The Way of the Cross Luke 9:23 23And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
There is whole new generation of men and women of God that are carrying their crosses to their own death in order to follow Jesus. You see, life comes through the cross. In other words, life comes through death. In order for us to resurrect we must first go into the tomb, which means we lie down our whole life including our sins, plans, hopes and dreams. Those who are saved have laid down their whole will to do His will. Until you do this and experience this death of self you will not experience the life of Christ. And now Christ is perfecting us and teaching us the art of staying dead that Christ might live through us. You will never learn to live until you can learn how to die! This is the true way of the cross you must bare in order to go to heaven. Today we want to talk all about this way talked about in the Bible.
What is the truth about the cross that America completely missed? That if you don’t sacrifice yourself on the cross you will not be saved. What does that look like? We will show through these verses what the christians life should look like if they are to make it to heaven.
Real salvation is going to cost you life Luke 9:24 24For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (Jesus said Count the cost. It’s time to join the Army of God for the rest of your days. Let the dead bury the dead.)
Carry your cross means offer yourself as a sacrifice Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Get used to the way of the cross 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. 11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 12So then death worketh in us, but life in you. (You can’t take back your life when the tough times begin. This is regular christian life.)
You have to be crucified with Christ Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Those who are Christs have crucified their flesh, with its lust and affections. Why did we die? Why must we be crucified? You must die in order to do the will of God. You cannot do the will of God until you die and enter into the Spirit. Once you die you are completely new and completely different. Everything has to be Holy and about God in your new life. You must put the new wine in a new wine skin. Now that I am dead, I now live to see others benefit and learn this way of the cross so they can live too. 2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.)
The Way of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing
People that are carnally minded cannot understand the way of the Cross. It doesn’t make sense that you would do all these things that don't feel good to the flesh. Like Peter for example rebuked Jesus for talking about going the way of the cross. He did this because he was not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men. The way of the cross is the hard way so it doesn’t make sense to sinners. That’s because without eyes of faith you can’t see the profitability of it!)
1 Corinthians 1:18 18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (The preaching of the cross is not only Jesus dying for our sins. It is also preaching the way of the cross that Jesus was teaching His disciples. It is the Wisdom of God and it’s hidden to men.)
Sinners are enmity against God Romans 8:6-8 6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7Because the carnal mind isenmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (It is literally impossible for sinners to be O.K. with God. No matter how religious they are they are enemies. Evil men understand not judgment: but they that seek the LORD understand all things (Proverbs 28:5).)
Jesus is trying to teach his disciples about suffering in Matthew 16:13-28 13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. 17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. 18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ. 21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. 23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. 24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. 26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. 28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. (Right after telling the disciples about His soon coming suffering and death they went up into the mount of transfiguration. This symbolizes being glorified through suffering. We too must go through the cross!)
Some Types of Suffering: Persecution, spiritual attacks, giving forgiveness, and enduring temptation.
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Jesus was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:)
2 Timothy 2:12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
Persecution The Bible says all those who live Godly shall suffer persecution. Jesus said in Mark 4:17, “But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” Also, Jesus said in Matthew 10:22, “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” In other words if we do not endure rejection and persecution we will not be saved.
Rejection if you are shining your light Psalms 27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up. If you are telling your parents the truth of God’s Word as commanded more times than not you will be rejected. (Because love compels us we must shine our light. Even in the face of all the accusations of being unloving and hateful. Don’t listen to the haters. Obey Jesus!)
Persecution is a fruit of true salvation Matthew 5:10-12 10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Suffering from Spiritual Attacks
Endure Hardness as a good soldier 2 Timothy 2:1-12 1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. 3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 5And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 6The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. 7Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. 8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: 9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. 10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: 13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
Psalms 94:21-23 21They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. 22But the LORD is my defence; and my God is the rock of my refuge. 23And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the LORD our God shall cut them off.
Ephesians 6:10-20 10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 19And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Suffering and enduring through temptation
Enduring temptation James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Jesus suffered through temptation Hebrews 2:16 16For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Jesus suffered through temptation in the flesh so that he could be a faithful high priest and be able to help us! )
He that overcomes Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (This is a challenge you must win. Your sin depends on it.)
Suffering to forgive others Colossians 3:12-17 12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
This is our example of suffering Hebrews 5:5-10 5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
Forgiveness
Father Forgive them Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (We must suffer to forgive our enemies. We must keep our minds on Jesus and Him saying that for us! Remember what you have been forgiven of!)
Suffering for righteousness sake 1 Peter 3:14-22 14But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: 19By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; 20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.(Remember, Peter rebuked Jesus for the way of the cross and now he’s teaching the most about it. The way of suffering! Embrace it and have love and life!)
Peter learns the way of the cross and writes about it revelation 1 Peter 4:12-19 12Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified. 15But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters. 16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. (Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.)
Closing Verse: Jeremiah 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
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