Paul's Gospel: Historical Truth and Transformative Grace

 

Summary

In our exploration of Paul's gospel, we delve into the profound message he was commissioned to preach. Paul’s journey on the Damascus road was not just a personal conversion but a divine calling to bear witness to Jesus Christ. This calling was rooted in the gospel, which Paul articulates in his letters, particularly in Romans and 1 Corinthians. The gospel, at its core, centers on the historical events of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. These events are not mere stories but are well-attested historical facts that fulfill the promises of the Old Testament. Paul emphasizes that Christ died for our sins and was raised on the third day, underscoring the gospel's foundation in history and scripture.

The gospel assumes our sinful nature and our need for salvation, which is only possible through the work of Christ. It is a message that must be preached and received through faith. Paul’s theology is deeply rooted in this gospel message, which he received and delivered as of first importance. As we unpack this gospel, particularly through the lens of Romans, we see that it is a historical proclamation of what God has accomplished in Christ.

Paul’s understanding of history is comprehensive, beginning with creation and culminating in the return of Christ. The midpoint of history is marked by Christ’s death and resurrection, which ushered in a new era. This new era is characterized by the overlap of two ages: the present evil age and the age to come. Believers live in this overlap, having been delivered from the dominion of the present age and brought into the life of the age to come. Yet, we still experience the tension of living in a world marred by sin while possessing the hope of future glory.

Paul’s letters illuminate the Christian life within this historical framework. He helps us understand our sin and the grace that rescues us from its dominion. We are called to live in this present age with the resources of grace provided by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Though we face struggles and the pull of old habits, we live with confidence in our Savior and the gospel's transformative power.

Key Takeaways:

- The gospel centers on the historical events of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, fulfilling Old Testament promises and providing the foundation for our faith. These events are not just stories but are well-attested facts that affirm the gospel's truth. [04:51]

- Our sinful nature necessitates salvation, which is only possible through Christ's work. The gospel is a message that must be preached and received through faith, emphasizing the importance of proclamation and belief. [06:17]

- Paul’s understanding of history is comprehensive, beginning with creation and culminating in Christ's return. The midpoint of history is marked by Christ’s death and resurrection, ushering in a new era and highlighting the gospel's historical nature. [09:08]

- Believers live in the overlap of two ages: the present evil age and the age to come. We have been delivered from the dominion of the present age and brought into the life of the age to come, yet we still experience the tension of living in a world marred by sin. [19:07]

- Paul’s letters illuminate the Christian life within this historical framework, helping us understand our sin and the grace that rescues us. We are called to live in this present age with the resources of grace provided by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. [22:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction to Paul's Gospel
- [01:12] - Paul's Missionary Context
- [02:01] - Paul's Connection to Rome
- [02:44] - The Gospel for Believers
- [03:24] - Summary of the Gospel
- [04:07] - The Importance of Resurrection
- [04:51] - Historical Works of Christ
- [05:34] - Fulfillment of Scripture
- [06:17] - Assumption of Sinfulness
- [06:58] - The Necessity of Faith
- [07:44] - The Heart of Paul's Teaching
- [08:25] - The Gospel as Historical Message
- [09:08] - Paul's View of History
- [09:53] - The Center of History
- [10:39] - The Fullness of Time
- [11:27] - Two Ages Concept
- [12:18] - Old Testament Hope
- [13:03] - The Age to Come
- [13:46] - New Testament Perspective
- [14:30] - Paul's Use of Two Ages
- [15:14] - Characteristics of This Age
- [16:05] - Comprehensive Nature of This Age
- [16:51] - Corporate Nature of This Age
- [17:32] - The Age to Come in Christ
- [18:14] - New Creation in Christ
- [19:07] - Overlap of the Ages
- [19:56] - Living in the Present Age
- [20:43] - Suffering in the Present Age
- [21:36] - Vigilance in Christian Living
- [22:16] - Understanding Sin and Grace
- [23:03] - Confidence in the Gospel

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Romans 1:15-17
2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
3. Galatians 1:4

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul emphasize as the core message of the gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4? How does he describe the historical events of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection? [04:51]

2. According to Romans 1:15-17, why is Paul eager to preach the gospel to those in Rome? What does this suggest about the audience of the gospel message? [02:44]

3. In Galatians 1:4, Paul mentions being delivered from the present evil age. How does this relate to the concept of living in the overlap of two ages? [19:07]

4. How does Paul describe the necessity of faith in receiving the gospel message in 1 Corinthians 15:1-2? What role does faith play in salvation according to Paul? [06:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Paul’s understanding of history, beginning with creation and culminating in Christ's return, shape his view of the gospel? What implications does this have for believers today? [09:08]

2. Paul speaks of living in the overlap of two ages. What challenges and opportunities does this present for Christians in their daily lives? [19:07]

3. In what ways does Paul’s emphasis on the historical nature of the gospel (Jesus' death and resurrection) strengthen the foundation of Christian faith? How does this historical grounding affect the way believers view their faith? [08:25]

4. How does Paul’s teaching on sin and grace in Romans and 1 Corinthians help believers understand their identity in Christ? What does it mean to be rescued from the dominion of sin? [22:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the historical events of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. How do these events impact your personal faith journey? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of these foundational truths? [04:51]

2. Paul emphasizes the necessity of faith in receiving the gospel. How can you cultivate a stronger faith in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you struggle to trust in God's promises? [06:58]

3. Living in the overlap of two ages can create tension. How do you navigate the challenges of living in a world marred by sin while holding onto the hope of future glory? What practical steps can you take to live out your faith in this present age? [19:07]

4. Paul’s letters highlight the importance of grace in the Christian life. How have you experienced God’s grace in your life? In what ways can you extend that grace to others around you? [22:16]

5. Consider the concept of being delivered from the present evil age. How does this understanding influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? What changes might you need to make to align more closely with this new identity in Christ? [19:07]

6. Paul was eager to preach the gospel to believers in Rome. How can you share the gospel with those around you, both believers and non-believers? Identify one person you can reach out to this week with the message of hope in Christ. [02:44]

7. Reflect on the resources of grace provided by Christ. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to empower you in your struggles and old habits? What specific actions can you take to live with confidence in the transformative power of the gospel? [22:16]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Historical Foundation
The gospel is not just a collection of stories or moral teachings; it is rooted in the historical events of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. These events are well-documented and fulfill the promises made in the Old Testament, providing a solid foundation for our faith. Paul emphasizes that Christ's death was for our sins and His resurrection on the third day is a testament to the truth of the gospel. This historical grounding assures us that our faith is not in vain but is based on real events that have transformed history. [04:51]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

Reflection: How does knowing the historical reality of Christ's death and resurrection impact your daily faith and trust in the gospel?


Day 2: Salvation Through Christ Alone
Our sinful nature necessitates a need for salvation, which can only be achieved through the work of Christ. The gospel is a message that must be preached and received through faith, highlighting the importance of both proclamation and belief. Paul stresses that salvation is not something we can earn or achieve on our own; it is a gift from God through Jesus Christ. This understanding calls us to a life of faith, trusting in the completed work of Christ for our redemption. [06:17]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively share the message of salvation through Christ with someone in your life today?


Day 3: The Gospel's Historical Nature
Paul's understanding of history is comprehensive, beginning with creation and culminating in Christ's return. The death and resurrection of Christ mark the midpoint of history, ushering in a new era. This new era is characterized by the overlap of two ages: the present evil age and the age to come. The gospel is a historical proclamation of what God has accomplished in Christ, and it invites us to live in the reality of this new era, anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises. [09:08]

Galatians 1:4 (ESV): "Who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father."

Reflection: How does understanding the gospel as a historical proclamation change your perspective on current world events and your role in them?


Day 4: Living in the Overlap of Ages
Believers live in the overlap of two ages: the present evil age and the age to come. We have been delivered from the dominion of the present age and brought into the life of the age to come, yet we still experience the tension of living in a world marred by sin. This tension calls us to rely on the resources of grace provided by Christ and to live empowered by the Holy Spirit, even as we face struggles and the pull of old habits. [19:07]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: What are some practical ways you can rely on the Holy Spirit to navigate the tension of living in the overlap of these two ages?


Day 5: Understanding Sin and Grace
Paul’s letters illuminate the Christian life within the historical framework of the gospel, helping us understand our sin and the grace that rescues us. We are called to live in this present age with the resources of grace provided by Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Though we face struggles and the pull of old habits, we live with confidence in our Savior and the gospel's transformative power. This understanding encourages us to embrace the grace that is available to us and to live out our faith with boldness and assurance. [22:16]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you need to embrace God's grace more fully. How can you take a step towards living out that grace today?

Quotes


In the first instance, the gospel centers on the message that Jesus Christ has died and that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. He died for our sins, He was raised on the third day. These are two historical works of Jesus Christ; works of Christ in history that Paul proclaims. [00:04:53]

Paul is concerned that believers know that these are well attested. That's why he goes on to say, "Christ died for our sins and He was buried." That certified that He in fact died in that cross. And then, not only was He raised on the third day, but that He appeared to many witnesses. [00:05:18]

Jesus was seen by people in the flesh in time space history. And these two works Paul is concerned to stress are in accordance with the Scriptures. He died according to the Scripture. He rose again according to the Scripture. God's promises, the Old Testament have now come to fulfilment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. [00:05:41]

But then secondly, the gospel assumes that we are sinners. You see that in first Corinthians 15:3, Christ died for our sins. That assumes we are sinners. Paul says the gospel is the message (verse 2) "…by which you are being saved…" So sinners need to be saved and it is the work of Christ that saves. [00:06:30]

And that leads to the third thing. The gospel is not we could say automatically saving. But Paul says, "I preached it to you." It's a message that has to be declared, and moreover it has to be received (verse 1). Now how is the preaching of the gospel -- the preaching of Jesus Christ received? [00:06:59]

Well, Paul tells us it is through faith (verse 2) and then again in verse eleven. "We preach (verse 11) and so you believed." So Paul's gospel, Paul's theology rather is a gospel theology. He tells us in verse three, "I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received." [00:07:26]

Here, Paul says is the very heart of my teaching that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was raised from the dead that sinners like you and me might be saved through faith in Him. [00:07:56]

Now, in company with the biblical writers generally and the New Testament writers particularly, Paul has a clear and a comprehensive understanding of history. It begins at creation. History begins at creation, the moment when God made all things -- heaven and hearth and all that in them is. [00:09:00]

And history will end Paul says, when Jesus Christ returns. At that moment, the creation, he says to the Romans in chapter 8 will set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. It’s then he says to the Corinthians later in chapter 15, that all things will return to God. [00:09:33]

So creation and return; and history is moving from this point to that point. But as the Apostle Paul surveys history and the work of God in history, its midpoint or its center is the work of Jesus Christ -- His death and His resurrection. [00:09:53]

Now, there is this present age, there is this age to come, but Paul stresses that we live in what has been called "the overlap of the ages." We had been transferred as believers from the dominion of this present age and we have been brought into the life of the age to come -- that's clear. [00:19:27]

But Paul tells us there are two things we need to know, even as we glory in these realities that are true of every genuine believer. The first is, that we have yet to experience this age to come in full. And that's evident in our own bodies -- they are mortal. [00:20:05]

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