Message Notes for April 21, 2024

Series: Under the Hood

Title: Engine of Salvation – The Cross as the Ultimate Power Source

Bottom Line:

The message of the cross presents a profound choice… stumbling block or source of salvation. Following a crucified King may seem foolish to worldly wisdom, yet it holds the key to eternal life. Failure to embrace this truth can lead to spiritual destruction. How can we shift the world’s perspective to embrace the wisdom of the cross and find salvation?

1 Corinthians 1:18-31 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. As the Scriptures say, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.” So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God. God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”

4 Steps to turning your BUT GOD? into BUT GOD!

Step 1: Discover the Shocking Truth – 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

In a world chasing temporary wisdom, the cross stands as the eternal mark of true salvation.

Step 2: Embrace God’s Unexpected Wisdom – 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Where the world sees silliness, God reveals His wisdom through the cross.

Step 3: Develop Humble Confidence – 1 Corinthians 1:30-31

Don’t stumble over the cross, let it be your steppingstone to salvation.

Step 4: Embrace Eternal Life Through the Cross

Beyond the world’s momentary promises, the cross offers the eternal promise of life everlasting.

Family/Group Study Notes for the week of April 21, 2024

Series: Under the Hood

Title: Engine of Salvation – The Cross as the Ultimate Power Source

* Reflect on the scenarios presented in the beginning of the message. How do these situations resonate with your own experiences? Share a personal example of a time when you felt defeated or uncertain, but God intervened in a surprising way.

* Read 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. What does this passage reveal about the power and wisdom of the cross? How does it challenge worldly wisdom and perceptions?

* In Step 2, we discussed embracing God’s unexpected wisdom. Can you recall a time when God’s wisdom seemed counterintuitive or contrary to human understanding in your own life? How did you respond?

* Read 1 Corinthians 1:30-31. What does this passage teach us about boasting in the Lord rather than in our own wisdom or strength? How can we apply this principle in our daily lives?

* Reflect on the statement, “Don’t stumble over the cross, let it be your steppingstone to salvation.” What doesthis phrase mean to you personally? How can we ensure that we are not stumbling over the cross in our lives?

* Think about a recent decision you made that had a significant impact on your faith journey. How did you approach this decision? Did you rely on worldly wisdom or seek guidance from God?

* Consider the theme of shifting our perspective from defeat to victory in our faith journey. Can you identify an area in your life where you tend to view things from a defeated mindset? How might you apply the principles shared in the message to shift your perspective?

* Pray together reflecting on areas of your life that are a stumbling block and how to change your thought patterns around these.