cross centered life guide - amazon s3 · lesson 7 the cross centered day ... god in the world....
TRANSCRIPT
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TheCrossCenteredLife
Introduction
Lesson1 PreachtheGospel UnderstandingGospelBasics
Lesson2 RestatingtheObvious Chapter1
Lesson3 What’sYourLifeCenteredOn? Chapter2
Lesson4 BreakingtheRulesofLegalism Chapter3
Lesson5 UnloadingCondemnation Chapter4
Lesson6 WhatyouFeelvs.WhatIsReal Chapter5
Lesson7 TheCrossCenteredDay Chapter6
Lesson8 NeverMoveOn Chapter7
“Ifthere’sanythinginlifethatweshouldbepassionateabout,it’sthegospel.AndIdon’tmeanpassionateonlyaboutsharingitwithothers.Imeanpassionateaboutthinkingaboutit,dwellingonit,rejoicinginit,allowingittocolorthewaywelookattheworld.Onlyonethingcanbeoffirstimportancetoeachofus.Andonlythe
gospeloughttobe.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.2021
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Introduction
ThereisnothingmoreimportantintheChristianlifethantheGospel.Thereisnotruth,nosymbolandnoeventmoreimportantthanthecross.Onthecross,GodtookonHimselfthepunishmentrightlydueforoursins.Thatisjustaimportantinourlivestodayasitwasthedaywefirstbelieved.Thecrossiscomplete.ThereisnothingyouaddtoitandnothingthatislackingintheworkofChristonthecross.Godisinfinitelypleasedwithyou,ifyoutrustinHisSon.
“YourworstdaysareneversobadthatyouarebeyondthereachofGod'sgrace,norareyourbestdayseversogoodthatyouarebeyondtheneedofit.”
JerryBridges,DisciplinesofGrace,18
ThisguidewillhelpyouandyourLifeGroupreadthroughanddiscussC.J.Mahaney’slittlebook,TheCrossCenteredLife.
Discussionquestionscomeinthreeforms.1. Questions about the text: What does it say? These questions are answered by
pointingtothewordsonpaper.Theanswerscanbefoundinblackandwhite.Putyour finger in the book and point to your answer when discussing this type ofquestion.
2. Questions fromthe text:Whatmight thatmean?Thesequestionsareanswered inlightofthetextbutcouldgoinmultipledirections,butwillalwayscomefromwhattheauthorwrote.
3. Questionsbecauseofthetext:Whatcanorshouldbedifferent inmylifebecauseofwhat we just read? These are intentionally subjective questions and can only beansweredpersonally.Answerthempersonally,fromyourheart.
ThequestionsinthisguidewilltakeallthreeformssothatthisgreatandyetsimplelittlebookservestodriveustotrulyevaluateourheartsbeforeGod.MaywebeaGospelpeople,apeoplewhoarecrosscentered,tothegloryofGod.
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PreachtheGospelUnderstandingGospelBasics
Themessage of the Gospel is the story of God’s glory. It is the unfolding drama of theCreator rescuing His fallen creation. The physical world becomes the backdrop for thetheater of God’s redemptive work to bemost gloriously displayed. As we consider theessential declarative truths of God’s Gospel, see it through the lens of the greatest storyever told, the story thatmakes senseof all ofhumanhistoryandeveryhuman life. TheGospelisarescuedrama,andthosewhohavebeenrescuedarethegreateststorytellers.
AsweidentifytheseelementsintheGospelstorythatareessentialtoembrace,pleasedon’tseetheseasmerelyaformulaoffivepointstocover,ratherunderstandthemastheGospelplotline that with any one of them left out tells a story other than the Biblical story ofRedemption.
God:beforethebeginning
Beforetheworldbeganorwasevenathought,Godwas.HedidnotbeginwithcreationnordoesHeexistincreation.WesaythatHeistranscendentorseparatefromHiscreationandcompletelysatisfiedinHimself.HelacksnothinginHisholyperfection,andistheonlyoneworthy object of worship. He is not a distant Creator, but everywhere present in Hiscreation.HeexistsforHimselfandHisownglory.WebelieveintheeternalGodhead,oneGodexistinginthreepersons,eachfullyGod.HeiscompletelysatisfiedintherelationshipbetweenFather,Son,andSpirit.HeisLove,anddesirescommunionwiththoseHecreated.Godistruth,therevelationoftruth,andthegreatcommunicatoroftruthtotheworld.Thisone true God is the standard for every Law, expecting perfect obedience, and judgingrebellion.ItisHisonepurposetogetgloryforHimselfthroughtherescueandrestorationofafallenworld.
Man:inthebeginning
In the Garden of Eden God created mankind, male and female, as image‐bearers of theTriuneGodhead.Manwascreatedasthehighpointofallcreationtoruleoverthecreation.In man’s work he reflects the creative attributes of God, able to imagine, invent, andadvancethepurposesofGodintheworld.Whilemankindhasintrinsicvalueastheobjectof God’s creative purposes, he is created to be a worshipper. This is where things gotragically wrong. Satan, a fallen angel, convinced mankind that it was better to beworshippedthantoworship.WhysettleforworshippingGod,whenyoucanbelikeHim?WhybeGod‐centeredwhenyoucanbeself‐centered?Throughtheself‐glorifyingchoicesofallofmankind’sfatherandmother,sinenteredthehumanrace,andwithsindeath.Thisfalliscompleteandultimate,iteffectseveryhumanandhasnoescapeclause.Unholy,self‐
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worshippingman is forever separated from holy, glory‐seeking God. Sin has no humanremedy,andearnsonlyheavenlywrath.Andnow,sadbuttrue,everyonerebelsagainsthisCreator,exchangestruthforlies,anddesiresonlythatwhichpleaseshissinfulflesh. Itistheonepurposeofmantogetgloryforhimself,throughhumanachievementandself‐love.ThisstandssquarelyinthewayofGod’sagenda,andthereasonforwhichGodcreatedtheworldandmanhimself.Andthesadrealityisthatmanathismostwickedworstandmaninhismostnobleeffortscometothesametragicend–theeternaljudgmentofGod.
Jesus:atjusttherighttime
God, inHis uniquewisdom, devised a plan that displaysHis glory anddeliversmankindfrom eternal wrath. His answer – the God‐Man Jesus! God the Father sent the secondmemberoftheTrinity,theSon,toearthastheonlyacceptablesacrificeforsin.Takingonhumanityandlivinginperfectobedience,themanJesusbecamethesin‐bearerforallwhobelieve. In the place of sinful men, who deserve the full weight of judgment for theirrebellion,Jesusbecamethesubstituteconsequencetaker.Inhislifeanddeath,hedivertedthewrath of God fromdeserving sinners to himself, a flawless Savior. Through the life,death, burial, andmiraculous resurrection of Jesus, life wasmade secure for thosewhobelieve. Inthe lifeofthisoneman,God’sholywrathissatisfied,sin ispunished,andthefallen are rescued, restored to relationship with the Father, and clothed in therighteousnessofJesuswithwhomtheFatherispleased.Notonlyisthisthemostgloriousand agonizing solution to the problemof the human race, bought it is the only solution.Jesuscametosavesinners!
Respond:today
NoonechoosesGod.Noactofthewillorreasoningofthemindcanindependentlydecideto followJesus. Deadmendon’twalk;much lessembrace theirsinfulnessanddesperateneedforaSavior. ThestoryoftheGospel isthestoryofGod’sdoingintheheartsofHischildren. He gives life to those He chooses. He grants faith based entirely on His ownpredetermined plan, not the goodness or vileness of the soul involved. We glory in anindependentGod,notswayednormanipulatedbytheemotionsofmen. Andinthesamebreathwetellmeneverywheretorepent.TheGospelstorydemandsaresponse–declareyourhopelessness, turn fromyour sin, andbelieve in Jesus! This kindof belief goes fardeeper than intellectual acknowledgement of Bible facts; far deeper than a fear of hell.Biblicalbelief isagraciousgiftofGod thatsoftens therebel’sheart, transforms fromtheinsideout,andplacesonesallegiancebehindthegloryofGodandGodalone‐thisissavingfaith, this is Biblical belief! Repentance and faith are not only the starting blocks tofollowingJesus;theyarethedailybuildingblockstoalifelivedintheGospel.TheSpiritofGod enables the child of God to respond to theGospel, and byHis grace he never stopsresponding.
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Glory:oneday
Thestoryendsinglorioustriumph.TheKingreturnsinroyalsplendor,HisloyalfollowerscelebratingHisvictory,allcreationrescued–declaringthegloryofGod,andeveryenemyofthecrossofChristputdownonceandforall.TheresurrectionofJesusthreedaysafterHiscrucifixionisaguaranteeofthefinalresurrectionofallpeople–sometoeternalblissand others to eternal punishment. All the promises of God are fulfilled in His finalappearing.EverykneethatpreviouslydisobeyedHimwillbow,everytonguethatmockedHimwilldeclarethatthestoryofthecrosswastrueandJesusisthevictor! Thehopeofglory is foreveryfollowerof Jesusthegreatmotivatortoa lifewell lived. Thisproducesthecalltomissionalliving.Itisthegreatinheritanceofalifelivedinaforeignland.TheLord in His glory abiding with His people without sin, suffering, or decay forevercelebratingthisgreateststoryevertold–thisisourreward!
Unless this story is our story and it rolls of our tongues and flows fromour lives, LeroyChapelwillhavenoeffectintheworldwelivein.TothedegreewefleewrongnotionsoftheGospelandembracethegloriousplanofGod’sgloryforthenations,isthedegreeourliveswillmatterintheseshortdaysinwhichwelive.Letusknowonestoryandonestoryalone!
“WhensalvationisclearlyseenasGod’sworkofsovereigngrace,graceisnolongeremaciated,weakened,colorless.DwellingondivinesupremacyinsalvationmagnifiesagraceexaltingGodandhumblesus.SavinggracemeansthatGodisneithercoercednorconstrainedbyourvalueashumans.Heisnotobligedtosave,butstillHedoes…Wearen’tseekingjust“decisionsforJesus”butaweinspiredworshippers,peoplewhohavetasted
andseenthattheLordisfullofgraceandwhocan’tholdbacktheirjoy!”
WillMetzger,TelltheTruth,pg.151
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QuestionsabouttheGospel
Howdoes thisGospelpresentationdescribeGod’s relationship toGodbeforeHe createdtheworld?DidGodhaveanyneed?WhowastherecipientofGod’sdivinelove?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
IfGodcreatedtheworldoutoftheoverflowofHisgoodness,ratherthanoutofneed,whatdoesoursinsayabouthowweviewHisgoodness?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HowdoyouseeGod’slawandcommandstoberelatedtoHischaracter?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________InsteadofcomingtopunishtheworldfordisregardingHiswillandHisvalue,thesecondperson of the eternally satisfied Trinity goes to the cross to die in our place.What debtremainstobepaidforsin,thatis,whatsinisJesus’deathnotsufficienttopay?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What kind of response to this Gospel do you need tomake today? Are you finding youhappinessinthehappinessofGod?AreyoutrustingJesusasyourallsufficientsaviororareyou solving life’s troubles yourself?Haveyou ever trusted thedeathof Christ topay foryourGod’sdishonoringsin?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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WhatdifferencedoesitmakethatGodwillrestoreallthingsinJesus?Whatdifferencedoesitmakefortheinjusticeintheworld?Forthepainyousufferfromyourfamily,marriage,failedcareer?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the mission of the church in light of living between the cross and the futurerestoration?How,then,doweparticipateintherestorationofallthingsinChrist?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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RestatingtheObviousChapter1
ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter1
Readchapter1ofTheCrossCenteredLifewithapenorpencilinhand.Writeyourthoughts,questionsorresponsesasyougo.Theywillbeimportantinthediscussiontofollow.
QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife
TheMessageC.J.MahaneypointsoutthatPauldoesnotfeeltheneedtoofferanewtruthtoTimothyjustbefore he dies, the message he had already provided would be sufficient. What doesMahaneythendescribeasthecenterpieceofPaul’stheology?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Onpage11D.A.Carson isquotedassayingthat joy,ethicsanddoctrineallcenteronthecross.WhatelseabouttheChristianlifecentersonthecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whatdifferencewoulditmakeinyourlifeifspecificthings, likeyourmarriageorcareer,werecenteredonthecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NeverForgetWhydoestheauthorfindlivinginhishometowntobeagiftfromGod?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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WhatdoesneverforgettingthepastalsoremindhimaboutGod?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Haveyouforgottenthatyouhavebeencleansedfromyourpastsins?Istheguiltofpastsinstillburdeningyoutoday?OrdoyousometimesforgetthatyouwereasinnerandactasifthemercyofGodwasforyesterdayinsteadoftoday?Whatdifferencewoulditmakeifyou“preached”theGospelofforgivenesstoyourselfmoreoften?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WeAllNeedThisWhatisthemostimportantthingtheauthorwantstoteachhisson?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howdoyoufeelaboutthis?Doesitsoundharshtoyou?Whataretheimplicationsofgivingourchildrenanothermessage?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ifyourchildrenarewellbehavedandwelleducatedbutnevercometounderstandthebadnewsthattheyaredeservingofpunishment,whatgoodisthat?Whatdifferencewoulditmakeinyourlifeandthelifeofothersifyouspokeaboutimmoralbehaviorintermsofsinandforgiveness?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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TheOnlyEssentialMessageQuotingJerryBridges,theauthornotonlycallsthecrossthecenterpieceoftheology,ethicsandjoy,butitistheonly…__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
IftheGospelistheonlyessentialmessageinallofhistory,howdoesyourstoryfitintothestoryofGod’srescueandrestorationofallthingsinJesus?DoesHeserveyourstoryordoyouserveHis?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhatwouldbelostfromthestoryoftheGospelintheworldtodayifyouwerenothere?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
InConclusion
TheGospelistheonlyessentialmessageinallofhistory.Itisnotonlythemessageneededfor salvation, it is the overarching story under which all the rest of life fits, either inobedienceor inrebellion.This isGod’sworldandweall live in theplacewhereGodhaspouredouthishatredofsinon Jesus.Reestablishingthismessageas themost importanttruthinourlivesshouldcallustorespond.WillyoutrustinJesus’deathasthefullandfinalpayment for your sin?Will you stop trying to be your own functional savior?Will yourefusetobetheheroofyourownstory?
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What’sYourLifeCenteredOn?Chapter2
ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter2
What a great question to ask, “What’s Your Life Centered On?” This question, if askedhonestly,canbelifetransforming.Youmustaskithonestly.Whilereadingthischapter,letitreadyou.IfthereisacenterofyourlifeotherthantheGospelofJesusChrist,thentakethetimetorootitoutandtalkthroughitwiththebrothersandsistersofyourLifeGroup.Asriskyasthissounds,theyloveyouandyourrepentancewillbringglorytoGodandjoytoyourownheart.
QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife
TheMatterofFirstImportanceWhenMahaneyisdiscussingChristianactivitiesonpage19,towhatishesettingtheminopposition?What Christian/ church activities do you participate in? Howmuch time dotheytake?HowdotheyservetheGospel?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are you passionate about? What do you think about when you can think aboutwhateveryouwant?Whatdoyoulovetotalkabout?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howwouldyourrelationshiptothatthingbedifferentifthecrosswherethecenterpieceofyourlife?HowcanyourpassionservethebigpicturestoryofGod’sGospel intheworld?HowcanitaidintherestorationofallthingsinJesus?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Onlyonethingcanbeoffirstimportancetoeachofus.Andonlythegospeloughttobe.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.21
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TheNew,TheBetter…orTheBest?WhatisthedangerthatMahaneyattachestoadvertisinginourculture?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How does advertising draw our hearts away from satisfaction in the Gospel? Whatpromisesofself,healthorwealthareyoumostattachedto?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HowdogoodChristianissuesdrawourheartsawayfromsatisfactionintheGospel?Whichonesdrawyouaway?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howmight you better focus on theGospel as the center anddefining point of your life?Then,witharight focus,howdoyoureturnto livewiththesegoodissuesorthe luresofadvertising?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
OurDailyChallengeRewritethedefinitionsofferedoflegalism,condemnationandsubjectivism.Doanyofthesestrikeyourightoff?Areyourespondingviscerally?Takenoteforlaterdiscussion.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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InConclusion
TheGospelistheonlyappropriatecenterofourlives.Itisnotasiftherestoflifebecomesevilorunimportant.Buttherestoflife,marriage,children,career,leisureallchangeiftheyare aimed towards the goal of the Gospel. Honestly, some will simply need to changebecauseweestablishedthoseareasofourlivestosatisfyourownpridefulsenseofselforbecause they actually distract from theworkof theGospel throughus.What is your lifecenteredon?
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BreakingTheRulesOfLegalismChapter3
ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter3
Are you a legalist? If you quickly answered “no” then please keep reading and let thischaptersinkdeeplyintoyoursoul.“Thelegalistisn’tjustsomeonewithhigherstandardsormore rules than you.” Don’t miss the clear and careful definition of the legalism byMahaney,itpointsthefingersquarelyateveryhumanheart,notjustthosewiththeirlistsof“do’sanddonot’s.”Thisisseriousbusiness,becausewhatmanymayhavepraisedyouforandcalled“discipline”or“faithfulness”inyourlifemayinfactbetheverythingthatisinsulting the cross andpractically treating the cross as insufficient. Any act, thought, orbehaviordonetoseekgreateracceptancebyGodistrustingselfoverthecompletedworkofChrist.Fleelegalismmyfriendwithallyouheart!
QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife
HowdoesThomasScheinerdescribe legalismonp. 25? Whatdoes self have todowithlegalism?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How does legalism make the death of Christ on the cross as either unnecessary orinsufficient?Howdoyourworksinvalidateandinsulttheworkofthecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Doyouknowhowtodiscernlegalisminyourlife?Wheredoesitcreepupforyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“LegalismclaimsthatthedeathofJesusonthecrosswaseitherunnecessaryorinsufficient.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.25
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SpinningPlates…ASpinnerNamesStuartWhatcomparisonisMahaneymakingbetweenplatespinningandtheChristianlife?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howdoeslegalismmakelifefrenetic?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whatplatesareyoucurrentlyspinning?Whyareyouspinningthem?Aretheyhelpingorhurting your spiritual life (not are they good or bad)? What might a “wobbling” platemean?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How does legalism undermine your confidence in the Gospel? How does it tweak yourperception of what God think about you? How has your thinking gonewrong due to alegalisticspirit?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Justified:TheFinishedWork…Sanctified:TheOngoingWork…Don’tConfuseTheTwoWhatdoesMahaneysayisthekeyto“doingthegoodthings”withoutplatespinning?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Whatdoesitmeantobejustified?Howdoyougetrighteous?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ifyouarerighteousalready,whydoyoustillsin?HowdoesyourworkandthepoweroftheGospelworktogether?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Describe the difference between justification and sanctification. How will a rightunderstandingofthesehelpdefeatlegalism?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TheLegalist’sMistake…PutDownYourPlatesHowdoesthelegalistconfusejustificationandsanctification?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howmight the statement, “we’re nevermore saved ormore lovedbyGod” change yourapproachtoGod?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whatdoyouneedtoconsiderinyourownlifetobattlelegalism?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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InConclusion
LegalismisoneofthemosteffectiveweaponsofSatantosubvertyourattentionawayfromthemainthing,awayfromthecross.Myfriend,youcandonothingtogaingreateraccess,love, or approval from God than what Christ has done through the cross. Your “goodthings”becomeyourgodwhenyoufailtorestintheall‐sufficient,gloriousworkofJesusonyourbehalf.Thehonestquestionisnotareyoualegalist,itiswhereareyouthelegalist?
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UnloadingCondemnationChapter4
ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter4
“But you don’t know what I’ve done, God could never forgive me!” So many who callthemselves Christians are weighed down by the baggage of guilt and shame. Past sin,repentedof, andyet tossed into thebackpackof life feelingsomehowthat if theybear itthemselvesGodwill think themnobleor really sorrow forwhat theydid. When in facttheydishonorthesacrificeofChristonthecross.TheyconsiderHispaymentfortheirsinincompleteandinneedofhelp…theirhelp.Ohbeliever,unloadthebackpack,runtothecrossandfindthefreedomfromcondemnationthatonlytheGospelcanoffer…andcomesthroughon!
QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife
CheckYourBags…LowGradeGuiltWhatisthegreatbaggagesomanycarryaround?HowdoesMahaneysayyoucanunloadthis“cripplingburden?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhatisthecommonelementincondemnationaccordingtoMahaneyonpg.38?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Readthroughthequestionsonpg.39andconsiderwhichquestionyoumostidentifywith.Why?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“It’simpossibletoresolveissuesofyesterdaybydoingbettertomorrow.Ourpromisesoffutureobedience,howeversincere,donotresolvecondemnationforpastsin.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.43
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Doyoubelieveyouarecompletelyfreeofallcondemnation?Whyorwhynot?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
How is wallowing in shame for sin you’ve repented of stealing the glory from God andputtingitonyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AnUninvitedGuest…OurManySinsWhatmoststandsoutintheLuke7:36‐50eventaboutSimon’sbehaviorandthewoman’sbehavior?WhatdoesMahaneybelievewearetoseefromthiseventinScripture?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howdoyoudistinguishbetweentearsofcondemnationandtearsofjoy?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whatistheconnectionbetweenlovingmuchandhavingbeenforgivenmuch?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
LoseYourLuggage…BeatingCondemnationHowwilltheChristianwhoislivingthecross‐centeredlifefacehisorherownsin?Doyoufaceyoursinthisway?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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What does your flesh want you to believe about your sin and Jesus’ sacrifice? Whatcommitmentswillyouinthefleshwanttomakethataren’thelpful?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhatistheproofthatGodacceptedJesus’sacrificeforsin?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howdoesrecognizingyourownunworthinessandthedepthofyoursingohandinhandwithrejoicinginthecross?Howwillyoupracticethesetwothingsinyourlife?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
InConclusion
Condemnationcripplesthebelieverfromlivingajoy‐filled,grace‐transforminglife.TonotunderstandandembracethefullpaymentforsinaccomplishedatthecrossistorejecttheloveofGodandchoosetoliveinthehouseofguilt.It’snotwhatGodwantsforyou!Nosinyouhavecommitted,orwillcommit,nomatterhowgreatorsmall,canseparateyoufromthe loveofGod through Jesus. Hispayment iscomplete, sostop trying topaysomeof ityourself…youcan’t!
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WhatYouFeelvs.WhatIsRealChapter5
ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter5
It’ssoeasytogothroughlifepassively,reactingtotheeventsoflifeandyourinterpretationofthoseeventsinawaythatisbasedpurelyonhowyoufeel.Feelingsaren’tevilmindyou,they are awonderful gift fromGod tobringyourworship to sweet expression, they justaren’tthefinalauthorityinyourlife.Mahaneyencouragesyoutotalktoyourself,beactivein informing your mind of the objective truth of the Gospel so that you keep the crosscentralandselfoffthethrone.
QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife
Describe the difference between “listening to yourself” and “talking to yourself.” Wheredoeseachresponsetakeyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
BadAdvice
Wheredoesthecross‐centeredlifestart?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sinclair Ferguson’swordsonpg. 48describe the faulty inward, subjective orientation tolife. Whatdoeshemean? What is theproperperspective over this inward self‐focusedorientation?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“Whenwelookinward,welivebythesubjective,thetemporal,theeverchanging,theunreliable,thelikelytobefalse.Whenwelookoutward,tothegospel,welivebytheobjective,theneverchanging,thatwhichisperfectly
reliableandalwayscompletelytrue.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.51
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Whatshouldhavethefinalauthorityinyourlife?Whatdoes?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ThePowerOfLookingOutward
WhataresomecharacteristicsoflisteningtoyourselfthatyouobserveinMahaney’scoffeespillonthelaptopepisode?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhatmightbesomeofthepossiblesinsthatcausedMahaney’soutburst?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HowdidreviewingtheGospelprovidetheremedytohisheartcondition?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
ExtollingJesusChristWhat does it mean that “the gospel exists independently of us,” and that “the gospel isobjective?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Where are you listening to yourself too much? Where have you built your life on thesubjectiveovertheobjective?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Whatneedstochangeinyourthinking?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
InConclusion
Subjectivismislettingyourcircumstancesandfeelingshavethefinalauthorityinyourlifeand decision making process. You let your emotions speak to you and inform yourattitudesandbehaviorsratherthanspeakingtoyouremotions,talkingtoyourself,takingyour thoughts captive and running them to the cross. The Gospel is objective truth, ithappenedand ithasongoing ramifications,nomatterwhat circumstancesbringorwhatyou feel about the truth. Let the cross be your source of confidence and stability in themidstoftheuncertaintiesoflife.
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TheCrossCenteredDayChapter6
ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter6
TheGospelispractical!Wecan’tleavethegreatdepthsofthecrossbehindinthecategoryof non‐applicable theology, or goodonly for evangelism. Wemust learnhow to live thecross‐centered life by living cross‐centered days. Days filled with focus, passion, andpurposearoundtheonethingthatmatters–thatJesusChristdiedforyousins,andyouareHis! May thedaysGodgrantsyoube consumed in thinkingand living theGospel to thegloryofGod.
QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife
Howdo our habits reflect our true selves? Howdo our habits reveal our priorities andpassions?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PreachToYourself…PassionInTheMidstOfDrizzle
WhodoesMahaneysayistheaudienceofyoursermon?Whatisthemessage?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HowdoesJerryBridgesexplainpreachingtheGospeltoyourself?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“NeverbecontentwithyourcurrentgraspoftheGospel.TheGospelislifepermeating,worldaltering,universe
changingtruth.Ithasmorefacetsthananydiamond.Itsdepthsmanwillneverexhaust.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.67
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Is thishabitnew toyou? Doyoupreach toyourself regularly? Howhaveyoupracticedthat?Whyisitimportant?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
DrawingNearToTheSparksOfTheCross
ArethesefivewaystodrawneartothesparksofthecrossformulasforearningspiritualfavorwithGod?Howoughtyouapproachthem?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhichoftheGospelversesMahaneycitedmoststoodouttoyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhatistheconnectionbetweentheGospelandprayer?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shareafavoritehymnorchorus.Howdoesitdirectyourhearttothecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howdoesanongoingawarenessofsinkeepusdependantongrace?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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Spendthirtyminuteswritingoutyourstoryandthecross.Isyourtestimonymorethan“IaskedJesusintomyheart?”Whyisthisinsufficient?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwillyounotbecontentwithyourcurrentgraspoftheGospel? Whatwillyoudotogrowinexploringitsdepths?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
InConclusion
Be a student of the Gospel. Learn how to employ it in your daily habits. Let its truthconsumeyourwayofthinking.ThisislivingalifetothegloryofGod.Why?BecauseyouaremakingGod’sgreatdelightyours. YouaremakingyourhighestvaluetheworkofHisSon,withwhomHeisgreatlypleased.Developthosepatternsandprioritiesthatworkforyouandfitintoyourlifetomakethecrossthecenterofyourday,yourlife,yourheart!
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NeverMoveOnChapter7
ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter7
We love new things. It’s so easy to be excited about something for a time only to loseinterest andmove on to the next best thing. Unfortunately, that soon becomes the old,boring, “tried that” thing, and on and on the cycle goes. Far too many Christians havetreatedtheGospelthisway,movingonfromitforanewtechnique,anewbook,a“sure‐to‐work”method.Myfriend,nevermoveonfromtheGospel!Fighttostayputandworkoutallyourissues,pains,anddisappointmentsinsidethegreatestgiftevergiven–JesusChristdeliveredupforyou.Thisislifeindeed.
QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife
ItReallyIsEnough
Whyarewesopronetoask,asMahaneypointsout,“Butdon’tIneedmorethanthat?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howdoyoupursuethe“more”withoutleavingthecross(pg.75)?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Whatdoes J.KnoxChamberlinmeanwhenhewrites, “theSpiritdoesnot takehispupilsbeyondthecross,butevermoredeeplyintoit”?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“TheGospelisn’toneclassamongmanythatyou’llattendduringyourlifeasaChristian–theGospelisthewhole
buildingthatalltheclassestakeplacein.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.75
TheCrossCenteredLife
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Yeah,ButWhatAbout…
WhydowetendtokeeptheGospelinonecategoryandthe“practicalissues”inaseparateone?Howdowekeepthesetogether?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What“good”subjecttendstobeyourdistractionfromkeepingtheGospelthemainthing?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howcanprayersoeasilyslideawayfromthecrossandintoaman‐centeredness?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhatdoyoudoinyourpersonalpursuitofholinessthatneedstochangebecauseitsnotrootedinGospelthinking?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
HowdoestheGospelguideusinrelationshipsandareallovingpursuitofothers?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“WhatIhopeyouseeisthatthecrosscenteredlifeisn’tjustoneoptionamongmanythatGodoffers.Itisthelife
thateveryChristianiscalledto.”
C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.82
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WhenYouSuffer…BetterThanIDeserve…OnlyYesterday
Howdoyoupreparetheologicallyforsuffering?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WhatdoestheGospeloffertotheonewhoissuffering?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Howareyou“betterthanyoudeserve?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
JerryBridgessays,“everydayofourChristianexperienceshouldbeadayofrelatingtoGodonthebasisofHisgracealone.”Wheredoesthistruthneedtobereflectedmoreevidentlyinyourlife?Whatneedstochangeforyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
InConclusion
IstheGospelyourgreatestdelight?Doyoufindallyourthinkingwithintheclassroomofthe cross? Do the priorities of your life demonstrate a value on the completedwork ofChristaboveallotherthings?Don’tmoveon,don’trunaway…EnduretotheendwiththejoythatonlytheGospeloffers.Youwillsuffer,butyou’llneverbedisappointed.