Crossbearing
Mark 8:27-38
First
Presbyterian Church, Brownsville, TN
March 8,
2009
Dr. Will Jones
Summary: The Season of Lent is a more somber
time than any other during the Christian year. With Good Friday in our
sights, we remind ourselves of why Christ died on the cross. We dedicate
our time to reflection and self-awareness about our own lives and obstacles to
obedience. Today we examine Jesus’ command for disciple to take up a
cross in order to follow him.
Outline:
I.
Sacrificial love for the sake of others.
a.
Definition and examples
b.
THE Christian lifestyle
II.
Cross-bearing: optional or imperative?
a.
Jesus’ formula for Christians: deny self, take up cross, follow
him.
b.
Crossbearing: not a burden
imposed on you from without, but a chosen sacrifice you make from within.
c.
Disciples, especially Peter, didn’t get it
i.
Peter: “takes Jesus aside” and “rebukes” him
ii.
Crossbearing is contrary to our
nature
III.
Many Christians avoid crossbearing at
all costs
a.
Bearing burdens for others
b.
What about my burdens?
c.
The “sacrifices” we make
i.
Cheap is the new chic
IV.
Crossbearing and sacrificial
love…
a.
…will change your life
b.
…will change others lives
c.
…will bring all closer to God.