JESUS KEEP ME NEAR THE CROSS

Colossians 1:20-23

 

Introduction: (Sing song # 283) We need to appreciate why we need to be kept near the cross. What do we forfeit when we allow ourselves to stray away from the blood stained emblem of our salvation? In this lesson we will look at:

A.    What does it mean to be kept near the cross

B.    What we give up when we stray from the cross

C.   How we can be kept near the cross

 

I.        What does it mean to be kept near the cross?  

A.    Means having access to the cleansing blood of the lamb

1.     It was upon the cross Jesus precious blood was shed (Col. 1:20)

2.     He washed us from our sins in His own blood (Rev. 1:5) 

3.     We are purged of o filthy conscience (Heb. 9:12-14)

B.    Means being able to draw near to God

1.     People are drawn to God through the cross (John 12:32)

2.     Through Jesus shed blood we can be near to God (Eph. 2:13)

3.     Man was separated from God (Isa. 59:2); the cross helps to bring God and man back together (Reconciliation – Rom. 5:10)

C.   Means being constantly reminded of my unworthiness

1.     Even if I had Bill Gates net worth, I couldn’t redeem my own soul (1 Pet. 1:18-19)

2.     As a sinner I was powerless in regard to saving my soul (Rom. 5:6-8)

3.     Jesus was wounded, bruised and beaten for me; in my stead (Isa. 53)

D.   Means having to carry my own cross (Luke 14:26-27, 33)

1.     The concept behind carrying our own cross certainly involves having a martyr spirit. Such a spirit will be willing to die anywhere and anyway the Lord demands; This is nothing less than what Jesus did for us.

2.     More to the point is carrying the cross; bearing the burden to effect a goal. For Jesus, the goal was the salvation of souls and the cross was a burden he was gladly willing to bear in regard to the goal (Heb. 12:2)

3.     We must be willing to be burden with some things if we want to be a disciple of the Lord. Forsaking one’s family is a cross one must bear; forsaking even the comforts, conveniences and joys of life is a burden one must be willing to bear for the pleasure of being among the disciples of Jesus.

 

II.      What do we give up when we stray from the cross?

A.    That a person can stray from the cross is certain

1.     No longer is willing to sacrifice for the cause of Christ (Mark 8:34)

2.     No longer abides in the purity and simplicity of the gospel (1 Cor. 1:17)

3.     Serves his own selfish, humanistic impulses (Phi. 3:17-19)

4.     No longer values the shed blood of Christ (Heb. 10:26-29)

B.    We give up eternal life (Mark 10:17-23)

C.   We give up all hope and relationship with the Lord (Col. 1:20-23)

D.   We give up our place in the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21)

III.     How can we be kept near the cross?

A.    Must continue to walk in the light (1 John 1:7); God’s word (Psa. 119:105; 119:9; 119:5; John 15:3)

1.     Such will help to maintain our fellowship with God and his people

2.     Such will help to keep ourselves pure

B.    Must set our sites on that which is above (Col. 3:1-6)

1.     Such will help us not give into selfish, humanistic impulses

2.     Such will help us keep our place in glory

3.     Such will help us keep all hope

C.   Must not forsake the assembly (Heb. 10:25)

1.     Lord’s day assembly we come together to put the cross front and center of our thinking (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-32)

2.     Through the supper and our worship we show forth our

a.     fellowship

b.     hope (return)

c.     purity (examination)

d.     our citizenship (Matt. 26:26-29)

 

Conclusion: Are you nearer to the cross today than you’ve been before? If not, what will you do about it? Let me close with the words of song #612. I hope that everyone’s heart can say amen to the sentiments of this song.