The Gospel of Jesus Christ

INTRODUCTION:  The gospel of Jesus Christ is clearly defined in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 as the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ according to the scriptures.  But often we look at the gospel as nothing more than the starting point for the Christian life.  In truth, it is central to our life in Christ after salvation as well.  All that we believe and all that we do for Christ comes from the working of the gospel in our lives.

The book of Romans is the closest thing in the Bible to a systematic doctrinal statement.  In it, Paul deals with the issues of sin, salvation and service.  His introduction to the book in the first seven verses of chapter one shows us that the gospel is the foundation to everything else.

1. THE PREACHER OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:1) -there must be a preacher (Romans 10:14-15)
1. His Service; a servant of Jesus Christ (Acts 27:23)
2. His Sending; called to be an apostle apostle means sent one (Romans 11:13; 15:15-16)
3. His Separation; separated unto the gospel of God (Acts 20:24)
2. THE PROMISE OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:2)
1. Promised by the Prophets (Amos 3:7)
2. Recorded in the Scriptures (Luke 24:25-27; 44-46)
3. THE PERSON OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:3)
1. His Identity; his Son Jesus Christ our Lord
2. His Inheritance; son of David (Matthew 1:1)
3. His Incarnation; madeaccording to the flesh (John 1:14; Galatians 4:4)
4. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:4)
1. Declared to be the Son by His Resurrection (Psalm 2:7; Acts 13:28-37); NOTE: The resurrection did not make Jesus the Son of God but demonstrated in a powerful way that He was the Son of God.
2. Demonstrated His Power to be the Power of God (Ephesians 1:19-23)
3. Delivered From the Grave by the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18; compare John 10:17-18)
5. THE PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:5)
1. Grace: the special enabling of God by which we take the gospel to the world (Ephesians 4:7-13)
2. Apostleship: the special calling of God by which we are sent to take the gospel to the world (Matthew 21:28; 2 Corinthians 5:20)
3. Obedience: Our obedience to take the gospel and the obedience of those who hear to receive the gospel (Romans 16:25-26)
6. THE PRODUCT OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:6)
1. Those Who Receive Christ as Saviour (1 Corinthians 1:2)
2. Those Who Take the Gospel to Others; Paul is telling the Romans that the call to take the gospel to the world does not belong only to those who have the title of apostle.  This call is given to all who believe in Christ.
7. THE PEACE OF THE GOSPEL (Romans 1:7; Ephesians 6:15)
1. Because We are Called to be Saints; this gives us peace with God (Romans 5:1)
2. Because Gods grace (or enabling) is granted to us (2 Corinthians 9:8)
3. Because Gods peace indwells us (Philippians 4:7)

CONCLUSION:  The gospel of Jesus Christ is the basis of our salvation, the heart of all true doctrine and the foundation for our sanctification and service.  All we are and do is wrapped up in “He is not here: for he is risen” (Matthew 28:6).  Do you Know Him?  Do you life in His strength?  Do you live your life in service to Him?