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The Gospel (2 of 2)
Series: 1 Corinthians
D. Marion Clark
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Introduction
We are nearing the end of 1 Corinthians. Just two chapters to go. And best of all, this chapter, which is the longest, contains some of the most inspiring, joyful passages in the Bible. And we get to start off with the very gospel itself.
Text
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain.
Paul is about to recall the gospel that he preached to the Corinthians. Before he goes on, he impresses upon them the role they play. First, they received the gospel, i.e. when they heard it preached, they believed it. Second, they make their stand on the gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ is not a mere matter of belief like also believing Caesar Augustus was a Roman emperor. They stake their way of life on the gospel. They live and die by it. Third, they stake their salvation on it. They believe that it means their salvation. The gospel involves their past (receiving it), their present (making their stand), and their future (salvation). It cannot take a stronger position in their lives.
But then he adds, ''if.'' They will obtain salvation if they hold fast to the word which Paul preached to them. They are in danger of not holding fast to that word. We've seen how they have questioned his teachings and authority, and the bad results - sexual immorality, divisiveness in the church, and disrespect towards one another. But in this chapter Paul touches on a false teaching so bad that it strikes at the heart of the gospel and endangers their very salvation. Their grip on the gospel that he preached to them is starting to slip, and thus their initial reception and belief in the gospel will be in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received:
Two quick notes to ma ...
Series: 1 Corinthians
D. Marion Clark
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Introduction
We are nearing the end of 1 Corinthians. Just two chapters to go. And best of all, this chapter, which is the longest, contains some of the most inspiring, joyful passages in the Bible. And we get to start off with the very gospel itself.
Text
Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you-unless you believed in vain.
Paul is about to recall the gospel that he preached to the Corinthians. Before he goes on, he impresses upon them the role they play. First, they received the gospel, i.e. when they heard it preached, they believed it. Second, they make their stand on the gospel. The good news of Jesus Christ is not a mere matter of belief like also believing Caesar Augustus was a Roman emperor. They stake their way of life on the gospel. They live and die by it. Third, they stake their salvation on it. They believe that it means their salvation. The gospel involves their past (receiving it), their present (making their stand), and their future (salvation). It cannot take a stronger position in their lives.
But then he adds, ''if.'' They will obtain salvation if they hold fast to the word which Paul preached to them. They are in danger of not holding fast to that word. We've seen how they have questioned his teachings and authority, and the bad results - sexual immorality, divisiveness in the church, and disrespect towards one another. But in this chapter Paul touches on a false teaching so bad that it strikes at the heart of the gospel and endangers their very salvation. Their grip on the gospel that he preached to them is starting to slip, and thus their initial reception and belief in the gospel will be in vain.
3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received:
Two quick notes to ma ...
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