Important Crucifixions

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Romans 6:8-14

I. Crucifixion

A. In the Roman world, crucifixion was a most cruel form of punishment

B. It was the punishment for capital crimes for non-Romans Romans were beheaded, which was quicker and less painful

C. Process

D. The one to be crucified would be scourged—beaten violently with a whip made of many straps often with bone or metal at the end of the strap. The scourging would shorten the time of suffering on the cross.

E. Suffering on the cross

F. Agonizing pain and inflammation where the nails tore into the flesh and muscles and supported the weight of the body Excruciating pain as one lifted himself to breathe Blood loss from the scourging and nails that would lead to weakness, nausea, and fever Extreme thirst and exposure to the heat of the sun In addition, some victims were insulted and spat upon

II. Jesus’ Crucifixion

A. Jesus suffered these things to save men

B. Matthew 26:28 – Blood shed for remission of sins Hebrews 9:22; 27-28 – Offered for the sins of many1 Peter 1:18-19 – Redeemed through Jesus’ blood Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured this for our salvation

C. The Jews considered one who was crucified as being cursed

D. Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Galatians 3:13 It would be a stumbling block for the Jew to consider that God’s Son would die in such a shameful way. (ISBE)

E. Paul considered the cross a glorious thing

F. 1 Corinthians 2:1-2 – It was the focus of Paul’s preaching

G. Galatians 6:14 – He would boast only in the cross of Christ

H. Context: Circumcision—the sign of the Jewish covenant with God through Abraham—meant nothing to him Philippians 3:4-8 – His achievements were nothing compared to Christ

I. Jesus’ crucifixion is the most important of all

J. It put an end to the Law of Moses and brought forth the gospel—Jesus’ law Through His death we can have eternal life

III. Christian’s Crucifixion

A. Though the Roman method of execution is no longer practiced, the Christian must still be crucified in order to serve God through Jesus

B. Galatians 6:14 – “I have been crucified unto the world”

C. Corinthians “Renounced the hidden things of shame” (2 Corinthians 4:2) Romans 6:6 – Put to death the body of sin Colossians 3:1-11 – Die to the world and put off worldly characteristics

D. Just as the body on the cross fights for life, when one is crucified to the world the process is painful—the desire for sin fights for life against the spirit

E. Romans 6:11-14 – do not let sin reign Romans 8:12-13 – put to death sin within your body We will endure pain and anguish as we put to death fleshly desires

F. Galatians 2:20 – Crucified with Christ yet live

G. Being crucified to the world, Paul lived in Christ If we have been crucified with Jesus, the attributes of our fleshly life must be replaced with the fruit of the Spirit—a holy life

H. Instead of exalting himself, Paul exalted Christ in his life

I. 1 John 2:3-6 – Walk as Jesus walked2 Corinthians 3:18 – Being transformed into Jesus’ image

J. When Paul crucified the world, the world crucified him

K. Though Paul had much to boast about from worldly standards, he only gloried in his relationship with Jesus.

L. Some considered Paul a traitor, others a fool for his trust in Christ. But Paul did not care to be judged by men; he was more concerned with God’s judgment. Galatians 6:17 – Bore the marks of suffering Philippians 1:27-30 – Suffering for Christ is glory for the Christian Matthew 5:10-12 – Blessed are you when you are persecuted

M. The world does not like being told that its sins are shameful and disgraceful, its ways lead to destruction, and one must leave the lustful world.

N. Romans 1:28-32 – God gave them up (called narrow-minded, homophobe, insensitive to say this passage is true) Ephesians 5:8-13 – shameful to speak of it (ok to watch it?)1 Peter 4:3-5 – World makes fun of you for repudiating its “fun”

O. Christ’s crucifixion is of little value if we do not crucify ourselves for Him

IV. Crucifying Jesus afresh

A. If we have crucified ourselves to the world since Christ died for us, we must not return to the sin of the world.

B. Hebrews 6:4-8

C. One who becomes a child of God and completely turns his back on God is unlikely to return to Him. God wants the sinner to repent and the sinner could repent; however, he has turned away from everything that drew him to God in the first place and there is nothing new that could appeal to him. This person crucified himself to the world so that Christ could live in him but later put Jesus on the cross so the world could live in him.

D. 2 Peter 2:20-22 – It would have been better not to become a Christian than to obey then turn back on God

V. Conclusion: Christ died for you. Will you return the love He had by being crucified to the world and letting Christ live in you? Will you look at Jesus on the cross and simply pass by, leaving the only path to eternal life? If you are a Christian, is Christ living in you or is the world living in you?