Beyond the Weekend

October 28 | The Way of the Cross

October 28, 2019

Join us as we focus each day for nine weeks on a different part of 1 Corinthians 13.
Monday: Love is patient, love is kind.


TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

Listen: 1 Corinthians 1 and 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

In first-century Corinth, one did not talk about the cross. It was objectionable and vulgar for this forward-looking Greek culture. The grizzly and humiliating process of crucifixion represented the epitome of human failing, weakness, and stupidity.

Corinthians valued the upward quest for status, wealth and power. Paul and his team labored there for 18 months presenting the Gospel and working to establish a healthy Jesus-community. But the culture of Corinth and the way of the cross were at odds with each other. Greek culture was seeping into the church. Believers did not embrace the humility, weakness and sacrifice of Jesus’ death on the cross. Instead, they held on to old habits of conflict and power-play. Paul taught that the way of the cross is upside down. Down is up.

It’s hard for us to imagine the cross as repulsive since we wear and display them in gratitude for Jesus’ humble sacrifice. Yet we aren’t so different from Corinthian Christians who needed to identify with Jesus’ humility. This week, we will examine Paul’s teaching on strength in humility through the message, community and presentation of the cross.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

God wants to fill our weakness with his strength. As you use your Habits of Love Challenge bookmark and card this week, ask God to show you where you lack humility and seek to demonstrate the habits of love in your own strength. Confess you need his power and ask the Holy Spirit to work through you the way he desires.


 

Click on the photo below to “save image as” to set for the lock screen or home screen on your mobile device to cycle back to each phrase twice daily to remember to live a life motivated by love.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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