)
4. God deserves the glory and praise (1:29)
II. THE CROSS HAS POWER TO SAVE US (1:30-31)
1. The Cross is God's chosen way of salvation (1:30)
(1) He bestows righteousness (2 Cor 5:21) - “righteousness”
(2) He sanctifies believers (Eph 2:10) – “holiness”
(3) He pays the price for our souls (1 Pet 1:19) - “redemption”
2. The Cross puts us in debt to God (1:31)
III. THE CROSS HAS POWER TO USE US (2:1-5)
1. He will use us even if we are not clever (2:1)
2. He will use us if we tell the story (2:2)
3. He will use us even if we are weak (2:3)
4. He will use us if we depend upon Him (2:4)
5. He will use us if we share the gospel (2:5)
CONCLUSION: Hymn, “At the Cross: ” Was it for crimes that I have done He
groaned upon the tree? Amazing pity, grace unknown and love beyond degree.
Drops of grief can never repay the debt of love I owe; here, Lord, I give myself
away. ‘Tis all that I can do.