Yesterday, I preached on “The Wisdom of the Cross” from 1 Corinthians 1:18–25. While most of the message concentrated on the doctrinal message of the cross and its radical contrast to way the world approaches life (i.e., man’s wisdom), I closed the sermon with a handful of quick applications, listed below.

For the church, the cross must be our shared story that shapes our communion.

• In our preaching, we must make Christ the natural end of every sermon. (Luke 24:27; John 5:39; Ephesians 3:10)
• In our worship, we must center our songs on the shed blood of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 5:9–11)
• In our relationships, the cross must be the source of all unity, reconciliation, grace, and forgiveness. (Colossians 3:13)
• In our evangelism, the cross must be our singular and uncompromising message. (1 Corinthians 2:2; 2 Corinthians 2:14–17)
• In our endurance, the cross must be our model and the source of strength. (Hebrews 12:3)

For individuals, the cross must be the wisdom that shapes every area of our lives.

• In your hour of decision, let the self-sacrifice of Christ crucify your false desires; let the promise of resurrection embolden you to take God-honoring risks. (Luke 9:23–27)
• In your hour of temptation, remember you are already dead to sin; sin no longer has dominion over you. (Romans 6)
• In your hour of faith, praise Christ for purchasing your belief and obedience. (Ezekiel 36:26–27; Ephesians 2:8–9)
• In your hour of failure, look again to the cross for your pardon and acceptance. (1 John 1:9–2:2)
• In your hour of prayer, come boldly before God because of Christ’s blood. (Hebrews 4:14–16)

As we go into the week, may we give praise to God for Christ’s work on the cross. And may we continue to center our lives on Christ and his cross. As Paul teaches he is not an additive to our already full lives; he is the wisdom of God to bring our lives in conformity to God’s will.

May Jesus receive all praise and glory, as we live with ever-deepening dependence on the wisdom and power of the cross.

Soli Deo Gloria, ds