The Cross of Christ: The Foundation of True Discipleship

When a person gives their life to the Lord, they are stepping into a new life, a life built on a firm foundation—Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Without understanding this foundation, it is impossible to grow in faith or walk in true obedience to God.

The Cross: The Starting Point of Our Walk

The Bible makes it clear that salvation is not based on our works but on what Christ did at Calvary. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Our journey begins by believing in Christ's sacrifice—His death, burial, and resurrection—which paid the price for our sins.

But salvation is not the end of the journey; it is the beginning. The cross is not only where we receive salvation, but it is also the place where we must remain. If we move away from the cross, we move away from God’s way.

From Milk to Meat: Growing in Christ

As newborn believers, we start on spiritual “milk” (1 Peter 2:2), learning the basics of faith—prayer, reading the Bible, and trusting God. But the goal is to grow into “meat” (Hebrews 5:12-14), where we not only believe in Christ but also live according to His Word, applying the truth of the cross to our daily walk. Growth in Christ is not about intellectual knowledge alone—it is about surrendering to Him and allowing His life to be formed in us.

Denying Self: The Key to Following Christ

Jesus made it clear in Luke 9:23, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." This is not a one-time decision; it is a daily choice to lay aside our own desires, our own way, and take up God’s way.

Paul echoes this in Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." This is the heart of true Christian living—dying to self so that Christ may live through us.

There is no good thing in our flesh that can please God (Romans 8:8). That is why the flesh must be crucified daily, meaning every thought, action, and desire must be surrendered to the Lord. Victory does not come by self-effort but by faith in Christ and what He has already done.

Fighting the Good Fight of Faith Daily

Living for Christ is not just a one-time decision—it is a daily fight of faith. Paul instructs us in 1 Timothy 6:12, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." This fight is not fought with human strength, but by continuously placing our faith in Jesus and His finished work.

Each day, we must choose to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Galatians 5:16). It is a way of life, a transformation. We are not the same person we used to be. We are a new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old man has been crucified, and now we live in the righteousness of Christ.

The Holy Spirit: Our Daily Teacher and Guide

God has not left us to figure things out on our own. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, the One who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). He works in us daily, convicting, correcting, and guiding us in righteousness.

The more we yield to the Holy Spirit, the more we grow in Christ. He teaches us not just what to do but also how to walk in victory. True transformation happens as we listen to Him and apply what He reveals to us through the Word of God.

The Role of Bible Study in Spiritual Growth

Once we understand that the cross is the foundation, we must build upon it through studying God’s Word. This includes:

• Learning how to study scripture in context so we are not misled by false doctrines.

• Understanding the original meanings of biblical words to grasp deeper truths.

• Relying on the Holy Spirit for revelation rather than just human understanding.

Walking in the Spirit: A Life of Fruitfulness

A believer who keeps their faith in Christ and His cross will grow in the Spirit and bear fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). The more we walk by faith in His finished work, the more we will see the evidence of His life in us—love, joy, peace, patience, and all the fruits of the Spirit.

Encouragement to Stay Focused on Christ

If you have given your life to the Lord, do not be discouraged when struggles arise. The Christian life is not about striving in your own strength but about surrendering to the power of the Holy Spirit. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2).

God has given only one way of victory—His Son. If you trust in Him daily, denying self and taking up your cross, you will find strength, peace, and true purpose. Let your heart be fully surrendered to Christ, and He will lead you in the path of righteousness, for His way is the only way that God acknowledges.

Fighting the good fight of faith is a daily commitment, but you are not fighting alone. Christ has already won the victory! Keep pressing forward, keep trusting in Him, and let the Holy Spirit lead you in all things.

Stay the course, walk in faith, and let the cross be your foundation.