The Power of the Cross
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Introduction
Good morning, beloved!
Today, I want to talk about the power of the cross—a message that the world often sees as foolish, but for us, it is the very power of God.
Before we dive in, let me start with a little story:
A little boy was riding his bike around the neighborhood when he saw a church with a big cross on top. He stopped, pointed at it, and asked an old man sitting on a bench, “Mister, do you know what that big ‘plus sign’ on the church means?”
The old man chuckled and said, “Son, that’s not a plus sign—that’s the cross! That’s where Jesus died for you!”
The boy thought for a moment and said, “Oh! I thought it meant ‘add Jesus to your life!’”
You know what? That little boy was onto something! The cross isn’t just a symbol—it’s God’s way of adding eternal life, love, and salvation to us!
Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
The world looks at the cross and sees weakness, failure, and foolishness. But we, who have been transformed by it, know that the cross is the very power of God!
Today, I want to share with you three powerful truths about the power of the cross:
1. The Cross Exposes the Foolishness of Human Wisdom
2. The Cross Demonstrates the Power of God’s Love
3. The Cross Guarantees Victory Over Sin and Death
1. The Cross Exposes the Foolishness of Human Wisdom
Paul begins by saying that “the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” Why is that? Because human wisdom cannot comprehend the power of the cross.
A. The World Seeks Its Own Wisdom
The world operates on power, intellect, and status. In Paul’s time, the Greeks prided themselves on philosophy, logic, and rhetoric. The Jews expected a Messianic King who would overthrow Rome. But then comes Jesus—humble, beaten, crucified like a common criminal. This message made no sense to the world.
Even today, people say:
• “Why would God allow His Son to die?”
• “Why would salvation come through suffering?”
• “How can a crucified man be the Savior of the world?”
B. The Cross Contradicts Human Pride
Man seeks to earn salvation, to be self-sufficient. But the cross declares that we are helpless and need grace. The world rejects the cross because it demands humility. The cross tells us that we cannot save ourselves—only God can!
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 says, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”
What the world calls foolish, God calls glorious. What the world despises, God exalts!
2. The Cross Demonstrates the Power of God’s Love
Paul says, “But to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” The cross is not weakness; it is the greatest demonstration of God’s love and power.
A. The Cross Is the Ultimate Act of Love
Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The cross is love in action. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, willingly bore the penalty for our sins. He was mocked, beaten, crucified, not because He deserved it, but because we did.
• At the cross, justice and mercy met.
• At the cross, grace triumphed over judgment.
• At the cross, God’s love reached down to sinful humanity.
B. The Cross Gives Us Access to the Father
Before Jesus’ death, the veil in the temple separated man from God’s presence. But when Christ breathed His last, the veil was torn in two (Matthew 27:51), signifying that we now have direct access to the Father through Jesus.
The cross reconciles us to God. No longer are we enemies; we are sons and daughters!
Ephesians 2:13 – “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
Hallelujah! The cross is the bridge that brings us back to God!
3. The Cross Guarantees Victory Over Sin and Death
The power of the cross does not end with Christ’s death. The empty tomb proves that the cross was not a defeat, but a victory!
A. The Cross Breaks the Power of Sin
Sin enslaves. Sin separates. But at the cross, Jesus broke the power of sin!
Colossians 2:14-15 says, “Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Because of the cross:
• We are forgiven.
• We are set free.
• We are no longer under condemnation (Romans 8:1).
B. The Cross Conquers Death and the Grave
On the third day, Jesus rose again! The cross was not the end—it was just the beginning!
1 Corinthians 15:55-57 says, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? … But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Through the cross, we have the hope of eternal life. Death is no longer the final word—Jesus has overcome it!
Conclusion: The Cross Demands a Response
Paul makes it clear: The cross divides the world into two groups—
1. Those who reject it and perish
2. Those who embrace it and are saved
Which side are you on?
• If you think the cross is foolishness, I urge you to reconsider. It is the only way to salvation.
• If you believe in the cross, live in its power! Do not be ashamed of it, but proclaim it boldly!
Galatians 6:14 – “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Final Call
Today, if you have never surrendered to Christ, the cross invites you. Jesus died for you, rose for you, and is calling you to come to Him. Will you accept the power of the cross today?
Let us pray.
