GLORYING IN THE CROSS

GLORYING IN THE CROSS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Galatians 6:14 – “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 1:18, Philippians 3:7-8, Colossians 2:14-15, Romans 5:8, Isaiah 53:5

INTRODUCTION
The cross of Jesus Christ is the central symbol of our Christian faith. While the world may see it as a sign of suffering and shame, for believers, it is the ultimate display of God’s power, love, and redemption. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 6:14, declared that he would glory in nothing except the cross of Christ.

To glory in the cross means to find our joy, hope, and identity in what Jesus accomplished through His sacrifice. It is an expression of complete dependence on God’s grace, rather than human wisdom, achievements, or religious works. This sermon explores what it means to glory in the cross, why it is essential, and how it transforms our lives.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GLORY IN THE CROSS?

To glory in the cross means to place our full trust and confidence in what Christ has done.

a) It Means Boasting Only in Christ’s Sacrifice
True believers do not boast in their works but in Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9).

b) It Denotes Total Dependence on God’s Grace
The cross reminds us that salvation is by grace alone and not by human effort (Titus 3:5).

c) It Represents Death to Self and the World
When we glory in the cross, we die to worldly desires and live for Christ (Galatians 2:20).

d) It Shows Identification with Christ’s Suffering
Believers are called to share in Christ’s sufferings and not be ashamed of the cross (Philippians 3:10).

e) Biblical Example: The thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43) found salvation not through his works but by trusting in Jesus.

2. WHY SHOULD WE GLORY IN THE CROSS?

The cross is the foundation of our faith, and without it, there would be no redemption.

a) It Is the Power of God for Salvation
The preaching of the cross is foolishness to the world but power to those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:18).

b) It Brings Forgiveness of Sins
Through the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins and set us free (Colossians 2:13-14).

c) It Demonstrates God’s Love for Humanity
Christ’s death on the cross is the highest expression of divine love (Romans 5:8).

d) It Secures Victory Over Satan
At the cross, Jesus triumphed over the devil and disarmed principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15).

e) Biblical Example: Paul (1 Corinthians 2:2) determined to preach nothing except Christ crucified because of its transforming power.

3. HOW THE CROSS TRANSFORMS OUR LIVES

When we glory in the cross, our lives reflect the change that Christ brings.

a) It Produces a Heart of Gratitude
Recognising Christ’s sacrifice fills us with thanksgiving and devotion (2 Corinthians 9:15).

b) It Leads to a Life of Holiness
Since Jesus died to cleanse us, we must live in righteousness (1 Peter 1:15-16).

c) It Inspires a Life of Sacrificial Love
Those who glory in the cross love and serve others selflessly (John 13:34-35).

d) It Brings Peace and Reconciliation with God
Through the cross, we have peace with God and access to His presence (Ephesians 2:13-14).

e) Biblical Example: The early church (Acts 4:33) boldly preached Christ crucified, leading to great revival and transformation.

4. THE COST OF GLORYING IN THE CROSS

Living a life that truly honours the cross comes with challenges.

a) Rejection by the World
The world despises those who fully embrace the message of the cross (John 15:18-19).

b) Persecution for Righteousness’ Sake
Those who take a stand for Christ may suffer for their faith (2 Timothy 3:12).

c) Self-Denial and Total Surrender
Following Christ means surrendering our own desires and plans (Luke 9:23).

d) Separation from Sin and Ungodliness
The cross calls us to be different from the world in our conduct and choices (2 Corinthians 6:17).

e) Biblical Example: The disciples (Matthew 10:38-39) gave up everything to follow Jesus and bear His cross.

5. THE REWARDS OF GLORYING IN THE CROSS

Despite the cost, there are great rewards for those who live by the power of the cross.

a) Eternal Life in Christ
Those who trust in the cross will inherit eternal life (John 3:16).

b) Victory Over Sin and Death
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have victory over sin and its consequences (Romans 6:14).

c) The Power of the Holy Spirit
The cross opens the door for believers to receive the fullness of the Spirit (Acts 2:38).

d) Divine Promotion and Honour
Those who remain faithful to the cross will be glorified with Christ (2 Timothy 2:12).

e) Biblical Example: The saints in heaven (Revelation 7:9-14) overcame by the blood of the Lamb and are now in eternal glory.

CONCLUSION
Glorying in the cross means making Jesus and His sacrifice the centre of our faith, hope, and identity. It is a call to die to self, live in righteousness, and proclaim the message of salvation boldly. Though the world may mock or reject us, we must stand firm, knowing that the cross is our source of victory and eternal reward.

May we never be ashamed of the cross but rather embrace its power and significance in our daily lives.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Lord, help me to glory in Your cross and not in my own strength.

2.  Father, grant me the grace to live a life that reflects the power of the cross.

3.  Lord Jesus, let the victory of the cross manifest fully in my life.

4.  Holy Spirit, empower me to preach the message of the cross boldly.

5.  Father, keep me steadfast in my faith until I see You in glory.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  I declare that your life shall reflect the power of the cross in Jesus’ name.

2.  Every yoke of sin and bondage is broken over you by the blood of Jesus.

3.  You shall walk in divine favour and victory through Christ’s sacrifice.

4.  The grace to live in holiness and righteousness is released upon you now.

5.  Your testimony shall be that of triumph through the power of the cross.