1. 1 Corinthians 1:17-31

2. 2

3. God made the cross an object lesson like no other, 1 Cor. 1:17-25 Strange object to teach greatest message ever heard Not the world’s wisdom, 1:17, 21 “Foolishness” to the perishing, 1:23 Cross is the focal point of the Bible, 1:23; 2:2; cf. 2 Tim. 3:15-17 3

4. The power and awfulness of sin, Jno. 12:31-33; Isa. 53:10; Heb. 10:4-10 Love of God magnificently revealed, Jno. 15:13; Rom. 5:6-8 God’s grace is revealed, Rom. 3:24; Eph. 2:5, 8-9; 1 Jno. 4:9-10 4

5. God is declared just and the Justifier, Romans 3:25-26 Means of making peace and reconciliation, Col. 1:20; Rom. 5:10 God’s power is fully revealed, 1 Cor. 1:18, 24; Jno. 3:16-17 5

6. God’s wisdom is revealed, 1 Cor. 1:21, 24- 31 We see our ultimate example of living and dying, 1 Peter 2:21-24 Righteous suffering is a powerful attraction to men, John 12:32-33; Mark 15:39, 43 6

7. Cross shows us our hopeless condition in sin and God’s great love for us Central message: Salvation, Matt. 1:21 Lord’s invitation: Deny self, take up your cross and follow Him, Matt. 16:24 6