The Authority and Revelation of the Gospel

 

Summary

In 2 Corinthians 4:1-6, Paul addresses the challenges and criticisms he faced as an apostle, emphasizing the authenticity and authority of the gospel he preached. He underscores that his ministry is not about personal gain or popularity but about faithfully delivering the word of God. Paul’s commitment to the gospel is rooted in the understanding that it is the truth, a divine revelation, not a human invention. This truth is what gives him the authority and urgency to preach, despite the hardships he endures.

Paul’s message is unique because it is the word of God, distinct from human philosophies or scientific discoveries. He insists that the gospel is a revelation from God, not something discovered through human effort. This revelation was given to him directly by Christ, just as it was to the other apostles. Paul’s authority comes from this divine commission, and he is merely a steward of the message he received.

The sermon challenges listeners to consider the authority of the gospel and the necessity of revelation for understanding God. Human wisdom and scientific inquiry, while valuable, are insufficient for comprehending divine truths. The gospel offers answers to the deepest questions of life, providing a foundation for understanding the world and our place in it. It calls for a response of faith, urging individuals to turn away from self-reliance and embrace the truth of God’s word.

Key Takeaways:

- The Authority of the Gospel: The gospel is not a human invention but the word of God, distinct and authoritative. It demands a different approach than human philosophies, requiring us to listen and submit to its truth. [17:59]

- Revelation, Not Discovery: Understanding God and His purposes comes through revelation, not human discovery. The gospel is a divine unveiling, given to us through Christ and the apostles, not the result of human effort or intellect. [23:00]

- Paul’s Divine Commission: Paul’s authority to preach comes from a direct revelation from Christ. His message aligns with that of the other apostles, emphasizing the consistency and divine origin of the gospel. [32:25]

- The Uniqueness of Christ: Jesus Christ is central to the gospel, His life, death, and resurrection authenticate His claims and the message of salvation. His teachings and the apostles’ writings form the foundation of Christian faith. [27:26]

- The Necessity of Faith: The gospel calls for a response of faith, urging individuals to trust in God’s revelation rather than human wisdom. It offers salvation and understanding of life’s deepest questions, providing hope and assurance. [52:22]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
- [01:26] - Paul's Defense of His Ministry
- [03:07] - The Problem of Unbelief
- [05:09] - The Question of Authority
- [06:23] - Preaching in the Sight of God
- [07:49] - The Urgency of the Gospel
- [09:03] - The Nature of the Message
- [10:14] - The Basis of Apostolic Authority
- [12:23] - Revelation vs. Human Discovery
- [15:26] - The Uniqueness of the Gospel
- [20:59] - The Concept of Revelation
- [25:10] - The Centrality of Christ
- [32:25] - Paul's Divine Commission
- [52:22] - The Call to Faith and Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
2 Corinthians 4:1-6

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Observation Questions:

1. What are the specific challenges and criticisms Paul faced as an apostle, as mentioned in the sermon? [01:42]

2. How does Paul describe his approach to preaching the gospel in 2 Corinthians 4:1-6? What does he emphasize about his ministry? [05:38]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Paul stating that he preaches "not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord"? [07:14]

4. How does the sermon explain the concept of the gospel being a "revelation" rather than a "discovery"? [23:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why does Paul emphasize the divine origin of the gospel, and how does this affect his authority and urgency in preaching? [10:14]

2. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between human wisdom and divine revelation? What implications does this have for understanding the gospel? [21:16]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the gospel provides answers to life's deepest questions? How does this relate to the necessity of faith? [52:22]

4. How does Paul's personal experience and divine commission, as described in the sermon, reinforce the consistency and authenticity of the gospel message? [32:25]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced criticism or challenges for your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul's example of commitment to the gospel? [01:57]

2. The sermon emphasizes the authority of the gospel as the word of God. How does this understanding influence your approach to reading and applying Scripture in your daily life? [17:59]

3. Consider the role of revelation in your spiritual journey. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on divine revelation rather than human wisdom in your understanding of God? [23:00]

4. The sermon highlights the uniqueness of Christ and His centrality to the gospel. How does this shape your view of Jesus and His teachings in your life? [27:26]

5. In what ways can you actively respond to the gospel's call for faith, moving away from self-reliance and embracing the truth of God's word? [52:22]

6. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with self-reliance. What steps can you take this week to trust more in God's revelation and guidance? [52:22]

7. How can you share the message of the gospel with others, emphasizing its divine authority and the hope it offers, as Paul did? [32:25]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel's Divine Authority
The gospel stands apart as the authoritative word of God, not a product of human invention or philosophy. It demands a unique approach, one that requires listening and submission to its truth. This divine authority is what gives the gospel its power and significance, calling believers to recognize its distinct nature. The gospel is not merely a set of teachings but a revelation that carries the weight of God's own voice, urging us to align our lives with its message. [17:59]

"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 have you allowed human philosophies to overshadow the authority of the gospel in your life? How can you begin to realign your understanding and actions with the truth of God's word today?


Day 2: Revelation Over Discovery
Understanding God and His purposes is not a matter of human discovery but of divine revelation. The gospel is a divine unveiling, given through Christ and the apostles, not the result of human effort or intellect. This revelation is essential for comprehending the deeper truths of life and the universe, offering insights that human wisdom cannot attain. It challenges us to seek understanding through faith and divine insight rather than relying solely on our own reasoning. [23:00]

"For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God." (1 Corinthians 2:11, ESV)

Reflection: How often do you rely on your own understanding rather than seeking God's revelation? What steps can you take to open yourself more fully to the insights God wants to reveal to you?


Day 3: Paul's Divine Commission
Paul's authority to preach the gospel comes from a direct revelation from Christ, aligning his message with that of the other apostles. This consistency underscores the divine origin of the gospel and the importance of apostolic authority. Paul's commitment to his divine commission serves as a model for believers, emphasizing the need to faithfully steward the message of Christ. His life and ministry remind us of the importance of divine calling and the responsibility it carries. [32:25]

"But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone." (Galatians 1:15-16, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your own sense of calling and purpose. How can you be more faithful in stewarding the message of Christ in your daily interactions and responsibilities?


Day 4: The Centrality of Christ
Jesus Christ is central to the gospel, with His life, death, and resurrection authenticating His claims and the message of salvation. His teachings and the apostles' writings form the foundation of Christian faith, emphasizing the uniqueness and necessity of Christ in understanding God's plan for humanity. This centrality calls believers to focus their faith and lives on Christ, recognizing Him as the cornerstone of their spiritual journey. [27:26]

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

Reflection: In what ways can you make Christ more central in your daily life? Consider specific actions or changes you can implement to ensure that your faith is firmly rooted in Him.


Day 5: The Call to Faith
The gospel calls for a response of faith, urging individuals to trust in God's revelation rather than human wisdom. It offers salvation and answers to life's deepest questions, providing hope and assurance. This call to faith is an invitation to move beyond self-reliance and embrace the truth of God's word, finding peace and purpose in His promises. It challenges believers to live out their faith actively, trusting in God's guidance and provision. [52:22]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle to trust God fully. What practical steps can you take today to surrender this area to Him and embrace His guidance?

Quotes


The Apostle deals with something that I think is perhaps one of the commonest and the most frequent causes as to why people stumble at this gospel. I believe that here he helps us to understand in other words why it is that there are so many still who are outside the Christian faith. [00:03:07]

The Apostle gives us the answer and the answer really is found here in this second verse and that's all we need consider this evening he says but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to Every Man's conscience in the sight of God. [00:09:03]

This message is unique. This message is unlike every other message in the world tonight in what way well in that it is the word of God. This is not of men. This is absolutely separate and distinct and unique and differs from everything else. Now that's a very vital opposition, isn't it? [00:17:59]

Because this is the word of God it means of necessity that it is what is called Revelation. Revelation now here's a vital matter you see the whole difference between this and everything else this that this is a revelation from God and none of the others are. [00:23:00]

This is revelation. What does that mean? Well, it means this this is not something a man discovers this is something that is shown to him. This isn't the end result of a great questioned inquiry no no it's an unveiling and an unfolding it is a revealing. [00:23:00]

The Apostle had done the same before me, my faith is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets but now look at it like this why should we listen to this word why do we say that it's the word of God why do we say that this is the truth well it all comes back to this Jes Jesus of Nazareth. [00:25:10]

He took these men, chose 12 of them, trained them for three years, taught them, gave them insight and understanding, sent them out to preach, told them what to say and then just before he left them he said I am now going to die, but he said after I've gone I'll send the Holy Spirit and he shall lead you into all truth. [00:27:26]

This same Christ had appear to him on the road to the Damascus he'd seen him did you notice how he put it there in 1 Corinthians 15 he showed himself to this and that and the other to the 500 and then unto me last of all unto me as of one born out of due time. [00:32:25]

This is the message given to him given to all the other Apostles by this Lord Of Glory himself that's the authority this is revelation this you know is what he said about the Old Testament as well as the new Jesus Christ the son of God believe the Old Testament he said so repeatedly. [00:32:25]

All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for Doctrine and correction and Repro and instruction in righteousness he says these are not the words of men they've been breathed out by God. [00:32:25]

There is only one way in which these things can be known it is through the word of God it is by listening to this son of God who's been in this world who's lived here who's died here who was buried who's risen again who's ascended and who sent the spirit who empowered this man Paul and all the apostles to speak who gave the message. [00:52:22]

If you want to know your sins forgiven you've got to believe in this Glory I gospel of Christ which will tell you that the Son of God bore your sins in his own body on the tree took you a punishment died your death was buried in your grave and rose again to justify the Glorious Gospel of the Blessed God. [00:52:22]

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Transcript
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