The Message of the Cross…is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18–25  is (I think) one of the most favourite passages of a one-time (long ago) mentor, Tom Jones. Every chance he got, he taught, talked about, and discussed this passage. But more importantly, I watched as he made every effort to live it out in his day-to-day life. His teachings and his life impacted and influenced me in ways that changed the focus and trajectory of the rest of my life.

The verse that begins this passage reads: “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (v. 18).

Since we, who are gathered here today, are among those “who are being saved” what is this verse saying to us? Very simply: “For the message of the cross…is the power of God.” Paul said something similar in the book of Romans: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16).

The message of the cross is the power of God. That’s what these two verses are telling us. But what is the message of the cross? Literally, it is the message of the physical death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3–5). Spiritually, it is the message of a God who loves us so much that he came into this world as a human and submitted himself to death on a cross. And those who follow Jesus are called to imitate that love. As Paul wrote to the Philippians:

"Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:5–8).

Bottom line the message of the cross is a message of the power of self-denial, humility and obedience to the will of God. Self-denial in humble service to other humans and obedience to God is just plain stupid to the world. That type of life, they say, is not power but weakness!

Yet, I have found that when I consciously strive to live according to the message of the cross, that is when God’s power is evident in my life. But practically speaking, how do we do this? The other passage I heard Tom preach, teach and talk about in that brief, but life-changing 18 months in Kirksville, MO., was Matthew 5–7, and especially Matt. 5:3–12...

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

When I am striving to be this person, to have these attitudes and practices in my life, here is what happens:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven" (Matt 5:13–16).

The message of the cross tells us, and demonstrates, that self-denial, service and submission wins the day. It may be foolishness to some, but to us who believe in and are striving to follow Jesus, it is the power of God. 

P.S. Thanks Tom!