1. Why the gospel? “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Romans1:16
A. It is the power of God that brings salvation. (Romans 1:16) B. It is God’s gospel. “...set apart for the gospel of God.” (Romans 1:1& Galatians 1:11) It is God’s gospel, good news.
2. What is the gospel? “Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ...” Romans 16:25
A. It is a proclamation concerning Jesus. In the New Testament the gospel never means simply a book, but rather the message which Christ and His apostles announced.
B. It is our mandate. “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15
3. What the gospel isn't. “...If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” Galatians 1:9
A. There are perversions of the true gospel. The Galatians they were turning from the grace of the gospel back to the works of Judaism.
B. It’s more than your lifestyle or testimony.
4. Why is the gospel “Good News?” “The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God…” Mark 1:1
A. It’s only good news to those who need a Savior. Luke 5:31
B. It’s good news because of the bad news. Ephesians 2:1-4 “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins ...”
C. Your salvation is a demonstration of God’s power. “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.” 1 Co. 15:2
New creation - “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” II Corinthians 5:17
New nature - “...and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.” Ephesians 4:24
New residence – “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves” Colossians 1:13
STUDY QUESTIONS FOR THE WEEK:
The word “gospel” as clear as it’s meaning should be, can be somewhat confusing. If asked, there would be a variety of definitions given. Some definitions, although true and brief are not complete. Like the gospel is “truth” or its the “good news.” These are aspects of the gospel but are incomplete. The way of salvation and a channel of God’s saving grace are other descriptions of gospel. The word gospel is used ninety two times in the New Testament. From Matthew to Revelation the word gospel can be found. The Gospel like a multifaceted jewel is used in various ways from a different viewpoints. The gospel is not a plan or list of activities we must do. It is the message that God’s rescue plan for rebellious was fulfilled. As our substitute, Jesus’ perfect life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection have transformed the way God now sees us.
How would you define the gospel in its most basic form?
Romans 1:16 describes the gospel as God’s power. Why is this necessary?
Read II Corinthians 4:4. Why is being blinded to Christs glory devastating to saving faith.
What are some ways people think they can save themselves?
How would you refute the statement, “all roads lead to God.” Why is this thought popular?
In what way is the gospel God’s plan? Explain why this matters?
Gospel literally means “Good News.” What makes it good news?
If the gospel is our mandate as stated in Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15. What should we understand concerning the gospel?
What is the bad news needed to understand the good news?
How does 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 summarize the gospel message?
What are the results of God’s salvation in Christ Jesus? Can you list some scripture?
How should you respond to the gospel in an ongoing way?