Born To Bear The Cross

<Mt 20:28> just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

<Heb 2>

9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

1. Jesus came to earth to die for sinners.

• Jesus did many things on earth, but there is one most important mission.
• Because the wages of sin is death, someone must die: Either Jesus or us.
• Only Christ’s death and resurrection can thoroughly crush the power of the devil.
• Humans had chosen death over life when they sinned against God, but God rather man live than die, so He sent His only Son, Jesus.
• Jesus didn’t merely go through an easy death, but the most brutal form of death.
• Jesus was willing to do it! <Jn 10:18>
• Good news: Jesus didn’t just come to die, but He lives again!

2. Christ died that we may live.

• <1 Peter 2:24-25> “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
• Reconciled to God.

3. Live a life worthy of the gospel of Christ.

• <Php 1:27> Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthyof the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.
• <Ep 4> 1 As a prisonerfor the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.  3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
• “Worthy”:
  • Not referring to how much man deserves salvation.
  • But refers to how deserving God is.

1) Receive Jesus, give Him room in our lives.

• Get rid of redundant stuff that robs God of the room in our hearts/lives.

2) Show the world how much God is worth.

• Deny self.
  • All of human troubles started when humans chose self over God.
• When we still follow Christ when we face problems, people will all the more realise how attractive Christ is.
• If this gospel is worthy (valuable), then we should pass it on.

3) Live out God’s word and build up godly character.

• Examples of worthy manner: Humility, gentleness, patience, love and unity <Ep 4:2-3>
• Then others can recognize us as people of God.

4) Even when we fail, Jesus can help us <Heb 2:17-18>.

<Heb 2> 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Forum:

• How are you preparing room in your life/heart everyday for the Christ who died for you?
• Do you think you are living a life worthy of the gospel of Christ now? How so? In what areas are you still lacking?
• What are the greatest struggles you face in denying yourself and carrying your cross?