The Cruciform Life
/Pastor Daniel Cormier shares shares a message entitled “The Cruciform Life”.
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Sermon Notes
Reflection & Discussion
Warm-up. What is most shaping your life lately?
Read: Mark 8:27-38. Pray for your study time.
Observation
What are the different opinions of Jesus in vv. 27-28? What title does Peter declare for Jesus, and why is it significant in a Jewish context (v. 29)? What does Jesus immediately begin to teach after Peter’s confession (vv. 31-32)? How does Peter respond to Jesus’ teaching about suffering, and how does Jesus respond to Peter (vv. 32-33)? List the commands Jesus gives to his followers in verse 34. What contrasts does Jesus set up in verses 35-37 (save/lose life, gain world/lose soul)? What future reality does Jesus point to in verse 38?
Interpretation
Why is it possible to confess Jesus as “the Christ” and still misunderstand his mission? What does Jesus mean by “deny yourself”? How is this more than merely self-denial? What did “taking up the cross” imply for Jesus’ original hearers? When it comes to suffering and loss, how can our human thinking be opposed to God’s purposes? How does Jesus’ call to take up our cross refute the idea of half-hearted Christians? How does verse 38 connect present allegiance to future accountability?
Application
What does this passage demand of us? Be specific and honest. How would you answer Jesus’ question: “Who do you say that I am?” in your own words? In what ways are you tempted to follow Jesus without embracing the cross? What does “self- preservation” look like in your life right now (comfort, reputation, control, security)? Where might Jesus be calling you to lose your life in order to truly save it? What would it look like, practically, for you to sacrificially deny yourself this week for God’s kingdom purposes and the betterment of others? How does the certainty of Jesus’ return reshape your priorities today?