What role does "the gospel I preached to you" play in our faith? A Reminder Worth Hearing Again “Now, brothers, I remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, and in which you stand.” (1 Corinthians 15:1) Paul opens by calling the church back to what matters most—the gospel he had already proclaimed. Nothing else in Christian life carries weight unless it rises out of this message. What Exactly Is “the Gospel I Preached to You”? • The word “gospel” (Greek euangelion) simply means “good news.” • Paul spells it out a few verses later—Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • This same message was “entrusted to me by the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12). • Because it is divinely revealed, it remains unchanging, authoritative, and true for every generation (Jude 3). Role #1 — Received: The Gospel Begins Our Faith • “Which you received” highlights the moment each believer personally embraces the message. • Receiving is not passive hearing; it involves trusting Christ’s finished work (John 1:12). • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” • Without this reception, no one can enter God’s family (Ephesians 1:13). Role #2 — Standing: The Gospel Grounds Our Present Security • “In which you stand” paints a picture of solid footing in a shaky world. • Colossians 2:6-7—“As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith.” • When accusations, doubts, or cultural pressures arise, we stand firm because the gospel tells us who Christ is and what He has already done. Practical implications: – Identity: We are accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6). – Confidence: Nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). – Stability: We are “immovable” when anchored to the cross and the empty tomb (1 Corinthians 15:58). Role #3 — Saving: The Gospel Secures Our Past, Present, and Future • Verse 2 continues, “By this gospel you are saved.” Salvation is both a completed act and an ongoing reality. • Past: We were justified—declared righteous (Romans 5:1). • Present: We are being sanctified—transformed into Christ’s likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). • Future: We will be glorified—raised imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:52-53). Paul’s point: the same gospel that opened the door keeps us walking through it and guarantees we’ll reach the destination. Role #4 — Holding Fast: The Gospel Demands Perseverance • “If you hold firmly to the word I preached to you” (1 Corinthians 15:2). • True faith keeps clinging to Christ (Hebrews 3:14). • This is not earning salvation but proving it genuine. • Jesus described genuine disciples as those who “continue in My word” (John 8:31). Ways we hold fast: 1. Regular Scripture intake—letting the message dwell richly (Colossians 3:16). 2. Communion with other believers—reminding one another daily (Hebrews 10:24-25). 3. Immediate repentance when we stumble—returning to the cross for cleansing (1 John 1:9). 4. Hope-filled anticipation of resurrection—“set your minds on things above” (Colossians 3:1-4). Role #5 — Empowering Mission: The Gospel Propels Us Outward • Paul preached it; now we carry it. • Romans 1:16—“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” • 2 Corinthians 5:20—We are ambassadors, pleading, “Be reconciled to God.” • The same power that saved us empowers our witness (Acts 1:8). Practical steps: – Share personal testimony tied to the core gospel facts. – Support missions advancing the same message worldwide. – Live consistently so the content we proclaim matches the character we display (Philippians 1:27). Putting It All Together The gospel Paul preached is: 1. The entry point of faith. 2. The foundation on which we stand. 3. The ongoing power that saves. 4. The anchor that keeps us persevering. 5. The fuel that sends us into the world. Every spiritual blessing flows through this good news. Keep it central, rehearse it often, and let its truth shape every part of life until the day we see the risen Christ face to face. |
    |