Read
Galatians 1:11-16.
The Gospel Paul preached did not come from any man, but was a
revelation of Jesus Christ. But what was this gospel he began to
preach? The simple answer is
I
Corinthians 15.
Body:
I. The
Good News
(Verses
1-2)
(I
Corinthians 15:1-2)
This gospel was
“good news” to the Corinthians. Paul had proclaimed it to them.
This connected them with a bond between them. He “gospeled” the
good news to them.
Because they
had received (accepted) it, they were saved. (James
1:21)
It was necessary that they continue to hold on to it. If they
didn’t, their initial acceptance and belief would be in vain. (II
Peter 2:20-22)
II.
Of
First Importance
(Verses
3-5)
(I
Corinthians 15:3-5)
Paul wanted to
make sure his readers knew that this gospel he was passing on to
them was the one he received, the authentic gospel.
Paul declared
that at the core of the “good news” lie four events in the life of
Jesus:
He died.
He was buried.
He was raised.
He appeared.
The gospel (the
story of Jesus Christ) isn’t a story that came out of nowhere. It
is locked into history.
-
His death,
according to the Scripture (Isaiah
53:12b)
McKnight describes His death like this. “Jesus died
(1)
with us . . .
(2)
instead of us. . .
(3)
for us.” Jesus became fully human so he could identify
with us. (Philippians
2: 6-8)
Jesus died in our place. He received our punishment. (I
Peter 2:22-24)
Jesus did this for our good. (Ephesians
1:7)
-
His burial
(Isaiah
53:9,
Romans 6:3-4)
-
His
resurrection
(Psalms
16:10)
Scripture informs us He was “raised for our justification.” (Romans
4:25)
Also, we shall be “united with Him in a resurrection like His.”
(Romans
6:5)
-
His
appearances
These provide evidence that He was truly alive.
III.
The Second Coming
(Verses
20-28)
(I
Corinthians 15:20-28)
Jesus’ second
coming completes the story. At His coming, everyone will rise from
their graves. (John
5:28-29)
The faithful will meet Him in the air. (I
Thessalonians 4:16-18)
He will have conquered all dominion, authority, and power as well as
death.
Conclusion:
Read
Romans 1:1-6.
“To bring about the obedience of faith” This is the goal of
the gospel story.
Bobby Stafford
June 10, 2012
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