BEARING HIS CROSS!

Matthew chapter 27 verse 32:

And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to Bear His Cross.

Introduction: Your cross is that thing in life which you are called upon to bear. If you carry it by yourself, it's a burden; but, if you do it in his name, it becomes a cross. Thus, your cross becomes His cross, and His cross becomes your cross.

It's a cross of self-determination, Matthew chapter 10 verse 38:

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth not after me, is not worthy of me.

It's a cross of self-denial, Matthew chapter 16 verse 24:

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

It's a cross of self-decision, Mark chapter 10 verse 21:

Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

It's a cross of self-discipline daily, Luke chapter 9 verse 23:

And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

It's a cross of self demand, Luke chapter 14 verse 27:

And whosoever doth not Bear His Cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

Conclusion: It's a cross of self-delivery, Colossians chapter 2 verse 14:

Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.
The burdens of our life as believers have been nailed to His cross. Now, instead of carrying burdens, we are content to be identified with Him and Bear His Cross!