1. The Offense of The Cross 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

2. Preaching The Cross Offensive to many –Christianity a “bloody religion” –A landmark between two great covenants

3. Preaching The Cross Powerful reminder –Man’s inhumanity to man –Not to be an ornament, but a reminder of the price of redemption

4. Offends Judaizers Reminder of the inferiority of the Law –Could not accomplish God’s ultimate goal (John 1:17; Colossians 2:14) –His death a necessity (Galatians 2:21)

5. Offends Judaizers Abolished the Law of Moses –Had to be removed (Ephesians 2:13-16) –No longer a distinction between Jew and Gentile (Galatians 3:27-29) –Law was “weak” and unprofitable (Hebrews 7:18, 19)

6. Offends Judaizers No going back to the Law –Meant one was fallen from grace (Galatians 5:4) –Put Christ to shame (Hebrews 6:1-6) –The position of the Judaizing teachers (Galatians 6:14, 15; Philippians 3:3-11)

7. Offends Lovers of Human Wisdom Paul’s mission –Preaching the cross was “foolish” to the “wise” (1 Corinthians 1:18) –Source of his wisdom was God (1 Corinthians 2:1, 2; 3:19

8. Offends Lovers of Human Wisdom Destructive nature of worldly wisdom –Dangerous (2 Corinthians 11:3) –Gospel embraced by common people (Mark 12:37) –Shunned by the “wise” today as well

9. Offends The Lovers of The World Many under the “spell” of the world –Cross demands a turning away (Romans 6:3, 4) –Attracted Demas (2 Timothy 4:10) –Cannot love the world and God (Matthew 6:24; Galatians 6:14) –Enemy of the cross (Philippians 3:18, 19)

10. Offends The Lovers of The World Separated from the world –New goal in life (Colossians 3:1-3) –Not to love the world (1 John 2:15-17)

11. Offends Willful Sinners Includes the self-righteous –Presents the true picture sin’s degradation (Romans 3:23; 6:23) –Offended by the idea of needing anyone (Luke 18:9-14) –Died for sinners (John 8:32; Romans 5:6-8) –Some deny any need (Revelation 3:17)

12. Offends Willful Sinners Cross demands repentance –Requirement for all (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30, 31) –Must obey (Romans 6:16-18) –Christ was obedient (Hebrews 5:8, 9)

13. Conclusion Cannot afford to be offended by the cross “Power in the blood”