Embracing the Gospel: Our Hope and Obsession

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often find ourselves singularly obsessed with things that may not hold eternal significance. This reflection was sparked by a simple observation of how people react to the forecast of snow. Some are thrilled, while others are indifferent. This led us to consider what our true obsession should be. According to the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, the gospel is of utmost importance. Paul emphasizes that the gospel is not just a message to be heard but a transformative truth to be received and lived out. It is a preached gospel, a saving gospel, and most importantly, a received gospel.

The gospel is not merely a set of intellectual propositions; it is the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, which offers us salvation and hope. Paul reminds us that we cannot give what we do not have. Therefore, we must first receive the gospel ourselves before we can share it with others. This reception involves admitting our sinfulness, believing in Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, and committing our lives to Him.

Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus is the linchpin of our faith. It is the central fact that holds everything together. Without the resurrection, our faith would be in vain, and we would still be in our sins. The resurrection is not only the heart of the gospel but also the principle miracle that assures us of the truth of the entire Bible. It gives us hope in the face of death and tragedy, reminding us that we do not grieve as those without hope.

As we navigate the challenges of life, let us make the gospel our singular obsession and anchor our hope in the resurrection. This focus will lift us up in our lowest moments and guide us through the trials we face.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Gospel's Centrality: The gospel is the most important message we can receive and share. It is not just a set of beliefs but a transformative truth that offers salvation and hope. We must first receive it ourselves before we can effectively share it with others. [27:02]

2. The Nature of the Gospel: The gospel is preached, saving, and received. It is not just about forgiveness of sins but also about healing and restoration in our present lives. It addresses our guilt, shame, and inadequacies, offering us a new life in Christ. [24:15]

3. The Resurrection's Importance: The resurrection of Jesus is the linchpin of our faith. Without it, our faith would be meaningless. It assures us of the truth of the Bible and gives us hope in the face of death and tragedy. [31:43]

4. Receiving the Gospel: To receive the gospel, we must admit our sinfulness, believe in Christ's death and resurrection, and commit our lives to Him. This process transforms us and allows us to share the gospel with others. [29:05]

5. Hope in the Resurrection: The resurrection gives us hope in the face of life's challenges and tragedies. It reminds us that we do not grieve as those without hope, for we have the promise of eternal life through Christ. [33:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:57] - The Centrality of the Resurrection
- [24:15] - The Nature of the Gospel
- [25:44] - The Gospel Must Be Received
- [27:02] - Receiving the Gospel
- [29:05] - Admit, Believe, Commit
- [30:05] - The Resurrection as the Lynchpin
- [31:43] - The Principle Miracle of Faith
- [33:08] - Hope in the Resurrection
- [34:16] - Our Singular Obsession
- [42:53] - Church Announcements
- [45:07] - Memory Verse and Closing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
2. Romans 10:17
3. Hebrews 11:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, what are the key elements of the gospel that Paul emphasizes? How does he describe the gospel's nature? [24:15]

2. In the sermon, what example is given to illustrate the concept of a "singular obsession"? How does this relate to the central message of the gospel? [22:57]

3. How does the sermon describe the role of the resurrection in the Christian faith? What metaphor is used to explain its importance? [30:05]

4. What does the pastor say about the necessity of receiving the gospel personally before sharing it with others? [27:02]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Paul consider the gospel to be of "first importance" in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4? How does this align with the sermon's emphasis on the gospel as a transformative truth? [24:15]

2. The sermon mentions that the gospel is not just about forgiveness but also about healing and restoration. How does this broader understanding of salvation impact a believer's daily life? [24:15]

3. The resurrection is described as the "lynchpin" of faith. What implications does this have for how Christians view life, death, and hope? [31:43]

4. The sermon uses the ABC method (Admit, Believe, Commit) to explain receiving the gospel. How does this method help clarify the process of embracing faith in Christ? [29:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: What is your "singular obsession"? How does it compare to the call to make the gospel your primary focus? [34:16]

2. The sermon highlights the importance of speaking the gospel. Identify a situation in your life where you can share the gospel with someone. What steps will you take to prepare for this conversation? [24:15]

3. Consider the ABC method for receiving the gospel. Which step (Admit, Believe, Commit) do you find most challenging, and why? How can you work on this area in your spiritual journey? [29:05]

4. The resurrection offers hope in the face of tragedy. How can this hope influence the way you handle personal challenges or losses? [33:08]

5. The sermon encourages believers to anchor their hope in the resurrection. What practical ways can you remind yourself of this hope daily? [33:08]

6. How can you ensure that your understanding of the gospel includes both forgiveness and the promise of healing and restoration? What changes might this require in your perspective or actions? [24:15]

7. The pastor shared a personal story about misunderstanding the gospel. Reflect on your own understanding of the gospel. Are there any misconceptions you need to address? [27:02]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel as Our Foundation
The gospel is the cornerstone of Christian faith, offering a transformative truth that goes beyond mere intellectual assent. It is the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, providing salvation and hope to all who receive it. This message is not just to be heard but to be lived out, impacting every aspect of our lives. Before we can share this profound truth with others, we must first internalize it ourselves. This involves a personal journey of admitting our sinfulness, believing in Christ's sacrificial work, and committing our lives to Him. The gospel is the most important message we can receive and share, as it is the foundation upon which our faith is built. [27:02]

"For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 3:11, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding and personal reception of the gospel?


Day 2: The Gospel's Transformative Power
The gospel is not just a message of forgiveness but a powerful force for healing and restoration in our lives. It addresses our deepest feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy, offering us a new identity in Christ. This transformative power is not just about the afterlife but impacts our present lives, bringing healing and restoration. As we receive the gospel, we are called to live out its truth, allowing it to shape our thoughts, actions, and relationships. The gospel is preached, saving, and received, and it invites us into a new way of living that reflects the love and grace of Christ. [24:15]

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world... But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ." (Ephesians 2:1-5, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the gospel's healing and restorative power today?


Day 3: The Resurrection as the Heart of Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is the central fact that holds the Christian faith together. Without it, our faith would be meaningless, and we would remain in our sins. The resurrection is not only the heart of the gospel but also the principle miracle that assures us of the truth of the entire Bible. It gives us hope in the face of death and tragedy, reminding us that we do not grieve as those without hope. The resurrection is the linchpin of our faith, providing the assurance and hope we need to navigate life's challenges. [31:43]

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your perspective on life's challenges and uncertainties?


Day 4: Embracing the Gospel
To truly embrace the gospel, we must go through a process of admitting our sinfulness, believing in Christ's death and resurrection, and committing our lives to Him. This is not a one-time event but a continual journey of transformation and growth. As we receive the gospel, we are empowered to share it with others, offering them the same hope and salvation we have found. This process of receiving and sharing the gospel is at the heart of the Christian life, calling us to live out our faith in tangible ways. [29:05]

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to more fully embrace and live out the gospel in your daily life?


Day 5: Hope Anchored in the Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus provides us with a hope that transcends life's challenges and tragedies. It assures us of the promise of eternal life and reminds us that we do not grieve as those without hope. This hope is not just for the future but impacts our present, giving us strength and courage to face whatever comes our way. As we anchor our hope in the resurrection, we are lifted up in our lowest moments and guided through the trials we face. The resurrection is the source of our hope, offering us a perspective that sees beyond the temporary struggles of this life. [33:08]

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you anchor your hope more firmly in the resurrection today, especially in the face of current challenges or uncertainties?

Quotes

"I delivered to you as a first importance what I also received that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures that he was buried and that he was raised again on the third day Paul says the gospel is most important and so often we wonder why do we spend so much time and energy on the gospel it's because it's most important it's the obsession of Paul Paul said in first Corinthians 9 woe to me if I don't preach the gospel he said earlier in first Corinthians that he came to preach Christ crucified he was singularly focused on the gospel" [00:21:20]

"Paul says, here's the nature of the gospel. First things first. It's a preached gospel. It's a spoken gospel. It's not a gospel that can be understood unless somebody speaks about it. Paul said in Romans chapter 10 that faith comes from hearing, and hearing from the word of Christ. And we've been indoctrinated somewhat in the Christian world that we can just live out our faith and people will understand who Jesus is. It's a gospel that can be understood unless we speak the gospel." [00:23:41]

"It has to be spoken. In fact, what Paul was saying is this gospel had been talked about, not the formal act of preaching like I'm doing today. He was talking about what ordinary Christians do in their day -to -day life. They talk about the things that are important to them. And Paul says this gospel must be spoken. It's a spoken, preached, announced good news. But Paul also says. It's a saving gospel. Now, you and I are used to hearing that. We're used to hearing that by the gospel, by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, our sins are forgiven." [00:24:17]

"This saving, this word means healing and restoration. It means that the gospel is about our guilt and our shame. It's about our inadequacy and the things that really hold us back. The gospel is a saving gospel for the present of our lives. And so this gospel is preached and it's a saving gospel. But probably most importantly, Paul says it's a received gospel. He says it twice, but look at verse 3. He says, You see, the gospel is not just a group of intellectual propositions." [00:24:57]

"It's not just something to be understood in our heads. We must receive the gospel. Now, I know you know this, but I want to remind you of this principle. You cannot give what you do not have. You cannot give what you do not have. If you don't have the gospel, you cannot share the gospel. I've told you this before, but I got it absolutely wrong when I was asked. I was interviewing for a position as a youth pastor in Charleston. I was pretty sure I should get the position. That's another sign of why God took me down a notch." [00:25:51]

"But the reality is I went into that. I went into that interview and I was asked a diagnostic question by an older priest. He said to me, Shay, if you died tonight and you went to the pearly gate, and St. Peter asked you why you should get in, what would you say? Now, I said the wrong answer. I said I had been good. I tried my hardest. And I want you to know today, if you think that that's how you get into heaven, that's the wrong answer. And it's important for you to know that. Don't feel bad. I had it wrong, too." [00:26:14]

"But the gospel must be received. You see, I couldn't get myself into heaven. Look at your colic. For today, it says we can't even stand up in our frailty. The reality is we can't earn our way into heaven. We can't work hard enough to make ourselves right with Jesus Christ. The gospel must be received. We must receive the good news of God in Jesus Christ. Receive the hope that is found in him. Friends, I want to ask you this question. Have you received the gospel? Do you know Jesus Christ? Do you know your Lord and Savior?" [00:27:01]

"Because Paul says this gospel is the most important thing. It was the obsession of his ministry because it is a gospel that rescues us, that saves us. Now, if I were to ask you how to receive the gospel, or if I were to ask you how to share the gospel with a friend, you may not know an easy way to do it. And so I want to share it with you today. You can write down if you're a writer. If you don't, just remember ABC, ABC, admit, believe, and commit. Admit, believe, and commit. You see, what we are called to do if we want to receive the gospel is first, admit that we're sinners." [00:27:44]

"Admit that Jesus Christ died for us because we couldn't earn it, because we weren't good enough. We must admit our sinfulness and brokenness. And then second, we're called to believe. Believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, believe that he was raised again from the dead, and that he conquered death. Believe in him. And then we must commit ourselves to surrender. You can't force God to love you. You can't force him to save you. But the good news is if you surrender to him, he has promised that he will come to you." [00:28:35]

"He will live in you by the power of the Holy Spirit, and you will become a new creation. The nature of the gospel is, is that it is the gospel to be received. And my hope and prayer is that if the Lord moves in your heart today, you would receive it. Second, though, I want you to take a moment and look with me at the centrality of the resurrection. You see, as you look at first Corinthians chapter 15, you see that all of this chapter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." [00:29:44]

"Paul has said the gospel is most important, and then he focuses with, with a laser light on the very aspect that Jesus Christ rose again from the dead. Why does he do this? In fact, I would encourage you read first Corinthians 15 all the way through sometime during the week and over the weeks ahead, and you'll hear over and over again how important the resurrection is. But why? Why is it so important? Well, I want to ask you if you know what this is. Somebody told me at the last service, they said, I couldn't see what you were holding. This is a lynchpin." [00:30:23]

"The lynchpin holds things together and the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the lynchpin of our faith. You see, friends today when we think about Jesus Christ dying on the cross, we think about that as the heartbeat of the gospel. But understand this. The cross and the resurrection are inextricably linked because if Jesus dies on the cross and is buried and doesn't rise again, then as Paul says, we're still in our sin. And we're of most men and women to be pitied. So this is the lynchpin that Jesus rose from the dead, that the tomb was empty on that Easter morning." [00:31:08]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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