Guiding Question What does it mean to "die to self," and why is it essential for experiencing the power of Christ in the Christian life?

Summary

This message centers on the theology of the cross—particularly the believer’s need to die to self in order to experience the resurrection life and power of Christ. Drawing from Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians, the sermon emphasizes that surrender, not self-effort or religious performance, is the path to spiritual vitality. Through biblical exposition and a vivid personal story, Dr. Lewis argues that true Christian transformation occurs when we lay down our lives and live by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

Outline

I. The Theological Foundation (Romans 6:5–13)

• Believers are united with Christ in both His death and resurrection.

• “Consider yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God” (v. 11).

• Do not let sin reign in your mortal body; live free through Christ.

II. Paul’s Strategy in Corinth (1 Corinthians 2:1–5)

• Paul chose not to use clever speech or worldly philosophy.

• He focused solely on preaching “Christ and Him crucified.”

• Corinthian culture mirrors modern American culture—immoral, materialistic, prideful, yet spiritually empty.

III. The Cost of Discipleship (Mark 8:34–35)

• “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross.”

• Resurrection life is not possible without first dying to self.

• Many desire God's blessings, but not at the expense of personal surrender.

IV. Illustration from Personal Experience

• A difficult trip to Israel revealed the limits of human strength and leadership.

• When the speaker finally surrendered to God amid exhaustion, he experienced supernatural peace and strength.

• The turning point came only after fully dying to self.

V. Paul’s Personal Struggle (2 Corinthians 4:7–12)

• Paul ministered in physical weakness, fear, and trembling.

• Despite suffering and persecution, he continued by dying daily to himself.

• His weakness became a vessel for Christ’s power and life to shine through.

VI. The Real Source of Power (1 Corinthians 2:5)

• Faith must rest not in human wisdom, but in the power of God.

• Christianity is not merely intellectual or theoretical—it is transformational.

Key Takeaways

1. You must die to self to live in Christ.

   • There is no spiritual power without surrendering your will.

2. Christian mediocrity often stems from self-centeredness.

   • We desire spiritual benefits without laying down our lives.

3. Resurrection power follows crucifixion.

   • We cannot know the power of Christ’s life without embracing His death.

4. Paul modeled this principle in weakness and suffering.

   • His effectiveness came from his daily crucifixion of self.

5. God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

   • The end of self is the beginning of God's strength (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Scriptural References

Romans 6:5–13 – United with Christ in death and life; dead to sin, alive to God.

Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ…”

Mark 8:34–35 – Take up your cross and follow Jesus.

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 – Paul’s preaching: not in wisdom, but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 3:3 – “You are still fleshly…”

2 Corinthians 4:7–12 – Dying to self so Christ’s life may be revealed.

Galatians 4:13 – Paul preached due to illness, revealing physical weakness.

Recorded 6/21/81