Bethesda Chapel 2002
SG Bible Study #4 

Devotional Reflections on the Death of Christ in the Eyes of People today

Suggested Opening Song:
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross
The emblem of suffering and shame
And I love that old cross where the dearest and best
For a world of lost sinners was slain

Chorus:  
 So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross  
 Till my trophies at last I lay down  
 I will cling to the old rugged cross  
 And exchange it some day for a crown

O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world
Has a wondrous attraction for me
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary

In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
A wondrous beauty I see
For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died
To pardon and sanctify me

To the old rugged cross I will ever be true
Its shame and reproach gladly bear
Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away
Where His glory forever I’ll share

Sharing as desired on an individual basis (Optional)  
29th March 2002 was yet again a public holiday. How did you spend that time? Caught up on
some lost sleep? Spent some family time? Whatever? Is there something that needs prayer?

Prayer
Where appropriate pray together as a group or break into smaller groups for short prayers.

Scripture Reading
1Cor. 1:18-31

As Christians, we should be thankful for the cross because:

Point One:  The Cross of Jesus speaks of offensiveness to some people
Note:
1.      Death on the cross is only meant for the worst of criminals. Only slaves and such characters
         deserve such kind of end.  No Romans, except for extreme circumstances, should end up 
         on the cross.
2.      Make a note of Deut. 21:22-23.  Put yourselves in the shoes of a Jew who knows of this and 
         sees Jesus on the cross.  Talk about feelings that would likely to surface.
3.      Jews demand for miraculous signs. The Old Testament is replete with the signs and wonders 
         of God. They expect nothing less in Jesus, except that the miracle that God wrought through 
         Jesus on the cross was not what they had expected.  
4.      Read Acts 5:27-39.  Relate any such incidences that you are aware of and see if ‘history 
         has been repeating itself’.

Point Two:  The cross of Jesus speaks of foolishness to other people
Note:
1.      While Jews demand for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom.  (see vs. 22).  Read Acts 17:16-23 
         and get a flavour of what Paul meant concerning what the Greeks love to do.  
2.      The Greeks had their Aristotle, Plato and Socrates.  Talk about its implications in suggesting 
         that Jesus (remember His background?) should be worshiped.

Discussion
1.      Warm up.  Talk about some of the things you have been hearing concerning signs and wonders 
         (if possible in Singapore, if not outside of Singapore).

 

2.      Paul’s opinion of the Corinthians was that not many of them were wise, influential or of noble
         birth (see vs. 26). Is this true of church members in today’s day and age? 
         What are its negative implications? Can this be worked towards positive good?

 

3.      What is the place of ‘wisdom’ in Christian ministry?  Where do we draw the line in making use
of 'secular wisdom’ to achieve ‘spiritual results’? For example, where is the place of 
‘professionalism’? 

 

4.      Talk about the offensiveness and foolishness of the cross.  How does the message of the cross 
(the gospel) impact what the world thinks as ‘power’ and ‘wisdom’?

 

For personal reflection:
1.       Is there something which the world may consider as ‘foolish’ that you would consider doing for 
          the Lord?   

 

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