From Hearing to Transformation: Embracing the Gospel

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound difference between merely hearing the gospel and truly receiving it. The essence of the gospel is not just in the words spoken but in the power that accompanies them, transforming the listener from within. This transformation is akin to the call of Lazarus from the grave, where the power of Christ's words brought life. Similarly, when the gospel is heard with faith, it brings spiritual life, moving one from death to life.

The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the importance of hearing with understanding and faith. It's not enough to be a passive listener; one must be actively engaged, allowing the message to penetrate the heart and mind. This engagement leads to a personal conviction of sin and a realization of the need for a Savior. The gospel becomes a personal message, not just a general truth, and it calls for a response.

This response is characterized by a deep sense of conviction and repentance. Like the prodigal son, who came to his senses and returned to his father, we too must recognize our folly and turn back to God. This turning is not just a mental assent but a heartfelt repentance, acknowledging our sin and the need for God's mercy.

Receiving the gospel also involves a transformation of life. It moves us to action, compelling us to forsake the world and its ways and to live for Christ. This transformation is evident in our gratitude towards God, our desire to live according to His will, and our eagerness to share the good news with others. The gospel is not just a message to be heard but a life to be lived, a truth to be embraced, and a power to be experienced.

Key Takeaways:

- Hearing vs. Receiving: True hearing of the gospel involves more than just listening; it requires an active engagement that leads to faith and transformation. This is the difference between hearing words and experiencing the power of God in one's life. [17:19]

- Personal Conviction: The gospel becomes personal when it convicts us of our sin and our need for a Savior. This conviction leads to repentance, much like the prodigal son who realized his folly and returned to his father. [24:57]

- Transformation of Life: Receiving the gospel results in a transformed life, characterized by a departure from worldly ways and a commitment to live for Christ. This transformation is a testament to the power of the gospel. [38:18]

- Gratitude and Surrender: A true reception of the gospel is marked by gratitude towards God for His grace and a willingness to surrender our lives to Him. This gratitude is a natural response to the realization of what Christ has done for us. [41:09]

- Sharing the Gospel: Those who have truly received the gospel are compelled to share it with others, driven by a desire for others to experience the same transformation and hope. This evangelistic zeal is a hallmark of a life changed by the gospel. [48:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [17:19] - The Power of Hearing
- [18:11] - Hearing with Understanding
- [19:27] - Awareness of Divine Power
- [21:11] - The Call of Lazarus
- [22:06] - Personal Conviction
- [23:40] - The Personal Message of the Gospel
- [24:57] - Illumination and Understanding
- [26:46] - The Reality of Sin
- [28:02] - The Call to Believe
- [29:17] - Receiving the Gospel
- [30:11] - Conviction and Repentance
- [32:31] - The Prodigal Son's Realization
- [36:24] - Embracing the Message
- [38:18] - Transformation and Action
- [41:09] - Gratitude and Surrender
- [48:12] - Sharing the Gospel
- [49:52] - Final Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 5:24 - "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."
2. Ephesians 4:20-21 - "But ye have not so learned Christ; If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus."
3. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 - "For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance."

Observation Questions:
1. According to John 5:24, what is the result of hearing and believing in the word of Christ? How does this relate to the concept of passing from death to life? [17:19]
2. In Ephesians 4:20-21, what does it mean to have "learned Christ"? How does this differ from merely hearing about Him? [18:11]
3. How does 1 Thessalonians 1:5 describe the way the gospel came to the Thessalonians? What elements accompanied the word? [20:02]
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the power of Christ's words, similar to the call of Lazarus from the grave? [21:11]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon describe the difference between hearing the gospel and truly receiving it? What role does personal conviction play in this process? [24:57]
2. What does the transformation of life look like according to the sermon, and how is it a testament to the power of the gospel? [38:18]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of gratitude and surrender in response to receiving the gospel? What does this reveal about the nature of true faith? [41:09]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that sharing the gospel is a natural outcome of truly receiving it? How does this reflect a life changed by the gospel? [48:12]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the power of the gospel in your life. How did it move you from being a passive listener to an active participant in your faith? [20:50]
2. The sermon emphasizes personal conviction and repentance. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to turn back to God, much like the prodigal son? What steps can you take this week to act on that conviction? [35:21]
3. How can you demonstrate gratitude towards God for His grace in your daily life? Identify one specific way you can express this gratitude in your actions or words this week. [41:37]
4. The sermon speaks of forsaking worldly ways to live for Christ. What is one worldly habit or mindset you feel called to leave behind? How can you begin that process today? [44:00]
5. Consider someone in your life who has not yet experienced the transformation of the gospel. How can you share the good news with them in a way that is both genuine and compelling? [48:52]
6. The sermon challenges us to see the gospel as a personal message. How can you make the gospel more personal in your own life, and what impact might that have on your relationship with God? [24:57]
7. Reflect on the idea of surrendering your life to God. What does surrender look like for you, and how can you practice it more fully in your daily walk with Christ? [47:07]

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging with the Gospel Beyond Hearing
The gospel is not merely a collection of words to be heard; it is a powerful message that requires active engagement and faith to truly transform one's life. When the gospel is received with an open heart and mind, it moves beyond mere auditory reception and becomes a catalyst for spiritual renewal. This transformation is akin to the biblical account of Lazarus, where the words of Christ brought life from death. Similarly, the gospel, when truly received, brings spiritual life and moves one from spiritual death to life. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of hearing with understanding and faith, urging believers to be more than passive listeners. True engagement with the gospel leads to a profound internal change, allowing the power of God to work within us. [17:19]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage with the gospel today to allow it to transform your life beyond just hearing it?


Day 2: Personal Conviction and the Need for a Savior
The gospel becomes deeply personal when it convicts us of our sin and reveals our need for a Savior. This conviction is not just an intellectual acknowledgment but a heartfelt realization of our shortcomings and the necessity of divine intervention. Like the prodigal son who came to his senses and returned to his father, we too must recognize our need for repentance and turn back to God. This turning involves a sincere acknowledgment of our sins and a plea for God's mercy. The gospel calls us to move beyond general truths and embrace a personal relationship with Christ, leading to genuine repentance and transformation. [24:57]

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death." (2 Corinthians 7:10, ESV)

Reflection: What specific sin or area of your life is the Holy Spirit convicting you of today, and how can you respond with genuine repentance?


Day 3: Transformation of Life Through the Gospel
Receiving the gospel results in a profound transformation of life, characterized by a departure from worldly ways and a commitment to live for Christ. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior but a complete renewal of the heart and mind. It compels us to forsake the values of the world and embrace a life dedicated to Christ. This change is evident in our actions, attitudes, and desires, as we seek to align our lives with God's will. The power of the gospel is demonstrated in the way it transforms individuals, leading them to live lives that reflect the love and grace of Christ. [38:18]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: What specific worldly habit or mindset do you need to let go of to allow the gospel to transform your life more fully?


Day 4: Gratitude and Surrender in Response to the Gospel
A true reception of the gospel is marked by a deep sense of gratitude towards God for His grace and a willingness to surrender our lives to Him. This gratitude is a natural response to the realization of what Christ has done for us, leading us to live lives of worship and obedience. Surrendering to God involves trusting Him with every aspect of our lives and allowing His will to guide our decisions and actions. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and a commitment to live according to His purposes. This attitude of gratitude and surrender is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel in our lives. [41:09]

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." (Romans 12:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 5: Sharing the Gospel with Others
Those who have truly received the gospel are compelled to share it with others, driven by a desire for others to experience the same transformation and hope. This evangelistic zeal is a hallmark of a life changed by the gospel, as believers are motivated to spread the good news of Christ's love and redemption. Sharing the gospel is not just a duty but a privilege, as it allows us to participate in God's mission to bring salvation to the world. It involves both words and actions, as we seek to demonstrate the love of Christ in tangible ways. The gospel is a message of hope that is meant to be shared, inviting others to experience the life-changing power of Christ. [48:12]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can share the gospel with this week, and what steps can you take to initiate that conversation?

Quotes


"whosoever heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation that has passed from death unto life you notice what he said verily verily I say unto you he that heareth my word your atham oh but everybody heard these words the crowd said is worth yes but what he says there is two of everybody that is hearing and hearing he says whosoever has rarely heard my words and believed on him was sent me has everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but has already passed from death unto life" [00:16:59]

"the man who hears in this living way the man who has been effectually called is a man who as he sits and listens to the preaching of the gospel becomes aware of a power he becomes of a we're aware of a power that he's dealing with him he's not just listening to men he's not just hearing words he's aware that something's happening to the apostle let me give his exposition of the thing I'm trying to say as he gives it in the first epistle to the thessalonians in the fifth verse of the first chapter he says our gospel came not unto you in word only but in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance" [00:27:36]

"there is hearing which leads to believing and there is hearing which doesn't believe it doesn't lead to believe you that's why our Lord said on one occasion take heed how he here he that hath ears he said let him hear take heed be careful make sure that you're listening in the right way let me effect that we are in a chapel and listening to the gospel doesn't of necessity mean anything at all every heard in this effectual manner how can we tell well let me proceed with the analysis yes the analysis" [00:18:33]

"the man who properly hears this gospel and do receives it is a man who having been convinced of its truth he is convicted by it oh what a difference there is between these two things I can be convinced the thing is right without being convicted by it but the man who becomes a Christian is convicted yes he says that's right that's true and as he is convicted he's convicted of how wrong he has been in the past wrong in his ideas wrong in his thinking wrong in his living wrong in his practice wrong everywhere" [00:31:43]

"he hears the message Christ looks at him and says yes you're a sinner vile you've got nothing to recommend you but I have so loved you that I died for you and for your sins and he believed he embraces the message he clutches at it he trusts himself to it he append ins everything else and gives himself utterly and entirely to it he has received the message that's what it means I say to you again says the Apostle if any man preach any other gospel unto you then that you have received he's taken it in he's embraced he says thank God here it is the very thing I wanted I believe it just my only hope I leave everything I cast myself upon this word of God he believes it he receives" [00:36:19]

"the Christian is a man who has been moved to action by the message he is not only being called by it he is not only received he's been moved to do something by it where do you find that someone I find it in verse six listen I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel ah says the Apostle I'm driven to write him because I'm given to understand that you've moved again you have removed you moved before when they were called by the grace of God into the gospel you move from where you are into the gospel and into the kingdom but all your moving back again are you moving it's there isn't it oh yes and this is a very vital part of this whole question of salvation and deliverance and of becoming a Christian" [00:38:01]

"the first thing you do is to send comfort and to thank Christ now that needs no demonstration does it if I happen to be in a position that I could do you some kindness what is the first thing you do to me when I do that kindness to you the first thing you do is to thank me I say don't bother but you say I must thank you it means everything to me and I can't silence you you will thank me I can't stop you thanking me perfectly right and it is exactly the same in this method I can easily tell you whether you've ever been convicted of your sinfulness whether you've ever really understood that you're in a sinful world and that as a part of it you'll go to perdition and to hell" [00:41:09]

"the man who believes this message turns away from the world he says that's the thing that was leading me to destruction I want it no more he forsakes it he turns his back upon it with Bunyan he flees from the city of destruction and everything that belongs to it and everything that is true of it and on the other side he surrenders himself and his life unto God he does what saul of tarsus did there he is you see on the road to Damascus he has now seen the face of Jesus Christ and has heard his voice and you remember what he asked he said what wilt thou have me to do Lord he'd never asked that question before but that he'd been living according to his own ideas and his own will" [00:44:54]

"he's a man who's anxious that everybody else shall be doing the same so far from being ashamed of this wonderful Christ and his salvation he I say glories in him and wants everybody to know about him and to hear him he sees his fellow men and women still in the world blind to the truth not aware of the fate that is going to descend upon them he sees them in the city of destruction they're working side by side with him in the factory in the shop in the office in the profession and he feels he must tell them he tells them because he knows the truth about them and because he knows the truth about him and he wants to see the whole world coming to this Christ of God" [00:48:12]

"have you felt the power have you felt it personal to you have you seen yourself as you are in the sight of god and his holy law have you seen it have you felt it have you been alarmed by it have your longed for deliverance have you seen the deliverer and the deliverance which he gives and have you embraced and given yourself and your life to you you will know my business is to give the call I've given the call to repent and to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ have you heard it have you heard it effectively have you receive and are you risking the whole of your eternal future it and upon it" [00:51:05]

"the man who hears in this living way the man who has been effectually called is a man who as he sits and listens to the preaching of the gospel becomes aware of a power he becomes of a we're aware of a power that he's dealing with him he's not just listening to men he's not just hearing words he's aware that something's happening to the apostle let me give his exposition of the thing I'm trying to say as he gives it in the first epistle to the thessalonians in the fifth verse of the first chapter he says our gospel came not unto you in word only but in power and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance" [00:27:36]

"the man who properly hears this gospel and do receives it is a man who having been convinced of its truth he is convicted by it oh what a difference there is between these two things I can be convinced the thing is right without being convicted by it but the man who becomes a Christian is convicted yes he says that's right that's true and as he is convicted he's convicted of how wrong he has been in the past wrong in his ideas wrong in his thinking wrong in his living wrong in his practice wrong everywhere" [00:31:43]

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Transcript
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