Cross to Crown

I.    Introduction

A.  Resurrection

B.  Background

II.   Cross to Crown

A.  Resurrection is about (vs. 7-8)

1.    Jesus’s

a.    Jesus Himself (Php 2:7). He gave up everything knowing it would lead to the cross.

b.    Jesus was to the point of dying on the cross (Php 2:8)

2.    My

a.    What am I willing to to make sure that I experience the resurrection to eternal life?

                                                          i.     Paul gave up power and his image (Philippians 3:5-6)

                                                        ii.     The rich young ruler presented himself before Jesus as one who kept the Law, but                                wasn’t willing to sacrifice what had become his first love…his possessions.

                                                      iii.     Jesus reminds us in Matthew 16:24-26

3.    Illustration: Spiritual spring cleaning

a.    Paul wanted to gain Christ, but it meant some things had to be removed.

b.    Some us, pull at us, and us from living a full life in Christ. (Colossians 3:5-10)

c.    We have to throw them out and let Jesus in!

B.  Resurrection is about (vs. 9-10)

1.    Power

a.    The power that created the universe, parted the Red  Sea, and shut the mouths of lions is the same power that Christ.

b.    Jesus reminds us of this fact in John 10:17-18

2.    Power

a.    My power over death is , but the power of God in my life makes death’s power over my life .

b.    Illustration: We don’t really have power over death; we can only keep it at bay. Paul says that he wants to know the power of the resurrection, and to do so, he must become like Jesus in His death.

c.    Dying to self is a way to free yourself from anger, bitterness, sorrow, and fear.

3.    When we learn to die to self in this life, death is victory, not defeat. (John 11:25-26)

C.  Resurrection is about (v. 11)

1. Jesus’ Resurrection

a.    Jesus’ resurrection proclaims Him to be the . (Romans 1:4)

b.    Jesus’ resurrection brings hope for life.

2.    My Resurrection

a.    John 5:28-29 makes it clear that everyone will experience some kind of resurrection; some to and some to .

b.    His cross makes my crown possible. (1 Corinthians 15:50-58)

III.  Conclusion

A.  Cross to Crown

B.  Invitation