Temptations Surrounding the Cross
Scripture: Mark 8:34
John 18:11
Matthew 26:34, 39-40
Mark 8:34 NKJV When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
John 18:11 NKJV So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"
Matthew 27:34, 40 NKJV they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. {40} and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."
Introduction
Dealing with the caning of the American youth, Michael Fay, in Singapore this week has revealed a cultural avoidance of pain on any level. We seek to avoid the pain of walking through the problems God has specifically designed for us to make us the person He wants us to become.
I. Three forms of temptation regarding the cross
Acts 20:22-24 NKJV "And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 "except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 "But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
A. Avoid the cross
John 18:11 NKJV So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?"
B. Medicate the pain
Matthew 27:34 NKJV they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink.
C. Come down from the cross
Matthew 27:40 NKJV and saying, "You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross."
II. Life application
Mark 8:34 NKJV When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
Colossians 2:13-14 NKJV And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
A. Deny yourself
1. Your right to a pain free life
2. Your right to personal comfort
B. Take up the cross
1. Walk through the trial
2. Endure difficult seasons
2 Timothy 2:3 NKJV You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
3. Escape your temptations by nailing them to your cross
C. Follow Jesus
1. He did not avoid the pain
2. He went to the cross
Conclusion
1 Peter 2:21 NKJV For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps:
1 Peter 4:19 NKJV Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
Romans 8:18 NKJV For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.