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Sermon #5520

The Cross that Divides

A Sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:6-8

Originally preached April 15, 1960

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Scripture

1 Corinthians 2:6-8 ESV KJV
Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None …

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Sermon Description

The crucifixion of the Son of God, who the apostle Paul called the Lord of glory, is the most profound paradox in human history. Because it is foolishness to those who are perishing and wisdom to those being saved, it automatically divides the world into two groups. In this sermon on 1 Corinthians 2:6–8 titled “The Cross that Divides,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones elaborates on the mystery of the cross and explains why it divides humanity. The great divide the cross creates comes down to the hidden element in the cross and the necessity of divine illumination produced by the Holy Spirit. While the rulers, princes, authorities, and the natural people see only a failed prophet from Nazareth hung on a tree, revelation given by the Holy Spirit gives spiritual eyes to see it is the God-man Jesus Christ dying for sins in order to bring His people to glory. Hear Dr. Lloyd-Jones challenge the people of God to meditate, spend time on, and “survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of Glory died”.

Sermon Breakdown

  1. The cross divides humanity into two groups: those who understand its meaning and those who do not.
  2. There is an element of mystery in the cross that is hidden and elusive. This mystery cannot be grasped by human wisdom or ability alone.
  3. The mystery of the cross can only be understood through divine revelation by the Holy Spirit.
  4. When the cross is revealed, it is seen as the opposite of what it appears to be at first glance. It is seen as the most glorious event.
  5. There is mystery in the identity of the one crucified. At first, Jesus appears as just a man dying in weakness. With revelation, He is seen as the Lord of glory.
  6. There is mystery in the identity of those who crucified Jesus. At first, they appear wise, powerful and triumphant. With revelation, they are seen as foolish, ignorant and temporary.
  7. There is mystery in what was really happening at the cross. At first, it appears as the defeat of Jesus by wicked men. With revelation, it is seen as God accomplishing His eternal plan of redemption.
  8. The cross reveals the glory of the Son, the Father and the Holy Spirit. It also reveals the believer's eternal glory.
  9. The only proper response to the cross is to glory in it and count all else as loss.

Other Sermons

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.