The Preaching of the Cross

Gospel Summary: The preaching of the cross is not the wisdom of man, but the power of God unto salvation. The Apostle Paul declared that Christ sent him to preach the gospel without relying on human eloquence, because salvation comes through the message of Christ crucified, not by works, baptism, religion, or worldly wisdom. This sermon calls sinners to repent, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and rest in His finished work at Calvary.

The Core Message

1. The cross must be preached plainly and faithfully

Paul made it clear that Christ sent him not to baptize, but to preach the gospel, and not with the wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. The message of salvation is not dependent upon man’s ability to impress people, but upon the Spirit of God applying the truth of Christ crucified to the heart. A faithful preacher must keep the message simple, biblical, and centered on the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The preaching of the cross is foolishness to the lost

The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned. To the world, the cross seems weak, offensive, or unreasonable, but God has chosen the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. Men who trust in religion, tradition, or their own wisdom may stumble at the cross, but the called of God see in it the very power and wisdom of God.

3. The cross reveals the power of God unto salvation

The sermon emphasized that the cross is not merely a symbol; it is the place where Christ paid the full price for sin. Through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, sinners are redeemed, forgiveness is made possible, and guilty men and women can be made new creatures. The same God who saved Paul, the thief on the cross, and countless other sinners is able to save today by His grace.

4. Believers must live in gratitude and personal surrender

Because Christ gave Himself for us, Christians ought to live in humble obedience, with hearts tender toward the Savior. We should not grieve the Lord by neglecting His will, but should seek to honor Him in our witness, our conduct, and our love for others. The cross should move us to soul-winning, discipleship, prayer, and a deeper walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Scripture References (KJV)

1 Corinthians 1:17-25 — “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.
For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?
For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

1 Corinthians 2:2 — “For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.”

1 Corinthians 2:4 — “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:”

1 Corinthians 2:14 — “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

2 Timothy 4:2-3 — “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;”

John 14:6 — “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

John 6:44 — “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.”

Romans 5:12 — “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

Romans 5:19 — “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.”

Romans 5:8 — “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Hebrews 9:22 — “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”

1 Timothy 2:5 — “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 — “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

Luke 23:42-43 — “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.”

Hebrews 11:6 — “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

Acts 4:12 — “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”

Application & Invitation

The preaching of the cross demands a response. If you are trusting in baptism, church membership, Mary, religious tradition, or your own goodness, you are not resting in the finished work of Christ. Turn from sin and self-righteousness, and place your full trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, who died for your sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. He alone can forgive you, save your soul, and give you eternal life. Christian, let the cross move you to humility, holiness, soul-winning, and grateful service until the Lord comes.

Frequently Asked Questions