1 CORINTHIANS 15:1-8 – “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 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, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.”
THEME OF THE DAY: WHAT IS THE GOSPEL? So, let’s imagine this encounter. A neighbor, co-worker, or friend, all not Christians, know that you are a Christian. Life, as it does, has gotten really hard for them. Even overwhelming. Having observed you for a while, they recall how you seem to be different. Circumstances in life don’t rattle you like they do them. Your neighbor, co-worker, or friend approach you and say, “I am curious about your Christianity. I know a little bit, like a baby named Jesus born in the manger and something about Easter. I also heard the word “gospel” before. Seems like a strange word. I am going through a tough time, and I wanted to talk to you about this gospel thing which I was told is “good news” and I could use some good news right now.”
How would we respond? We basically are being asked today’s theme – “What is the Gospel?” Well, it’s an open Bible test and the answer is today’s scripture. The Apostle Paul provides the clearest definition of God’s glorious Gospel. Indeed, it not only is good news for the sin-sick sinner but the greatest news ever to embrace the ear and heart of the sin-sick sinner! And it is this Gospel we share with our hurting neighbor, co-worker and friend. But this sharing goes further.
Who are the recipients of the letter from which today’s scripture is taken? The Corinthians; believers in the church at Corinth. Yes, Paul is proclaiming the Gospel to believers. And here is the important takeaway from today’s devotion – believers need to hear and cling to the Gospel daily. We are not only saved by the Gospel of the Lord Jesus, but we live by His Gospel. For instance, when the devil comes to us as the accuser (Revelation 12:10) and brings condemnation upon our hearts over the many sins we still commit, how do we silence Him? The Gospel that tells him and us, “Christ died for those sins, and rose from the dead to justify us from those sins.”
Another application of the Gospel for the believer is the hope it gives for the future. Our Savior is returning, and we wait for Him who is the Gospel who has freed us from sin, Satan, and ourselves by His Gospel (1 Thessalonians 1:3-10; Colossians 1:3-6) in the present world and the next. We need to remind each other of this sure and blessed hope.
As for our neighbor, co-worker, or friend? They need to know this life is not the end and the Gospel provides a sure hope in the world to come!
Yes, saved by the Gospel AND live by the Gospel. That is how we live the practical Christian life Christ came to give.
PRAYER: Father, I praise You for such a glorious gospel of Your Son freeing me from sin now and forever.
REFLECTION: We not only are saved by the Gospel, but daily we must feed off and live life by the Gospel.