Anchor Verses:
Matthew 16:24-25, 1 Corinthians 15:58
Focus Statement:
Life with God begins at the cross, grows through sacrifice, and ends in resurrection glory—because in Christ, labor is never in vain.
Introduction: What Game Are We Playing?
- We often approach life without clarity on rules, goals, or purpose.
- Humanity chose autonomy over God, leading to separation and cursed labor.
The Curse — Life Requires Sacrifice
- Genesis 3: Childbirth and work become painful after the fall.
- Even survival now involves toil.
- God’s first act of mercy: clothing Adam & Eve through sacrifice.
- Our choices brought death; now life comes through sacrifice.
The Cross — Jesus Reverses the Curse
- Jesus surrenders in the garden (Matt. 26); where Adam failed, Christ obeyed.
- Jesus reconciles us to God (Col. 1:18-22, Heb. 1:3).
- The veil is torn—access to God restored. We are spiritually reborn.
- We are saved from the penalty of sin. (Justification)
The Cross We Carry — Sanctification
- Matt. 16:24-26 — Lose your life to find it.
- Faith is tested by fire (1 Peter 1:7), pruned to grow (John 15:2).
- Surrender, not striving, shapes us. Transformation is slow, often painful.
- We are being saved from the power of sin. (Sanctification)
Resurrection Life — Glorification
- 1 Cor. 15:58 — Our labor is not in vain.
- Psalm 127: Labor without God is empty; rest comes from trusting Him.
- Romans 8: All creation groans, waiting for final redemption.
- John 3:21 — Our obedience reveals God at work in us.
- Romans 12:1-2 — Offer your whole life as a living sacrifice.
- We will be saved from the presence of sin. (Glorification)
