the everlasting gospel must not be perverted (revelation 14:6-7)
Introduction:
1. Among the angels that John saw in the Revelation, this one had something very special that everyone needs to hear -- "the everlasting Gospel." 2. The Scriptures teach that God's people have a number of responsibilities relating to the everlasting Gospel. a. (1 Corinthians15:1-2) We are to stand in it and keep it in memory. b. (Galatians 1:6-9) We must never "pervert" [change] it -- there is a severe penalty for anyone who perverts it. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on 4 special blessings that the Gospel provides. 4. These blessings will help us understand why "the everlasting Gospel must not be perverted." Discussion: I. FIRST, THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL MUST NOT BE PERVERTED BECAUSE IT PROVIDES SALVATION (Romans 1:16)
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 it will be saved (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). C. This applies to Jews and Gentiles (Acts 15:6-11). II. SECOND, THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL MUST NOT BE PERVERTED BECAUSE IT PROVIDES PEACE (Ephesians 6:15)
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). III. THIRD, THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL MUST NOT BE PERVERTED BECAUSE IT PROVIDES LIFE AND IMMORTALITY
A. This great truth is revealed in 2 Timothy 1:8-10. B. The Gospel focuses on the Lord and His will. C. According to John 10:10b, Jesus came to provide "the abundant life." IV. FOURTH, THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL MUST NOT BE PERVERTED BECAUSE IT PROVIDES HOPE (Colossians 1:21-23) Conclusion:
1. Our need for forgiveness is revealed in Romans 3:23; 6:23. 2. This helps us to appreciate the information presented in Colossians 1:21-23. a. We learn from the Gospel how we can be reconciled to God. b. The Gospel makes it possible for us to be presented "holy, unblameable, and unreproveable" in the Lord's sight. 3. (vs.23) "If" indicates that this is conditional. 4. In order to be reconciled to God and to be prepared to face the Lord when He returns, we must: a. continue in the faith grounded and settled b. not be moved away from the hope of the Gospel. 5. The fact that the Gospel provides hope should cause us to want to obey it. 6. According to 1 Peter 4:17-18, there will be no hope for those who refuse to obey the Gospel. 7. The primary facts of the Gospel are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. 8. "Obeying the Gospel" is explained in Romans 6:3-6.
