The Apostle Paul had a rich choice of things in which he could have gloried. If he had remained among his own people, he might have been one of their most honored rabbis. Certainly, he might have boasted of his personal, righteousness. He might have gloried in his unique apostleship. He had revelations and visions uncommon, even to the apostles, these he could have gloried in. This man suffered greatly for the cause of Christ He was a living martyr, a perpetual self-sacrifice. He could have gloried in his sufferings. He put aside all his works and privileges saying, "God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." Brethren, you and I should follow his example. Let us glory in the cross alone.
1. Why Did Paul Glory In the Cross? Paul gloried in the cross from a solemn and deliberate choice. He had counted the cost, and resolved to place everything else on the shelf in comparison with the cross. He pronounced anathema to any rival subject to the naked, blood stained cross. There was good reason for this. He saw in the cross the hienousness of human sin before God, and the vindication of divine justice. In the cross he beheld the gracious display of God's love. To this man the cross was the revelation of divine wisdom. Paul realized that the cross was the full revelation of all the attributes of God, and the accomplishment of full salvation for all believers.
2. How Did Paul Glory In The Cross? He trusted nothing but Christ blood redemption for the pardon of his sin and the salvation of his soul. The cross became the center of his life and ministry. He loved the doctrine of the cross and the crucified Savior. Paul sacrificed everything to the cross. He lived and died by the cross. Brethren, beware of any religion and any preaching in which there is not much of the cross.
3. What Was The Result of Paul's Glorying In The Cross? The world to be a dead, despised thing in the light of the cross. And to the world, Paul became a dead, crucified men. He was an object of contempt to all those who place their confidence in earthly pleasures, treasures, and honors.
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