4 Special Blessings Associated with the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)
Introduction:
1. As Paul began his teaching on the resurrection, he mentioned "the Gospel" ["good news"]. a. According to vs.1-2, we have responsibilities that relate to the Gospel -- we are to stand in it and keep it in memory. b. The primary facts of the Gospel are revealed in vs.3-4. c. The fact that Jesus died, was buried, and was resurrected on our behalf is certainly good news. 2. The Gospel is also good news in that there are a number of blessings associated with it. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on "4 special blessings associated with the Gospel." 4. Being mindful of these blessings will help us to stand in the Gospel and to keep it in memory. Discussion: I. WE LEARN FROM ROMANS 1:16 THAT "SALVATION" IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOSPEL
A. Through the Gospel, salvation is offered to everyone [this is why Christ wants the Gospel to be preached to "all nations"]. B. However, only those who believe will be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). C. This applies to both Jew and Gentile (Acts 15:6-11). II. WE LEARN FROM 2 TIMOTHY 1:8-10 THAT "LIFE" IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOSPEL
A. The true Gospel focuses on Christ and His will. B. He came to provide "the abundant life" (John 10:10b). III. WE LEARN FROM EPHESIANS 6:15 THAT "PEACE" IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOSPEL
A. The Gospel makes peace possible between man and God (Ephesians 2:11-13). B. The Gospel also makes peace possible between men, including Jews and Gentiles (Ephesians 2:14-18). IV. WE LEARN FROM COLOSSIANS 1:21-23 THAT "HOPE" IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOSPEL
A. The Gospel teaches us how to be reconciled to God (Colossians 2:12-13). B. The Gospel makes it possible for us to be presented "holy, unblameable, and unreproveable" in the Lord's sight. C. (vs.23) "If" indicates that this is conditional. D. In order to be reconciled to God and to be prepared to face the Lord when He returns, we must: 1. continue in the faith grounded and settled 2. not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel. Conclusion:
1. The fact that the Gospel provides salvation, life, peace, and hope ought to cause us to want to obey it. 2. According to 1 Peter 4:17-18, there will be no hope for those who refuse to obey the Gospel. 3. Let us receive the Gospel, believe it, obey it, stand in it, and keep it in memory.
