Glory in the Cross of Christ
A Sermon on Galatians 5:11
Scripture
11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Sermon Description
The main thrust of the gospel is the cross. In this sermon on Galatians 5:11 and 6:14 titled “Glory in the Cross of Christ,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones preaches on the different reactions to this that people have and the consequences that come with each one. There are only two possible responses. Either people accept Christ and His sacrifice, or they see it as offensive. This offense is deeply divisive and angering, something that pushes people away from God when they let it take root in their hearts. Dr. Lloyd-Jones states that if one merely has pity after hearing the gospel message, then they have not heard the true story of the cross. It is either an offense, or glory is found in it. This leads to an interesting question—why does the gospel produce two opposite reactions? Why is it offensive? Ultimately, says Dr. Lloyd-Jones, it is because it proclaims that all equally are sinners and that they cannot save themselves, a truth that is very humbling. This destroys pride because it means that the smartest and strongest people are all on equal footing before the Lord with those who are poor and uneducated, something that is difficult for many to accept. Yet, what a silly reason this is to keep someone from having eternal life through Christ. The gospel alone is to be one’s glory.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul calls attention to two statements about the cross of Christ from Galatians.
- The cross is the central message of the gospel.
- The cross divides people into two groups: those offended by it and those who glory in it.
- The cross offends because it shows we are sinners, helpless, and in the same position.
- The cross offends human pride in birth, religion, goodness, and intellect.
- The cross shows the Son of God dying to save sinners, not just a man dying.
- The cross shows Jesus bearing our sins and God's wrath as our substitute.
- The cross brings forgiveness, reconciliation, and new life to those who believe.
- The cross shows God's holiness, justice, faithfulness, purpose, and love.
- We should glory only in the cross of Christ, not self, country, or worldly things.
- Have you seen the meaning of the cross and heard its message?
- The cross condemns us as sinners but offers eternal life to believers in Christ.
Other Sermons
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.