Cross: The Way to Know Yourself
Tim Keller | February 27, 1994
Overview
The cross of Jesus Christ completely reshapes a Christian’s self-image and self-understanding. This sermon teaches two truths about Jesus Christ on the cross: 1) It means there’s something seriously wrong with us and 2) It means there’s something profoundly valuable about us.
Outline
Understanding Romans 8:1–17
The cross isn’t just a symbol we see in church. It changes everything for a Christian – the way we see the world, our relationship with God, and even how we view our own lives. It helps us see ourselves more clearly, showing us both our mistakes and our worth. Through the cross, we start to grasp how much God loves us and how valuable we are to Him.
1. We have a serious problem
This passage talks about the presence of real evil in human nature and how Jesus’ sacrifice fights against this evil. The “law” is seen as both rules for how we should live and a concept, specifically the “law of sin and death.” This idea represents the selfishness and evil in people. The story stresses that we need clear moral guidelines in a world full of evil. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging our sins and taking responsibility for them in order to maintain our identity. But most importantly, it gives us hope. It tells us we have the power to overcome sin and death, thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Related
