LIVING WORD GOSPEL MISSION

BIBLE STUDY OUTLINE

TOPIC: SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CROSS
TEXT: 2 CORINT. 4: 7 – 18.
MEMORY VERSE: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that
he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Pet.
3:18 KJV)

Introduction: When Jesus Christ was put to death by being nailed to a wooden cross,
wicked men thought they were just executing a man who was disturbing their way of life.
They did not know or realize that the cross was planned by God from the beginning of the
world.

Meaning of the Cross:

 The valley of the shadow of death. (Psm.23:4)
 God’s means of stripping off the world and sin that do so easily beset us. (Heb. 12:2)
 It is un – avoidable suffering (persecution) for righteousness sake.

Why the Cross (Jesus Dying on the Cross)

i. It is God’s plan for Him. (John 3:14 – 15, Matt. 16:21, Num. 21:8 – 9, John 12:30 – 32 &
Philp. 2:8 – 9)
ii. Why would God lead Him through the valley of shadow of death? (Psm.23:4)
iii. It is a fasting ground or experience to humble us. (Deut. 8:1 – 5)

Why Jesus Christ?

It was only confirmed criminals that were hanged on the cross in the old testament. Jesus
was called a criminal by the Jews and Chief Priest. (John 5:18; 19:12).

Requirement of the Cross:

a. Self – Denial: That allows God’s Will and Ours (Matt. 16:24)
b. Take up your Cross: (Perseverance) the Fellowship of His Suffering.
c. Fellowship (Humility and Obedience) (Philp. 3:10) that I may know Him, not as I think, but
as I should; share in fellowship of His suffering, so I could conform unto His death (Ready
to die for Him and with Him). This should be the mind of every believer. (Philp. 2:5) if we
have died with Him in Baptism (Rom. 6:4)