Treasuring The Cross

Treasuring The Cross

The cross, once a symbol of terror, is now our freedom. It reveals the depth of our sin and the magnitude of God’s love. Treasuring the cross means dying to self daily, boasting only in Christ. We don’t move on from the cross—we go deeper into it, letting it shape everything.

This sermon centers on understanding and valuing the cross of Christ—not just as a historical event or religious symbol, but as a defining, ongoing force in the believer’s life. Here are the key takeaways:

The Cross Was Once a Tool of Terror, Now a Symbol of Freedom

  • The cross originally symbolized fear and domination under Roman rule.

  • Through Jesus, it became a symbol of freedom from sin, fear, and spiritual enslavement.

To Treasure the Cross Means to Truly Value It

  • Not as a relic, ornament, or gold decoration in a church, but as something deeply personal and transformative.

  • Treasuring implies protecting, honoring, and allowing it to shape our daily choices.

Paul’s Example: The Cross as Identity

  • Paul, a learned man and former persecutor of Christians, declared that he resolved to know nothing except “Jesus Christ and him crucified.”

  • For Paul, the cross was not just part of his life—it was his life.

The Cross Reveals the Depth of Our Sin

  • Referencing Isaiah 53:5, the sermon emphasized how Jesus was “pierced,” “crushed,” and “punished” for us.

  • Treasuring the cross means acknowledging that our sins—not just Roman cruelty—put Jesus there.

The Cross Reveals the Magnitude of God’s Love

  • From Romans 5:8: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

  • This love is irrational by worldly standards—rewarding us at our worst.

  • Jesus went to the cross with joy, not reluctance (Hebrews 12:2).

The Cross is a Pattern for Our Lives

  • Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ…” Our old self dies; Christ lives in us.

  • True discipleship means daily self-denial and sacrifice, not comfort and self-promotion.

  • It demands a mindset shift: living not for ourselves, but for Christ and others.

Boasting Only in the Cross

  • Galatians 6:14: Paul warns against pride in anything except Christ crucified.

  • The world boasts in wealth, status, or image. Christians should boast in their weakness, knowing Christ’s power is made perfect there.

Rescued, Not Self-Redeemed

  • The cross reminds us we need rescuing—we haven’t succeeded at life on our own.

  • Christianity is not about moral improvement or self-help; it’s about surrender to a Savior.