Take Up Your Cross
Meridian Church of God Seventh Day
March 3, 2001
INTRODUCTION
Good Morning…
Story: Abraham and Isaac from Genesis 22:1-12
“We see what Abraham was willing to do for God”
List of what God has done for me today/this week
TAKE UP YOUR CROSS
What God has done for us:
We have gone to Him in prayer, and he has answered them
We have gone to Him with needs, and he has provided for them
Mt 6:25-32 (regardless if we ask Him or not)
We have gone to Him in sin, and by the blood of His only son, He has washed us clean and given us eternal life.
What have we done for Him/ask: What have you done for Him this week?
Following Jesus, is not meant to be a walk in park/vacation/occasional act.
Mt 16:24-26 (*24) context vs. 23
COME AFTER ME
Vs 24a
Following Jesus is a choice
Not promising joy ride
LET HIM DENY HIMSELF
What does it mean to “deny oneself” (fasting/abstaining)
Context: Spare yourself vs. deny yourself
What is your focus? Deny own will, however pleasing, and do the will of God, however painful. Choose: your will vs. God’s will
TAKE UP HIS CROSS
The cross Jesus took held the sins of the world
History: Phrase “Carry the Cross” figurative- burdensome, trying, disgraceful
Cross is an I with a line through it
FOLLOW ME
Follow His example of life
Follow His steps- where did they lead? In the world? In eternity?
1 Peter 2:21
Follow Him to the Kingdom prepared for us
CONCLUSION
Have we denied ourselves? Ask: Have you denied yourself?
Have we taken up our cross? Ask: Have you taken up your cross?
Are we truly following Him?
With all He has done for us, what are we doing for Him?
Paul said in Cor. “what communion hath light with darkness” / coexist
Following the Lord req. denying ourself/taking up our cross- Abraham knew that
Willing to give up his home, his wealth, his life, his wife, his son
He was willing to follow God, whatever the cost, no matter what cross he would have to bear
Are we?
