THE OFFENCE OF THE CROSS

THE OFFENCE OF THE CROSS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Key Verse: "But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness." — 1 Corinthians 1:23 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Galatians 5:11; Isaiah 53:2-5; Luke 9:23; John 15:18-20; Galatians 6:12-14; 1 Peter 2:6-8

Description: The cross confronts human pride and worldly expectations, yet it remains God's appointed way of salvation and the centre of the Christian faith.

INTRODUCTION

The cross is at the heart of Christianity, yet it has never been a message that everyone finds comfortable. Paul declared that Christ crucified was a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks. The cross challenged their expectations of what God's Messiah should look like and confronted the world's dependence upon human wisdom and strength.

The offence of the cross is not that the cross itself is wrong, but that its message confronts human pride, self-righteousness, worldly values, and dependence upon human achievement. The cross declares that humanity cannot save itself and that salvation is found only through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ. This message leaves no room for boasting in human merit.

The Church must therefore resist the temptation to make the Gospel more acceptable by removing the difficult truths of the cross. We are called to proclaim Christ faithfully, even when His message challenges popular opinion. The same cross that offends human pride brings salvation, forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal hope to those who believe.

1. THE CROSS OFFENDS HUMAN PRIDE

The cross declares that human beings cannot save themselves. This truth challenges every attempt to boast in personal goodness, wisdom, or achievement.

a) Human Righteousness Cannot Save (Isaiah 64:6)
Our own righteousness cannot remove the guilt of sin or make us acceptable before a holy God.

b) Salvation Is By Grace (Ephesians 2:8-9)
God's gift of salvation cannot be earned through works, qualifications, or religious performance.

c) No One Can Boast Before God (1 Corinthians 1:29)
Because salvation originates entirely from God, human beings have no basis for boasting in themselves.

d) Christ Alone Is Sufficient (Acts 4:12)
No human achievement, philosophy, or religious system can replace Jesus Christ as the Saviour.

Biblical Example: The rich young ruler believed his religious obedience was sufficient, but Jesus exposed the deeper issue of his heart and called him to wholehearted surrender (Mark 10:17-22).

2. THE CROSS CHALLENGES WORLDLY WISDOM

The Gospel does not depend upon human philosophy or intellectual approval. God's wisdom operates at a level far beyond human reasoning.

a) God's Wisdom Is Higher (Isaiah 55:8-9)
God's thoughts and ways exceed human understanding, so His methods should be trusted even when they seem unusual.

b) The Cross Appears Foolish To The World (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Those who reject Christ may consider the message of the cross unreasonable, but believers recognise it as God's saving power.

c) Human Wisdom Cannot Save (1 Corinthians 1:20-21)
Human intelligence cannot solve humanity's deepest spiritual problem or provide reconciliation with God.

d) Christ Is God's Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:24)
Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom and power to those who believe.

Biblical Example: Naaman initially rejected Elisha's simple instruction because it seemed too ordinary for his great problem, but obedience to God's word brought the result he needed (2 Kings 5:10-14).

3. THE CROSS DEMANDS A RESPONSE

The cross is not merely something to admire; it demands a personal response. Every person must decide whether to reject Christ or surrender to Him.

a) Repent Of Sin (Acts 3:19)
The message of the cross calls sinners to turn away from sin and return to God.

b) Believe In Christ (John 3:16)
God offers salvation to everyone who believes in His Son and trusts His finished work.

c) Deny Yourself (Luke 9:23)
Following Christ requires surrendering selfish ambitions and accepting His lordship over our lives.

d) Follow Jesus Faithfully (Luke 9:23)
True discipleship involves daily obedience and a willingness to remain committed to Christ.

Biblical Example: Zacchaeus responded to his encounter with Jesus through genuine repentance and practical transformation, demonstrating that receiving Christ produces a changed life (Luke 19:1-10).

4. DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF THE CROSS

Although the cross may be rejected by the world, believers must remain bold and faithful in proclaiming it.

a) Preach Christ Crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23)
The message of Christ's sacrifice must remain central to Christian preaching.

b) Do Not Be Ashamed Of The Gospel (Romans 1:16)
The Gospel is God's power for salvation, regardless of how society responds to it.

c) Boast In The Cross (Galatians 6:14)
Our confidence should rest in Christ's finished work rather than in human achievements.

d) Endure Opposition Faithfully (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Believers must remain faithful even when following Christ brings rejection or difficulty.

Biblical Example: The apostles continued preaching Jesus despite being threatened and persecuted, refusing to abandon the message God had entrusted to them (Acts 4:18-20).

CONCLUSION

The offence of the cross exposes the limitations of human wisdom, pride, and self-righteousness. It tells humanity that salvation cannot be earned and that reconciliation with God comes only through Jesus Christ. While the cross may be rejected by the world, it remains the power and wisdom of God to everyone who believes.

Therefore, never be ashamed of the cross. Embrace its message, surrender your life to Christ, and faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Let the cross crucify pride, shape your character, and direct your life towards God's purpose. The message that confronts human pride is the same message that brings eternal salvation to the humble believer.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for the saving power of the cross of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from every form of pride and self-righteousness, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me to trust Your wisdom above human reasoning and worldly opinions, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace to surrender completely to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me to deny myself daily and follow Christ faithfully, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, remove every fear that prevents me from openly identifying with the Gospel, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me boldness to proclaim Christ crucified wherever You send me, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, let the power of the cross continually transform my character, conduct, and priorities, in Jesus name.

9. Father, use my life and testimony to bring many people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, keep me faithful to the message of the cross until the end of my Christian journey, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall never be ashamed of the cross of Jesus Christ, but shall boldly identify with Him wherever you go.

2. Every root of pride, self-righteousness, and dependence upon human achievement shall be removed from your life.

3. You shall walk continually in the wisdom and power of God rather than being controlled by worldly opinions.

4. The cross of Christ shall continually shape your values, decisions, relationships, and priorities.

5. You shall receive grace to surrender every area of your life completely to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

6. Every fear that has hindered your witness for Christ shall give way to divine boldness and courage.

7. You shall become a faithful messenger of the Gospel, proclaiming Christ with wisdom, love, and conviction.

8. The transforming power of the cross shall produce visible spiritual growth and godly character in your life.

9. The Lord shall use your testimony to lead many people away from darkness and towards the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

10. You shall remain faithful to Christ and His cross throughout your earthly journey and finish your race with joy and honour.