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TheCrossCenteredLife

Introduction

Lesson1 PreachtheGospel UnderstandingGospelBasics

Lesson2 RestatingtheObvious Chapter1

Lesson3 What’sYourLifeCenteredOn? Chapter2

Lesson4 BreakingtheRulesofLegalism Chapter3

Lesson5 UnloadingCondemnation Chapter4

Lesson6 WhatyouFeelvs.WhatIsReal Chapter5

Lesson7 TheCrossCenteredDay Chapter6

Lesson8 NeverMoveOn Chapter7

“Ifthere’sanythinginlifethatweshouldbepassionateabout,it’sthegospel.AndIdon’tmeanpassionateonlyaboutsharingitwithothers.Imeanpassionateaboutthinkingaboutit,dwellingonit,rejoicinginit,allowingittocolorthewaywelookattheworld.Onlyonethingcanbeoffirstimportancetoeachofus.Andonlythe

gospeloughttobe.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.20­21

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Introduction

ThereisnothingmoreimportantintheChristianlifethantheGospel.Thereisnotruth,nosymbolandnoeventmoreimportantthanthecross.Onthecross,GodtookonHimselfthepunishmentrightlydueforoursins.Thatisjustaimportantinourlivestodayasitwasthedaywefirstbelieved.Thecrossiscomplete.ThereisnothingyouaddtoitandnothingthatislackingintheworkofChristonthecross.Godisinfinitelypleasedwithyou,ifyoutrustinHisSon.

“YourworstdaysareneversobadthatyouarebeyondthereachofGod'sgrace,norareyourbestdayseversogoodthatyouarebeyondtheneedofit.”

JerryBridges,DisciplinesofGrace,18

ThisguidewillhelpyouandyourLifeGroupreadthroughanddiscussC.J.Mahaney’slittlebook,TheCrossCenteredLife.

Discussionquestionscomeinthreeforms.1. Questions about the text: What does it say? These questions are answered by

pointingtothewordsonpaper.Theanswerscanbefoundinblackandwhite.Putyour finger in the book and point to your answer when discussing this type ofquestion.

2. Questions fromthe text:Whatmight thatmean?Thesequestionsareanswered inlightofthetextbutcouldgoinmultipledirections,butwillalwayscomefromwhattheauthorwrote.

3. Questionsbecauseofthetext:Whatcanorshouldbedifferent inmylifebecauseofwhat we just read? These are intentionally subjective questions and can only beansweredpersonally.Answerthempersonally,fromyourheart.

ThequestionsinthisguidewilltakeallthreeformssothatthisgreatandyetsimplelittlebookservestodriveustotrulyevaluateourheartsbeforeGod.MaywebeaGospelpeople,apeoplewhoarecrosscentered,tothegloryofGod.

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PreachtheGospelUnderstandingGospelBasics

Themessage of the Gospel is the story of God’s glory. It is the unfolding drama of theCreator rescuing His fallen creation. The physical world becomes the backdrop for thetheater of God’s redemptive work to bemost gloriously displayed. As we consider theessential declarative truths of God’s Gospel, see it through the lens of the greatest storyever told, the story thatmakes senseof all ofhumanhistoryandeveryhuman life. TheGospelisarescuedrama,andthosewhohavebeenrescuedarethegreateststorytellers.

AsweidentifytheseelementsintheGospelstorythatareessentialtoembrace,pleasedon’tseetheseasmerelyaformulaoffivepointstocover,ratherunderstandthemastheGospelplotline that with any one of them left out tells a story other than the Biblical story ofRedemption.

God:beforethebeginning

Beforetheworldbeganorwasevenathought,Godwas.HedidnotbeginwithcreationnordoesHeexistincreation.WesaythatHeistranscendentorseparatefromHiscreationandcompletelysatisfiedinHimself.HelacksnothinginHisholyperfection,andistheonlyoneworthy object of worship. He is not a distant Creator, but everywhere present in Hiscreation.HeexistsforHimselfandHisownglory.WebelieveintheeternalGodhead,oneGodexistinginthreepersons,eachfullyGod.HeiscompletelysatisfiedintherelationshipbetweenFather,Son,andSpirit.HeisLove,anddesirescommunionwiththoseHecreated.Godistruth,therevelationoftruth,andthegreatcommunicatoroftruthtotheworld.Thisone true God is the standard for every Law, expecting perfect obedience, and judgingrebellion.ItisHisonepurposetogetgloryforHimselfthroughtherescueandrestorationofafallenworld.

Man:inthebeginning

In the Garden of Eden God created mankind, male and female, as image‐bearers of theTriuneGodhead.Manwascreatedasthehighpointofallcreationtoruleoverthecreation.In man’s work he reflects the creative attributes of God, able to imagine, invent, andadvancethepurposesofGodintheworld.Whilemankindhasintrinsicvalueastheobjectof God’s creative purposes, he is created to be a worshipper. This is where things gotragically wrong. Satan, a fallen angel, convinced mankind that it was better to beworshippedthantoworship.WhysettleforworshippingGod,whenyoucanbelikeHim?WhybeGod‐centeredwhenyoucanbeself‐centered?Throughtheself‐glorifyingchoicesofallofmankind’sfatherandmother,sinenteredthehumanrace,andwithsindeath.Thisfalliscompleteandultimate,iteffectseveryhumanandhasnoescapeclause.Unholy,self‐

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worshippingman is forever separated from holy, glory‐seeking God. Sin has no humanremedy,andearnsonlyheavenlywrath.Andnow,sadbuttrue,everyonerebelsagainsthisCreator,exchangestruthforlies,anddesiresonlythatwhichpleaseshissinfulflesh. Itistheonepurposeofmantogetgloryforhimself,throughhumanachievementandself‐love.ThisstandssquarelyinthewayofGod’sagenda,andthereasonforwhichGodcreatedtheworldandmanhimself.Andthesadrealityisthatmanathismostwickedworstandmaninhismostnobleeffortscometothesametragicend–theeternaljudgmentofGod.

Jesus:atjusttherighttime

God, inHis uniquewisdom, devised a plan that displaysHis glory anddeliversmankindfrom eternal wrath. His answer – the God‐Man Jesus! God the Father sent the secondmemberoftheTrinity,theSon,toearthastheonlyacceptablesacrificeforsin.Takingonhumanityandlivinginperfectobedience,themanJesusbecamethesin‐bearerforallwhobelieve. In the place of sinful men, who deserve the full weight of judgment for theirrebellion,Jesusbecamethesubstituteconsequencetaker.Inhislifeanddeath,hedivertedthewrath of God fromdeserving sinners to himself, a flawless Savior. Through the life,death, burial, andmiraculous resurrection of Jesus, life wasmade secure for thosewhobelieve. Inthe lifeofthisoneman,God’sholywrathissatisfied,sin ispunished,andthefallen are rescued, restored to relationship with the Father, and clothed in therighteousnessofJesuswithwhomtheFatherispleased.Notonlyisthisthemostgloriousand agonizing solution to the problemof the human race, bought it is the only solution.Jesuscametosavesinners!

Respond:today

NoonechoosesGod.Noactofthewillorreasoningofthemindcanindependentlydecideto followJesus. Deadmendon’twalk;much lessembrace theirsinfulnessanddesperateneedforaSavior. ThestoryoftheGospel isthestoryofGod’sdoingintheheartsofHischildren. He gives life to those He chooses. He grants faith based entirely on His ownpredetermined plan, not the goodness or vileness of the soul involved. We glory in anindependentGod,notswayednormanipulatedbytheemotionsofmen. Andinthesamebreathwetellmeneverywheretorepent.TheGospelstorydemandsaresponse–declareyourhopelessness, turn fromyour sin, andbelieve in Jesus! This kindof belief goes fardeeper than intellectual acknowledgement of Bible facts; far deeper than a fear of hell.Biblicalbelief isagraciousgiftofGod thatsoftens therebel’sheart, transforms fromtheinsideout,andplacesonesallegiancebehindthegloryofGodandGodalone‐thisissavingfaith, this is Biblical belief! Repentance and faith are not only the starting blocks tofollowingJesus;theyarethedailybuildingblockstoalifelivedintheGospel.TheSpiritofGod enables the child of God to respond to theGospel, and byHis grace he never stopsresponding.

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Glory:oneday

Thestoryendsinglorioustriumph.TheKingreturnsinroyalsplendor,HisloyalfollowerscelebratingHisvictory,allcreationrescued–declaringthegloryofGod,andeveryenemyofthecrossofChristputdownonceandforall.TheresurrectionofJesusthreedaysafterHiscrucifixionisaguaranteeofthefinalresurrectionofallpeople–sometoeternalblissand others to eternal punishment. All the promises of God are fulfilled in His finalappearing.EverykneethatpreviouslydisobeyedHimwillbow,everytonguethatmockedHimwilldeclarethatthestoryofthecrosswastrueandJesusisthevictor! Thehopeofglory is foreveryfollowerof Jesusthegreatmotivatortoa lifewell lived. Thisproducesthecalltomissionalliving.Itisthegreatinheritanceofalifelivedinaforeignland.TheLord in His glory abiding with His people without sin, suffering, or decay forevercelebratingthisgreateststoryevertold–thisisourreward!

Unless this story is our story and it rolls of our tongues and flows fromour lives, LeroyChapelwillhavenoeffectintheworldwelivein.TothedegreewefleewrongnotionsoftheGospelandembracethegloriousplanofGod’sgloryforthenations,isthedegreeourliveswillmatterintheseshortdaysinwhichwelive.Letusknowonestoryandonestoryalone!

“WhensalvationisclearlyseenasGod’sworkofsovereigngrace,graceisnolongeremaciated,weakened,colorless.Dwellingondivinesupremacyinsalvationmagnifiesagrace­exaltingGodandhumblesus.SavinggracemeansthatGodisneithercoercednorconstrainedbyourvalueashumans.Heisnotobligedtosave,butstillHedoes…Wearen’tseekingjust“decisionsforJesus”butawe­inspiredworshippers,peoplewhohavetasted

andseenthattheLordisfullofgraceandwhocan’tholdbacktheirjoy!”

WillMetzger,TelltheTruth,pg.151

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QuestionsabouttheGospel

Howdoes thisGospelpresentationdescribeGod’s relationship toGodbeforeHe createdtheworld?DidGodhaveanyneed?WhowastherecipientofGod’sdivinelove?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IfGodcreatedtheworldoutoftheoverflowofHisgoodness,ratherthanoutofneed,whatdoesoursinsayabouthowweviewHisgoodness?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HowdoyouseeGod’slawandcommandstoberelatedtoHischaracter?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________InsteadofcomingtopunishtheworldfordisregardingHiswillandHisvalue,thesecondperson of the eternally satisfied Trinity goes to the cross to die in our place.What debtremainstobepaidforsin,thatis,whatsinisJesus’deathnotsufficienttopay?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What kind of response to this Gospel do you need tomake today? Are you finding youhappinessinthehappinessofGod?AreyoutrustingJesusasyourallsufficientsaviororareyou solving life’s troubles yourself?Haveyou ever trusted thedeathof Christ topay foryourGod’sdishonoringsin?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatdifferencedoesitmakethatGodwillrestoreallthingsinJesus?Whatdifferencedoesitmakefortheinjusticeintheworld?Forthepainyousufferfromyourfamily,marriage,failedcareer?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What is the mission of the church in light of living between the cross and the futurerestoration?How,then,doweparticipateintherestorationofallthingsinChrist?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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RestatingtheObviousChapter1

ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter1

Readchapter1ofTheCrossCenteredLifewithapenorpencilinhand.Writeyourthoughts,questionsorresponsesasyougo.Theywillbeimportantinthediscussiontofollow.

QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife

TheMessageC.J.MahaneypointsoutthatPauldoesnotfeeltheneedtoofferanewtruthtoTimothyjustbefore he dies, the message he had already provided would be sufficient. What doesMahaneythendescribeasthecenterpieceofPaul’stheology?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Onpage11D.A.Carson isquotedassayingthat joy,ethicsanddoctrineallcenteronthecross.WhatelseabouttheChristianlifecentersonthecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatdifferencewoulditmakeinyourlifeifspecificthings, likeyourmarriageorcareer,werecenteredonthecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

NeverForgetWhydoestheauthorfindlivinginhishometowntobeagiftfromGod?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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WhatdoesneverforgettingthepastalsoremindhimaboutGod?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Haveyouforgottenthatyouhavebeencleansedfromyourpastsins?Istheguiltofpastsinstillburdeningyoutoday?OrdoyousometimesforgetthatyouwereasinnerandactasifthemercyofGodwasforyesterdayinsteadoftoday?Whatdifferencewoulditmakeifyou“preached”theGospelofforgivenesstoyourselfmoreoften?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WeAllNeedThisWhatisthemostimportantthingtheauthorwantstoteachhisson?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howdoyoufeelaboutthis?Doesitsoundharshtoyou?Whataretheimplicationsofgivingourchildrenanothermessage?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ifyourchildrenarewellbehavedandwelleducatedbutnevercometounderstandthebadnewsthattheyaredeservingofpunishment,whatgoodisthat?Whatdifferencewoulditmakeinyourlifeandthelifeofothersifyouspokeaboutimmoralbehaviorintermsofsinandforgiveness?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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TheOnlyEssentialMessageQuotingJerryBridges,theauthornotonlycallsthecrossthecenterpieceoftheology,ethicsandjoy,butitistheonly…__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IftheGospelistheonlyessentialmessageinallofhistory,howdoesyourstoryfitintothestoryofGod’srescueandrestorationofallthingsinJesus?DoesHeserveyourstoryordoyouserveHis?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatwouldbelostfromthestoryoftheGospelintheworldtodayifyouwerenothere?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

InConclusion

TheGospelistheonlyessentialmessageinallofhistory.Itisnotonlythemessageneededfor salvation, it is the overarching story under which all the rest of life fits, either inobedienceor inrebellion.This isGod’sworldandweall live in theplacewhereGodhaspouredouthishatredofsinon Jesus.Reestablishingthismessageas themost importanttruthinourlivesshouldcallustorespond.WillyoutrustinJesus’deathasthefullandfinalpayment for your sin?Will you stop trying to be your own functional savior?Will yourefusetobetheheroofyourownstory?

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What’sYourLifeCenteredOn?Chapter2

ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter2

What a great question to ask, “What’s Your Life Centered On?” This question, if askedhonestly,canbelifetransforming.Youmustaskithonestly.Whilereadingthischapter,letitreadyou.IfthereisacenterofyourlifeotherthantheGospelofJesusChrist,thentakethetimetorootitoutandtalkthroughitwiththebrothersandsistersofyourLifeGroup.Asriskyasthissounds,theyloveyouandyourrepentancewillbringglorytoGodandjoytoyourownheart.

QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife

TheMatterofFirstImportanceWhenMahaneyisdiscussingChristianactivitiesonpage19,towhatishesettingtheminopposition?What Christian/ church activities do you participate in? Howmuch time dotheytake?HowdotheyservetheGospel?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What are you passionate about? What do you think about when you can think aboutwhateveryouwant?Whatdoyoulovetotalkabout?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howwouldyourrelationshiptothatthingbedifferentifthecrosswherethecenterpieceofyourlife?HowcanyourpassionservethebigpicturestoryofGod’sGospel intheworld?HowcanitaidintherestorationofallthingsinJesus?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Onlyonethingcanbeoffirstimportancetoeachofus.Andonlythegospeloughttobe.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.21

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TheNew,TheBetter…orTheBest?WhatisthedangerthatMahaneyattachestoadvertisinginourculture?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does advertising draw our hearts away from satisfaction in the Gospel? Whatpromisesofself,healthorwealthareyoumostattachedto?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HowdogoodChristianissuesdrawourheartsawayfromsatisfactionintheGospel?Whichonesdrawyouaway?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howmight you better focus on theGospel as the center anddefining point of your life?Then,witharight focus,howdoyoureturnto livewiththesegoodissuesorthe luresofadvertising?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

OurDailyChallengeRewritethedefinitionsofferedoflegalism,condemnationandsubjectivism.Doanyofthesestrikeyourightoff?Areyourespondingviscerally?Takenoteforlaterdiscussion.________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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InConclusion

TheGospelistheonlyappropriatecenterofourlives.Itisnotasiftherestoflifebecomesevilorunimportant.Buttherestoflife,marriage,children,career,leisureallchangeiftheyare aimed towards the goal of the Gospel. Honestly, some will simply need to changebecauseweestablishedthoseareasofourlivestosatisfyourownpridefulsenseofselforbecause they actually distract from theworkof theGospel throughus.What is your lifecenteredon?

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BreakingTheRulesOfLegalismChapter3

ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter3

Are you a legalist? If you quickly answered “no” then please keep reading and let thischaptersinkdeeplyintoyoursoul.“Thelegalistisn’tjustsomeonewithhigherstandardsormore rules than you.” Don’t miss the clear and careful definition of the legalism byMahaney,itpointsthefingersquarelyateveryhumanheart,notjustthosewiththeirlistsof“do’sanddonot’s.”Thisisseriousbusiness,becausewhatmanymayhavepraisedyouforandcalled“discipline”or“faithfulness”inyourlifemayinfactbetheverythingthatisinsulting the cross andpractically treating the cross as insufficient. Any act, thought, orbehaviordonetoseekgreateracceptancebyGodistrustingselfoverthecompletedworkofChrist.Fleelegalismmyfriendwithallyouheart!

QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife

HowdoesThomasScheinerdescribe legalismonp. 25? Whatdoes self have todowithlegalism?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does legalism make the death of Christ on the cross as either unnecessary orinsufficient?Howdoyourworksinvalidateandinsulttheworkofthecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Doyouknowhowtodiscernlegalisminyourlife?Wheredoesitcreepupforyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“LegalismclaimsthatthedeathofJesusonthecrosswaseitherunnecessaryorinsufficient.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.25

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SpinningPlates…ASpinnerNamesStuartWhatcomparisonisMahaneymakingbetweenplatespinningandtheChristianlife?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howdoeslegalismmakelifefrenetic?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatplatesareyoucurrentlyspinning?Whyareyouspinningthem?Aretheyhelpingorhurting your spiritual life (not are they good or bad)? What might a “wobbling” platemean?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How does legalism undermine your confidence in the Gospel? How does it tweak yourperception of what God think about you? How has your thinking gonewrong due to alegalisticspirit?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Justified:TheFinishedWork…Sanctified:TheOngoingWork…Don’tConfuseTheTwoWhatdoesMahaneysayisthekeyto“doingthegoodthings”withoutplatespinning?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whatdoesitmeantobejustified?Howdoyougetrighteous?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ifyouarerighteousalready,whydoyoustillsin?HowdoesyourworkandthepoweroftheGospelworktogether?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Describe the difference between justification and sanctification. How will a rightunderstandingofthesehelpdefeatlegalism?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

TheLegalist’sMistake…PutDownYourPlatesHowdoesthelegalistconfusejustificationandsanctification?________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howmight the statement, “we’re nevermore saved ormore lovedbyGod” change yourapproachtoGod?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatdoyouneedtoconsiderinyourownlifetobattlelegalism?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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InConclusion

LegalismisoneofthemosteffectiveweaponsofSatantosubvertyourattentionawayfromthemainthing,awayfromthecross.Myfriend,youcandonothingtogaingreateraccess,love, or approval from God than what Christ has done through the cross. Your “goodthings”becomeyourgodwhenyoufailtorestintheall‐sufficient,gloriousworkofJesusonyourbehalf.Thehonestquestionisnotareyoualegalist,itiswhereareyouthelegalist?

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UnloadingCondemnationChapter4

ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter4

“But you don’t know what I’ve done, God could never forgive me!” So many who callthemselves Christians are weighed down by the baggage of guilt and shame. Past sin,repentedof, andyet tossed into thebackpackof life feelingsomehowthat if theybear itthemselvesGodwill think themnobleor really sorrow forwhat theydid. When in facttheydishonorthesacrificeofChristonthecross.TheyconsiderHispaymentfortheirsinincompleteandinneedofhelp…theirhelp.Ohbeliever,unloadthebackpack,runtothecrossandfindthefreedomfromcondemnationthatonlytheGospelcanoffer…andcomesthroughon!

QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife

CheckYourBags…Low­GradeGuiltWhatisthegreatbaggagesomanycarryaround?HowdoesMahaneysayyoucanunloadthis“cripplingburden?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatisthecommonelementincondemnationaccordingtoMahaneyonpg.38?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Readthroughthequestionsonpg.39andconsiderwhichquestionyoumostidentifywith.Why?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“It’simpossibletoresolveissuesofyesterdaybydoingbettertomorrow.Ourpromisesoffutureobedience,howeversincere,donotresolvecondemnationforpastsin.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.43

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Doyoubelieveyouarecompletelyfreeofallcondemnation?Whyorwhynot?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

How is wallowing in shame for sin you’ve repented of stealing the glory from God andputtingitonyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AnUninvitedGuest…OurManySinsWhatmoststandsoutintheLuke7:36‐50eventaboutSimon’sbehaviorandthewoman’sbehavior?WhatdoesMahaneybelievewearetoseefromthiseventinScripture?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howdoyoudistinguishbetweentearsofcondemnationandtearsofjoy?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatistheconnectionbetweenlovingmuchandhavingbeenforgivenmuch?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

LoseYourLuggage…BeatingCondemnationHowwilltheChristianwhoislivingthecross‐centeredlifefacehisorherownsin?Doyoufaceyoursinthisway?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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What does your flesh want you to believe about your sin and Jesus’ sacrifice? Whatcommitmentswillyouinthefleshwanttomakethataren’thelpful?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatistheproofthatGodacceptedJesus’sacrificeforsin?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howdoesrecognizingyourownunworthinessandthedepthofyoursingohandinhandwithrejoicinginthecross?Howwillyoupracticethesetwothingsinyourlife?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

InConclusion

Condemnationcripplesthebelieverfromlivingajoy‐filled,grace‐transforminglife.TonotunderstandandembracethefullpaymentforsinaccomplishedatthecrossistorejecttheloveofGodandchoosetoliveinthehouseofguilt.It’snotwhatGodwantsforyou!Nosinyouhavecommitted,orwillcommit,nomatterhowgreatorsmall,canseparateyoufromthe loveofGod through Jesus. Hispayment iscomplete, sostop trying topaysomeof ityourself…youcan’t!

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WhatYouFeelvs.WhatIsRealChapter5

ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter5

It’ssoeasytogothroughlifepassively,reactingtotheeventsoflifeandyourinterpretationofthoseeventsinawaythatisbasedpurelyonhowyoufeel.Feelingsaren’tevilmindyou,they are awonderful gift fromGod tobringyourworship to sweet expression, they justaren’tthefinalauthorityinyourlife.Mahaneyencouragesyoutotalktoyourself,beactivein informing your mind of the objective truth of the Gospel so that you keep the crosscentralandselfoffthethrone.

QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife

Describe the difference between “listening to yourself” and “talking to yourself.” Wheredoeseachresponsetakeyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

BadAdvice

Wheredoesthecross‐centeredlifestart?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sinclair Ferguson’swordsonpg. 48describe the faulty inward, subjective orientation tolife. Whatdoeshemean? What is theproperperspective over this inward self‐focusedorientation?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“Whenwelookinward,welivebythesubjective,thetemporal,theever­changing,theunreliable,thelikely­to­be­false.Whenwelookoutward,tothegospel,welivebytheobjective,theneverchanging,thatwhichisperfectly

reliableandalwayscompletelytrue.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.51

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Whatshouldhavethefinalauthorityinyourlife?Whatdoes?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ThePowerOfLookingOutward

WhataresomecharacteristicsoflisteningtoyourselfthatyouobserveinMahaney’scoffeespillonthelaptopepisode?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatmightbesomeofthepossiblesinsthatcausedMahaney’soutburst?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HowdidreviewingtheGospelprovidetheremedytohisheartcondition?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ExtollingJesusChristWhat does it mean that “the gospel exists independently of us,” and that “the gospel isobjective?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Where are you listening to yourself too much? Where have you built your life on thesubjectiveovertheobjective?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Whatneedstochangeinyourthinking?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

InConclusion

Subjectivismislettingyourcircumstancesandfeelingshavethefinalauthorityinyourlifeand decision making process. You let your emotions speak to you and inform yourattitudesandbehaviorsratherthanspeakingtoyouremotions,talkingtoyourself,takingyour thoughts captive and running them to the cross. The Gospel is objective truth, ithappenedand ithasongoing ramifications,nomatterwhat circumstancesbringorwhatyou feel about the truth. Let the cross be your source of confidence and stability in themidstoftheuncertaintiesoflife.

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TheCrossCenteredDayChapter6

ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter6

TheGospelispractical!Wecan’tleavethegreatdepthsofthecrossbehindinthecategoryof non‐applicable theology, or goodonly for evangelism. Wemust learnhow to live thecross‐centered life by living cross‐centered days. Days filled with focus, passion, andpurposearoundtheonethingthatmatters–thatJesusChristdiedforyousins,andyouareHis! May thedaysGodgrantsyoube consumed in thinkingand living theGospel to thegloryofGod.

QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife

Howdo our habits reflect our true selves? Howdo our habits reveal our priorities andpassions?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

PreachToYourself…PassionInTheMidstOfDrizzle

WhodoesMahaneysayistheaudienceofyoursermon?Whatisthemessage?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HowdoesJerryBridgesexplainpreachingtheGospeltoyourself?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“NeverbecontentwithyourcurrentgraspoftheGospel.TheGospelislife­permeating,world­altering,universe­

changingtruth.Ithasmorefacetsthananydiamond.Itsdepthsmanwillneverexhaust.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.67

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Is thishabitnew toyou? Doyoupreach toyourself regularly? Howhaveyoupracticedthat?Whyisitimportant?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DrawingNearToTheSparksOfTheCross

ArethesefivewaystodrawneartothesparksofthecrossformulasforearningspiritualfavorwithGod?Howoughtyouapproachthem?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhichoftheGospelversesMahaneycitedmoststoodouttoyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatistheconnectionbetweentheGospelandprayer?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Shareafavoritehymnorchorus.Howdoesitdirectyourhearttothecross?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howdoesanongoingawarenessofsinkeepusdependantongrace?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Spendthirtyminuteswritingoutyourstoryandthecross.Isyourtestimonymorethan“IaskedJesusintomyheart?”Whyisthisinsufficient?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________HowwillyounotbecontentwithyourcurrentgraspoftheGospel? Whatwillyoudotogrowinexploringitsdepths?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

InConclusion

Be a student of the Gospel. Learn how to employ it in your daily habits. Let its truthconsumeyourwayofthinking.ThisislivingalifetothegloryofGod.Why?BecauseyouaremakingGod’sgreatdelightyours. YouaremakingyourhighestvaluetheworkofHisSon,withwhomHeisgreatlypleased.Developthosepatternsandprioritiesthatworkforyouandfitintoyourlifetomakethecrossthecenterofyourday,yourlife,yourheart!

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NeverMoveOnChapter7

ReadingTheCrossCenteredLife:Chapter7

We love new things. It’s so easy to be excited about something for a time only to loseinterest andmove on to the next best thing. Unfortunately, that soon becomes the old,boring, “tried that” thing, and on and on the cycle goes. Far too many Christians havetreatedtheGospelthisway,movingonfromitforanewtechnique,anewbook,a“sure‐to‐work”method.Myfriend,nevermoveonfromtheGospel!Fighttostayputandworkoutallyourissues,pains,anddisappointmentsinsidethegreatestgiftevergiven–JesusChristdeliveredupforyou.Thisislifeindeed.

QuestioningTheCrossCenteredLife

ItReallyIsEnough

Whyarewesopronetoask,asMahaneypointsout,“Butdon’tIneedmorethanthat?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howdoyoupursuethe“more”withoutleavingthecross(pg.75)?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Whatdoes J.KnoxChamberlinmeanwhenhewrites, “theSpiritdoesnot takehispupilsbeyondthecross,butevermoredeeplyintoit”?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“TheGospelisn’toneclassamongmanythatyou’llattendduringyourlifeasaChristian–theGospelisthewhole

buildingthatalltheclassestakeplacein.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.75

TheCrossCenteredLife

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Yeah,ButWhatAbout…

WhydowetendtokeeptheGospelinonecategoryandthe“practicalissues”inaseparateone?Howdowekeepthesetogether?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

What“good”subjecttendstobeyourdistractionfromkeepingtheGospelthemainthing?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howcanprayersoeasilyslideawayfromthecrossandintoaman‐centeredness?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatdoyoudoinyourpersonalpursuitofholinessthatneedstochangebecauseitsnotrootedinGospelthinking?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HowdoestheGospelguideusinrelationshipsandareallovingpursuitofothers?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“WhatIhopeyouseeisthatthecrosscenteredlifeisn’tjustoneoptionamongmanythatGodoffers.Itisthelife

thateveryChristianiscalledto.”

C.J.Mahaney,TheCrossCenteredLife,pg.82

TheCrossCenteredLife

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WhenYouSuffer…BetterThanIDeserve…OnlyYesterday

Howdoyoupreparetheologicallyforsuffering?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WhatdoestheGospeloffertotheonewhoissuffering?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Howareyou“betterthanyoudeserve?”__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

JerryBridgessays,“everydayofourChristianexperienceshouldbeadayofrelatingtoGodonthebasisofHisgracealone.”Wheredoesthistruthneedtobereflectedmoreevidentlyinyourlife?Whatneedstochangeforyou?__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

InConclusion

IstheGospelyourgreatestdelight?Doyoufindallyourthinkingwithintheclassroomofthe cross? Do the priorities of your life demonstrate a value on the completedwork ofChristaboveallotherthings?Don’tmoveon,don’trunaway…EnduretotheendwiththejoythatonlytheGospeloffers.Youwillsuffer,butyou’llneverbedisappointed.