The Cross and Christian Wisdom

Earlier this week, I listened to a sermon by Dr. David Platt. This sermon, "The Cross and Christian Wisdom" was both an encouragement and a challenge to me. In tonight's Refuel, I am posting the link to that sermon and notes from it. I hope that it encourages and challenges you as much as it did me. I would also encourage you to look into this entire series: "The Cross and Christian Community," as Dr. Platt and the other pastors at his church look at I & II Corinthians from the point of view of seeing the cross and what Christians response in various areas of their life should be because of the cross.

http://www.radical.net/resources/sermons/the-cross-and-christian-wisdom

Dr. Platt's outline:

“THE CROSS AND CHRISTIAN WISDOM”

1 Corinthians 2:6-16

Two Foundational Truths...

• The cross of Christ is the pinnacle of wisdom: God purposed to glorify Himself by saving undeserving sinners through the sacrifice of His one and only Son.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s predetermined affection for sinners.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s past substitution for sinners.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s present execution of sinners
• Wisdom is not found in devotion to power, prestige, position, possessions, pleasures, and prosperity. 
• Wisdom is found in death to pride.
• The cross of Christ represents God’s future glorification of sinners.
• Such wisdom is not invented or discovered by man; such wisdom is graciously revealed by God.
• Only by the mercy of God…
• Behold the choice of God the Father.
• Behold the crucifixion of God the Son.
• Behold the call of God the Spirit.
• Unquestionably, man is morally accountable.
• Ultimately, God is sovereignly gracious.
• We have the mind of Christ.
• Revealed by the Spirit…
• Through the Word…
• To our hearts.

Four Inevitable Exhortations...

• Let’s be desperate for the Spirit in order that we might know God’s glory.
• Only the Spirit of God knows the fullness of the glory of God.
• If we want to know God, then we need the Spirit to reveal Him to us.
• Therefore, people who are desperate to know God will be desperate for His Spirit.
• If we are not desperate for His Spirit, it is a sure indicator that we have grown content with knowing little about God.
• When we are desperate for His Spirit, we will grow to know God with the very perspective of Christ.
• Let’s seek discernment from the Spirit as we trust God’s generosity.
• The limited wisdom of man…
• We lack knowledge, perspective, and experience.
• The limitless wisdom of God…
• He has perfect knowledge, eternal perspective, and infinite experience.
• Let’s live different by the Spirit as we reflect God’s goodness.
• Worldly wisdom results in selfish living.
• Godly wisdom results in selfless love.
• Let’s go with dependence on the Spirit as we proclaim God’s gospel.
• The wasted life keeps the message of Christ crucified hidden…
• For fear of rejection.
• In neglect of the lost.
• The wise life makes the message of Christ crucified known…
• With confidence in reception.
• No matter what it costs.

By David Platt. © David Platt & Radical.

Website: Radical.net