The Logos of the Cross
The cross is the real power of the Word of Wisdom and the foundation of the Church's spiritual gifts.
G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the 'Logos of the Cross' in understanding the power of God as expressed through the crucifixion of Christ. He explains that the effectiveness of spiritual gifts within the Church is intrinsically linked to the cross, asserting that true wisdom and power can only emerge from the crucified Christ. North highlights that the Word (Logos) of the Cross must precede the Word of Wisdom, as the essence of Christ's sacrifice is foundational for spiritual life and function. He warns that without embracing the cross, believers remain carnal and disconnected from God's true wisdom and power. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a recognition of the cross as central to the identity and operation of the Church.
Text
This is the reason why Paul in writing to them, is very careful to use the distinctive word 'Logos' in 1:18 and 12:8. The former verse should be read, 'for the Word (Logos) of the Cross ... is the power of God', and set in contrast to 'the wisdom of words which makes the cross of none effect', in verse 17. The Spirit which operates the gifts in the body of Christ must make the cross of Christ effective in His members, or He cannot hope to achieve His purposes in operating the gift. By the language of Paul 'the Word (Logos) of the Cross' and 'the Word (Logos) of Wisdom' are definitely linked, with the result that the cross is shown to be the real power of the Word of Wisdom.
For the Church the Logos which was made flesh (John 1:14) had to become the Logos of the Cross before He could be the Logos of Wisdom.
Obviously, in God's order, being and deed precede words. The Word can only be the Word of Wisdom if it is the Word of the Cross, for the Word and the Cross are one, Christ crucified. Whatsoever gift there be in the Body of Christ can only be in the Body of Christ crucified. Therefore to function properly it must partake of the power of the cross. The real power of the gifts in the Church is the cross of the Christ of the Cross, for it is by this power that sin and self are permanently excluded from them; then and not until then are they really spirituals. An uncrucified man is a carnal man, for he has forsaken God's wisdom and power.
The Man of the Spirit is the crucified Man. Even Christ cannot now be known after the flesh, He is the spiritual MAN -- we are His BODY.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Importance of the Cross
- A. The cross is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18)
- B. The cross is the real power of the Word of Wisdom
- II. The Relationship Between the Word and the Cross
- A. The Word can only be the Word of Wisdom if it is the Word of the Cross
- B. The Word and the Cross are one, Christ crucified
- III. The Power of the Cross in the Church
- A. The real power of the gifts in the Church is the cross of Christ
- B. The cross excludes sin and self from the gifts
Key Quotes
“The Word and the Cross are one, Christ crucified.” — G.W. North
“The real power of the gifts in the Church is the cross of the Christ of the Cross.” — G.W. North
“An uncrucified man is a carnal man, for he has forsaken God's wisdom and power.” — G.W. North
Application Points
- To function properly, the gifts in the Church must partake of the power of the cross.
- A crucified man is a spiritual man who has forsaken sin and self.
- The cross is the power that makes the gifts truly spiritual and excludes sin and self.