Take Up Your Cross

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?