Topical Sermon: Paradoxes of the Cross

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Paradoxes of the Cross

Intro.

1. Paradox: “a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true.” (Merriam-Webster)

2. Cross of Jesus is perhaps the greatest paradox ever, 1 Cor. 1:18-25.

I. CURSE & BLESSING.

A. The Curse of Sin & Death, Gal. 3:13 (Isa. 53:6; 1 Pet. 2:24); 2 Cor. 5:21.

B. The Blessing of Redemption, Gal. 3:14 (Gen. 22:18); 2 Cor. 5:19, 21; Col. 1:20.

II. HUMILIATION & EXALTATION.

A. Humiliation of Death on the Cross; Isa. 53:3-6; Phil. 2:5-8.

1. Reserved for vilest criminals; no Roman citizens could be crucified.

2. Despised, rejected (Jno. 19:15: “Crucify him!”)

3. Jesus endured the shame of the cross, Heb. 12:2.

B. Exaltation in Heaven, Jno. 17:5; Acts 2:33; Phil. 2:9-11; Heb. 2:9.

III. INJUSTICE & MERCY, Acts 8:33; Matt. 26:59-61; Lk. 23:41-43.

A. The Evil Plot to Kill Jesus is Carried Out, Matt. 26:1-5, 59-61.

B. The Mercy of Jesus is Applied, Lk. 23:34, 39-43.

IV. HATE & LOVE.

A. Jesus was Hated without a Cause, Jno. 15:18-25.

B. God’s Love for Sinners, Rom. 5:8 (Jno. 3:16); 1 Jno. 4:10.

V. SIN & RIGHTEOUSNESS, Matt. 27:24-25; Acts 2:23 / Rom. 10:3-4.

A. The Sin of the Murderers, Matt. 27:24-25; Acts 2:23, 37-38.

B. The Sins of the World, 1 Pet. 2:24; Heb. 2:9.

C. The Personal Righteousness of Jesus, Lk. 23:47 (Matt. 27:54); 1 Pet. 2:22.

D. The Righteousness of God & Sinners, Rom. 10:3-4; 1:16-17.

VI. DEATH & LIFE, Jno. 19:31-35; Rom. 1:4.

A. Death of Jesus, Jno. 19:30; Lk. 23:46 (for our sins, 1 Cor. 15:3).

B. Life in Christ (Victory over Sin & Death), Rom. 1:4; Eph. 2:4-5; 1 Jno. 4:9 (Rom. 6:20-23).

VII. DEFEAT & VICTORY.

A. Apparent Defeat of Jesus, Matt. 27:39-44 (Rev. 12:4-5, 9-10).

B. Victory over Satan, Sin & Death, Jno. 12:31-32; Heb. 2:14-15.

Conclusion

1. Sorrow & joy, Jno. 16:20-22 (33).

2. The message of the cross is the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:24).

3. All who would be saved must humble themselves before the cross of Christ, 1 Cor. 1:26-31.

4. Come to the cross in faith, obey & be saved, Rom. 6:3-4.