Why Paul Was Compelled to Preach the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16)
Introduction:
1. In this verse Paul indicated that he was compelled to preach the Gospel -- "woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel!" 2. In other passages Paul stated that: a. he had "strived to preach the Gospel" (Romans 15:20) b. he was "set for the defence of the Gospel" (Philippians 1:17) c. he had spoken the Gospel "with much contention" (1 Thessalonians 2:2). 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on 4 special blessings that the Gospel provides. 4. Please observe that Paul wrote about these blessings. 5. Perhaps these blessings will help us better understand "why Paul was compelled to preach the Gospel."
Discussion:
I. FIRST, THE GOSPEL PROVIDES SALVATION (Romans 1:16)
A. Through the Gospel, salvation is offered to all [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 GOSPEL 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 GOSPEL 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 GOSPEL PROVIDES HOPE (Colossians 1:21-23)
Conclusion:
1. These final verses sum up what we have been studying. 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. 2. (vs.23) "If" indicates that this is conditional. 3. 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. 4. The fact that the Gospel provides hope should cause us to want to obey it. 5. According to 1 Peter 4:17-18, there will be no hope for those who refuse to obey the Gospel. 6. The primary facts of the Gospel are mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. 7. "Obeying the Gospel" is explained in Romans 6:3-6.