Understanding the Gospel: Grace Over Works

Devotional

Day 1: The True Meaning of the Gospel

The gospel, or "euangelion," means "good news" and originally referred to a military victory. In the Christian context, it signifies the victory Jesus won over sin and death on our behalf. This good news is the foundation of our faith, not our own efforts or religious rituals. Understanding this shifts our focus from what we can do to what Jesus has already done. It is a message of hope and assurance that our salvation is secured through Jesus' sacrifice, not through our own merit.

This understanding is crucial because it liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. Instead, we can rest in the completed work of Christ, knowing that our relationship with God is based on His grace. This good news should transform our lives, filling us with gratitude and motivating us to live in a way that reflects the love and grace we have received. [24:48]

Romans 1:16-17 (ESV): "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"

Reflection: How does understanding the gospel as "good news" change the way you view your relationship with God? What steps can you take today to live in the freedom and assurance that this good news brings?

Day 2: God's Relationship with Us

Many people mistakenly base their relationship with God on their own good works or religious affiliations. However, the true gospel message is that our relationship with God is based on what Jesus has already done for us, not on our own efforts. This shifts the focus from self-righteousness to divine grace. When we understand that our standing with God is not dependent on our performance, we can experience true freedom and peace.

This misconception often leads to a cycle of self-righteousness and self-loathing, depending on how well we think we are performing. But the gospel frees us from this cycle by reminding us that Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. Our role is to trust in His finished work and live out of the gratitude and love that this understanding produces. [27:29]

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 have you been relying on your own efforts to earn God's favor? How can you shift your focus to trust more fully in what Jesus has already done for you?

Day 3: The Fulfillment of Time

When Jesus proclaimed that the time is fulfilled, it signified that God's patience with human sin had reached its limit. However, instead of pouring out His wrath on us, God poured it out on Jesus. This act of divine justice and mercy offers us salvation through Jesus' sacrifice. It is a profound demonstration of God's love and justice, showing that He takes sin seriously but also provides a way for us to be reconciled to Him.

This proclamation was revolutionary because it shifted the focus from human efforts to divine grace. Jesus came to fulfill God's justice by taking upon Himself the wrath that we deserved, thus offering us salvation through His sacrifice. This understanding should lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's love and a greater commitment to live in a way that honors Him. [36:17]

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV): "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus took the wrath you deserved change your perspective on God's justice and mercy? What can you do today to live in a way that reflects your gratitude for His sacrifice?

Day 4: Repentance and Belief

Jesus calls us to repent and believe in the gospel. Repentance means changing our mind and life direction, acknowledging that we cannot earn God's favor through our own efforts. Belief in the gospel means trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross and His resurrection as the basis for our salvation. This call to repent and believe is a call to a transformed life, one that is no longer centered on ourselves but on Christ.

Repentance and belief are not one-time events but ongoing processes in the life of a believer. They involve continually turning away from sin and self-reliance and turning towards Jesus in faith and obedience. This daily practice helps us grow in our relationship with God and become more like Christ in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. [47:31]

Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."

Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to repent of and turn back to God? How can you actively trust in Jesus' finished work today?

Day 5: Baptism as an Expression of Faith

For those who have put their faith in Jesus, the next step is baptism. Baptism is not a means of salvation but an outward expression of an inward faith. It symbolizes our identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and it is an act of obedience that publicly declares our faith. Baptism is a powerful testimony of our commitment to follow Jesus and a reminder of the new life we have in Him.

Baptism serves as a public declaration of our faith and a commitment to live as followers of Christ. It is a significant step in our spiritual journey, marking our identification with Jesus and our intention to live according to His teachings. For those who have not yet been baptized, it is an important step to consider as an expression of their faith and obedience to Christ. [57:52]

Romans 6:3-4 (ESV): "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: If you have not yet been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith? If you have been baptized, how can you live out the commitment you made to follow Jesus in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we began a new series called "Next," where we explore the next steps in our spiritual journey, whether we are believers or seekers. The focus of today's message was on understanding God's relationship with us, symbolized by the down arrow. We delved into the true meaning of the gospel, which is derived from the Greek word "euangelion," meaning "good news." Historically, this term was used in a military context to announce victory and salvation. Similarly, the core of the Christian faith is not about our efforts or religious rituals but about the good news that Jesus Christ has already fought and won the battle against sin and death on our behalf.

We examined how many people mistakenly base their relationship with God on their own good works or religious affiliations. I shared my personal story of growing up in a religious environment where I believed that God's love and acceptance were contingent on my ability to follow a list of do's and don'ts. This led to a cycle of self-righteousness and self-loathing, depending on how well I adhered to these rules. However, the true gospel message is that our relationship with God is based on what Jesus has already done for us, not on our own efforts.

We looked at Mark 1:14-15, where Jesus begins His ministry by proclaiming that the time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand. He calls us to repent and believe in the gospel. This proclamation was revolutionary because it shifted the focus from human efforts to divine grace. Jesus came to fulfill God's justice by taking upon Himself the wrath that we deserved, thus offering us salvation through His sacrifice.

The message concluded with a call to action: for those who have not yet put their faith in Jesus, the next step is to repent and believe in the gospel. For those who have already done so, the next step is to publicly declare their faith through baptism. Baptism is an expression of one's faith and identification with Jesus' death and resurrection.

###

Key Takeaways

1. righteousness to divine grace. [27:29]
3. The Fulfillment of Time: When Jesus proclaimed that the time is fulfilled, it signified that God's patience with human sin had reached its limit. However, instead of pouring out His wrath on us, God poured it out on Jesus. This act of divine justice and mercy offers us salvation through Jesus' sacrifice.

4. Repentance and Belief: Jesus calls us to repent and believe in the gospel. Repentance means changing our mind and life direction, acknowledging that we cannot earn God's favor through our own efforts. Belief in the gospel means trusting in Jesus' finished work on the cross and His resurrection as the basis for our salvation.

5. Baptism as an Expression of Faith: For those who have put their faith in Jesus, the next step is baptism. Baptism is not a means of salvation but an outward expression of an inward faith. It symbolizes our identification with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, and it is an act of obedience that publicly declares our faith.

### [27:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[21:16] - Opening Prayer
[22:38] - Introduction to the Series "Next"
[23:16] - Four Areas of Focus
[24:01] - Understanding the Gospel
[24:48] - Historical Context of "Euangelion"
[25:54] - The Battle and the Good News
[26:35] - The Core of Christian Faith
[27:29] - Misconceptions About Faith
[28:19] - Personal Story of Religious Upbringing
[29:54] - The Cycle of Self-Righteousness and Self-Loathing
[30:32] - Trust and Obey
[31:08] - Consequences of Sin
[32:41] - Biblical Examples of Sin and Punishment
[33:29] - Jesus' Proclamation in Mark 1
[34:29] - The Time is Fulfilled
[35:17] - Positive and Negative Interpretations
[36:17] - The Fulfillment of Time and God's Wrath
[37:49] - God's Declaration in Exodus 34
[38:22] - The Meaning of Yahweh
[39:40] - God's Justice and Mercy
[40:25] - The Cup of God's Wrath
[42:19] - Historical Examples of God's Wrath
[44:05] - Jesus' Revolutionary Message
[45:02] - The Story of Sodom and Gomorrah
[46:33] - The People's Reaction to Jesus' Words
[46:57] - Jesus' Call to Repent and Believe
[47:31] - The Universality of Sin
[48:31] - Jesus Taking Our Place
[49:03] - The Sacrifice of Jesus
[49:50] - Justification Through Jesus
[50:23] - Victory Through Jesus
[51:14] - Assurance of Salvation
[51:44] - The Empty Tomb
[52:13] - The Unique Message of the Gospel
[53:01] - Salvation by Grace Through Faith
[54:11] - The Difference Between Religion and the Gospel
[55:12] - What Defines Your Relationship with God?
[55:46] - The Call to Repent and Believe
[56:19] - Next Steps for Believers
[57:18] - Keep Seeking and Asking Questions
[57:52] - The Importance of Baptism
[58:20] - Baptism as an Expression of Faith
[59:20] - Identifying with Jesus Through Baptism
[59:49] - Celebration of Baptisms
[60:14] - Invitation to Baptism
[68:35] - Closing Remarks and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does the term "gospel" mean, and what was its original context before being adopted for religious purposes? ([24:48])
According to Mark 1:14-15, what two actions does Jesus call us to take in response to the gospel? ([35:17])
How does Romans 5:8-9 describe the way God demonstrates His love for us? ([49:50])
What does Ephesians 2:8-9 say about the role of grace and faith in our salvation? ([53:01])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that the gospel originally referred to a military victory? How does this enhance our understanding of Jesus' victory over sin and death? ([24:48])
In what ways does Jesus' proclamation in Mark 1:14-15 shift the focus from human efforts to divine grace? ([35:17])
How does the concept of being "justified by His blood" in Romans 5:9 help us understand the nature of our salvation? ([49:50])
What does Ephesians 2:8-9 reveal about the relationship between our works and God's grace? How does this contrast with common misconceptions about earning salvation? ([53:01])

Application Questions

Reflect on your own understanding of the gospel. Have you ever viewed it as a set of rules and rituals rather than the good news of Jesus' victory? How can you shift your focus to the true meaning of the gospel? ([27:29])
Jesus calls us to repent and believe in the gospel. What does repentance look like in your life? Are there specific areas where you need to change your mind and life direction? ([47:31])
The sermon emphasized that our relationship with God is based on what Jesus has done, not on our own efforts. How does this truth impact your daily walk with God? ([33:29])
Baptism is described as an outward expression of an inward faith. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step? If you have been baptized, how can you continue to publicly declare your faith? ([57:52])
The sermon mentioned the cycle of self-righteousness and self-loathing that comes from trying to earn God's favor. Have you experienced this cycle? How can you break free from it by embracing the gospel of grace? ([31:45])
Consider the ways you might be relying on your own good works or religious activities to define your relationship with God. How can you shift your reliance to the finished work of Jesus on the cross? ([55:12])
Identify one person in your life who has not yet put their faith in Jesus. How can you share the good news of the gospel with them this week? What steps can you take to help them understand the true meaning of the gospel? ([56:19])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "The core of the Christian faith is not based on what you have done or what you can do for God. The core of the Christian faith is based on what God has already done. What God has already done for you. And that's the good news. That's the gospel. And that's what Jesus has proclaimed from the very beginning." [33:29] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ shall be saved. For there is salvation in no one else. But Jesus Christ. There is no other name under heaven. Given among men. By which we must be saved. That's the gospel. That's the good news. And it distinguishes us from every other religion in the history of mankind." [52:13] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Religion says if you're not good enough then God's going to punish you. But the gospel says. You've never been good enough. But Jesus took your punishment for you. Religion says if you want to please God. Then this is what you must do. But the gospel says God is pleased with you. Because of your faith in Jesus Christ. And what he has done for you." [54:11] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "For by grace you have been saved. Through faith. Grace is unmerited favor. You didn't earn this. By grace you have been saved. Through faith in Jesus Christ. And who he is. And what he did for you on the cross. And through the empty tomb. He said this salvation is not of your own doing. It's a gift of God. It's not a result of works." [53:01] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The proclamation of the gospel is defined by the work of Jesus Christ. And what he accomplished for you. On your behalf. Or as the apostle Paul says in Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8. For by grace you have been saved. Through faith. Grace is unmerited favor. You didn't earn this. By grace you have been saved. Through faith in Jesus Christ." [53:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The core of the Christian faith is not based upon one's diligence to a set of religious rituals or practices. That the core of the Christian faith is not based on our efforts, on our good works, or our faithfulness, or even our ability to overcome our greatest enemy, which is sin and death. Instead, our Christian faith is based on the gospel. The good news, that someone else entered into that battlefield for us." [26:35] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "So the question for you. And for me. Is what defines God's relationship with you? Is it religion? Or is it the gospel? Is the status of God's relationship with you. Is it based on your religious activity. Or you keeping all the rules. Or you being really good at being good. Is it based on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The euangelion. The good news. That Jesus saves." [55:12] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Instead of God's wrath being poured out on you. This time it will be poured out once and for all on me. That's what Jesus was proclaiming. Because God so loved the world. He so loved you. He so loves me. He would send his only son Jesus Christ. To live the life. The perfect life. That you and I could not live. And who would then choose. To die the death. You and I were condemned. To die for us." [48:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "How do we know we've been justified of our sins? How do we know if we've been forgiven of our sins? How do I know that I've really been truly saved? How do I know that I've been saved from the wrath of God? Look to the empty tomb. Because what the empty tomb tells us. Is that Jesus Christ fought our greatest battle. Our greatest enemy. Which was sin and death." [51:14] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The time is fulfilled. Therefore repent. Change your mind. So as to change your life. And then believe the gospel. Believe the good news. You're like what are you talking. There is no good news in this. So what Jesus says here is revolutionary. Because the Bible is very, very clear. Like front to back. That every single person. You and I included. We have all fallen short of the glory of God. We have all sinned." [47:31] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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