Remember the old saying: So-and-so "wears their religion on their sleeve". What that means is they make sure you see everything they do and make sure you know they're "Godly" and Christians. All should know you're saved, but they should know how you got it and who gave it to you. So many want to be noticed for their goodness, works, religion, salvation, changes, and everything else they do. But Paul says I have nothing to boast of myself about. I've done nothing worth bragging about.
ILLUS.: Deacons were questioning young boy who wanted to join church about his salvation. How'd you get saved? He said, "Well, I done my part & God done His part." When asked about what he meant, he said, "My part was the sinning. God's part was the saving".
We sometimes forget that we owe everything to Jesus & what He done for us. Nothing good within me or in anything I do. My best is filthy rags. If I succeed, it's him. If I fight the fight, it's him. If I win, it's him. If I run the race; accomplish a task; win a victory; God forbid that I should glory but in the cross of Jesus Christ.
I owe it all to you Lord. All I have is yours Lord. You're the best thing that ever happened to me. Thanks to Calvary. All I am, have or ever will have or be I owe to Him. The Cross is:
1- God's altar of sacrifice. 1 Cor 5:7 "Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:"
2- Our statue of liberty. Who the Son sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36)
3- The place of reconciliation. (Eph. 2:16)
Thanks to Calvary:
I- I'm Not The Man I Used To Be
Gal. 6:15 a new creature. That's what matters.
II Cor. 5:15-17 - new creature.
Not by turning over a new leaf, but by having a new birth.
Not by changing my ways, but by being changed from the inside.
Not by going to church, but by being saved & forgiven.
Now love what I once hated (& vica-versa)
II- We Have the Courage To Go On
Vs. 16 " ... as many as walk ... (& walk & walk & walk... )
He went a little farther (Mt. 26:39) than the disciples. (or any other man)
He drank his cup.
1- Suffering; Sorrow; Shame; Separation; Sin.
He willingly laid down his life.
Had power to lay it down & take up again.
III- We Have the Assurance of God's Mercy
Vs. 16 "walk according ... rule..." Glorying in cross, not self.
Phrase 'wrath of God' used 10 times. 1 in OT: (Psl. 78:31) 9 in NT. (John 3:36)
God's wrath revealed against sin. Exod. 32:10
Vs. 13, Moses reminded of Abe, etc. Ex. 34:7, God shows mercy.
1 Th 5:9 "For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,"
Calvary was the lightning rod for God's wrath on man. Thanks to Calvary, I have mercy.
IV- We Are Free From Sin's Penalty
Vs. 14 World is dead to me, & I am dead to it.
Works of flesh brings death. (Gal. 5:19-21)
Soul that sins shall die.
James 1:15 "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."
Jesus said from cross: "IT IS FINISHED!" Paid the debt owed for our sin.
I Cor. 15:56 The sting of death is sin;
Vs. 55 -O death, where is thy sting.
ILLUS.: Tell of little girl allergic to bees & Daddy had stinger in his hand. Little girl still heard bee buzz, but had no more that it could do to her. This flesh will die, but the sting has been removed.
V- We Can Face The Future
Vs. 17 - henceforth let no man trouble me.
One of greatest fears of man is fear of unknown.
Not very often can we talk to one who tells us what death is like.
Not knowing what's beyond the grave is the fear that troubles most.
Jesus blazed the trail for 'whosoever will' to follow. Just call me "Whosoever!"
Went into very jaws of death and felt those jaws clamp down.
Third day he got up and told us to fear not. Our future is secure & all will be OK.
Matt 28:5, angels told women at tomb: Fear not. (after his resurrection)
He went away, but He's coming back. Thanks to Calvary, I can face the future. Today may be the day. He may be waiting on you. Thanks to Calvary, I do not have to fear what tomorrow holds for me. Thanks to Calvary! Thanks to Calvary! Thanks to Calvary! Thanks to Calvary! There's absolutely nothing the devil can throw at us that Jesus can't handle.
