Jesus Christ, and Him Crucified
The sermon emphasizes the transforming power of faith in Christ and the calming effect of the cross in our lives.
Octavius Winslow emphasizes the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ and His crucifixion, illustrating how the Holy Spirit engraves the cross on our hearts during spiritual regeneration. He describes the peace and calm that envelops the soul as it turns to the cross, finding shelter from life's storms and conflicts. Winslow encourages believers to reflect on their sorrows in light of Christ's suffering, urging them to press on with patience and resilience while embodying the meekness and gentleness of Christ. The sermon calls for a deep, adoring gaze upon the cross, recognizing the love and sacrifice of the Savior.
Text
Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 1 Co2. 2:2.
FAITH, picturing to its view the cross, the Holy Spirit engraving it on the heart in spiritual regeneration, the whole soul receiving Him whom it lifts up, as its "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption," gently and effectually transforms the spirit, that was chafed and restless, into the "meekness and gentleness of Christ." Oh what calmness steals over his ruffled soul! oh what peace flows into his troubled heart! oh what sunshine bathes in its bright beams his dark spirit, who, from the scenes of his conflict and his sorrow, flees beneath the shadow and the shelter of the cross! The storm ceases--the deluge of his grief subsides--the Spirit, dove-like, brings the message of hope and love--the soul, tempest-tossed, rests on the green mount, and one unbounded spring clothes and encircles the landscape with its verdure and its beauty. Child, chastened by the Father's love, look to the cross of your crucified Savior; and as you fix upon it your believing, ardent, adoring gaze, exclaim--
"Wearily for me you sought,
On the cross my soul you bought;
Lose not all for which you wrought."
What is your sorrow compared with Christ's? What is your grief gauged by your Lord's? Your Master has passed before you, flinging the curse and the sin from your path, paving it with promises, carpeting it with love, and fencing it around with the hedge of His divine perfections. Press onward, then, resisting your foe resolutely, bearing your cross patiently, drinking your cup submissively, and learning, while sitting at the Savior's feet, or leaning upon His bosom, to be like Him, "meek and lowly in heart."
Sermon Outline
- The Transforming Power of Faith
- The Calming Effect of the Cross
- The Call to Follow Christ
- Resist the foe resolutely and bear the cross patiently
- Drink the cup submissively and learn to be like Christ
- The spirit is transformed into meekness and gentleness
Key Quotes
“Oh what calmness steals over his ruffled soul! oh what peace flows into his troubled heart! oh what sunshine bathes in its bright beams his dark spirit” — Octavius Winslow
“Child, chastened by the Father's love, look to the cross of your crucified Savior” — Octavius Winslow
“Wearily for me you sought, On the cross my soul you bought; Lose not all for which you wrought” — Octavius Winslow
Application Points
- We should resist our foes resolutely and bear our crosses patiently, just as Christ did.
- We should learn to be like Christ by being meek and gentle, and by drinking our cups submissively.
- We should fix our gaze on the cross of Christ and exclaim, 'Wearily for me you sought, On the cross my soul you bought; Lose not all for which you wrought'.