The Institutions of God(4) The Gospel of Christ I. Introduction. A. The apostle Paul declared: Romans 1:16. 1. This man had obeyed the gospel, leaving the Law and the traditions he had followed since birth. 2. This gospel was now the power, the faith, the guide, and the hope for Paul. 3. For this gospel, he would die: II Timothy 4:6-7. 4. What would so motivate any person, and why is this so powerful? 5. Paul knew the source: Galatians 1:11-12. B. The word "gospel"(euaggelion) means "glad tidings"(good tidings/news). 1.Contains message of gladness, of hope, of strength, and of power. 2. First mentioned; Matthew 4:23(Mark 1:1). 3. Preached first to the Jews: Matthew 9:35. 4. Word appears c100 times in the New Testament(It is an institution of God!) II. Body. A. The nature of the gospel(or preaching the gospel) can bring varied results. 1. Some will listen and obey: Acts 2:37. 2. To be preached to all: Mark 16:15. a. Jews and Gentiles: Acts 15:7. b. Every person has a right to hear it at least once. 3. Many will reject the message: Acts 7:54. 4. It is preached to please God--not to please men. 5. One may even suffer hardship for the gospel: II Timothy 1:8. B. The power of the gospel. 1. Frees men of sins. a. Always remember Acts 2:38. b. The only remedy offered by Christ. c. Can take the vilest and produce the purest. d. Yet: some blinded to light: II Corinthians 4:3-4. 2. Changes those who obey. a. "Raised to walk in newness of life." b. Operates from within: Romans 10:10(note v. 8). c. Could and can change a sorcerer, a liar, a persecutor, and any other sinful person. d. Makes a dead man alive: Ephesians 2:5. 3. Equalizes all(impartial). a. Note: Ephesians 3:6. b. The Law of Moses was made for a certain race; the law of Christ is universal. c. Designed for men and women, not babies or those incapable of understanding. d. Separates, however: Romans 1:1. e. Black, white, red, yellow--no matter the race, background, status, fame, etc.--the gospel is for all.(The Blessed Gospel Is For All) 4. Challenges those who follow. a. To live by its precepts, to follow its commands, to respect its principles: it is God's institution. b. Paul was challenged to labor--he realized what he had done as a Jew: Acts 22:4. c. The apostle would encourage: I Corinthians 4:10- 11. d. The challenge to the Philippians: Philippians 1:27. e. One who has never felt persecuted because he/she is a Christian has not been challenged. 5. Discerns one's thoughts and intents(heart). a. The writer stated: Hebrews 4:12. b. Trains the conscience to be able to say yes and to say no. c. Only the gospel can properly guide the conscience. d. Paul could say: Acts 23:1. 6. Rewards those who follow: Mark 10:29-30. a. There are benefits in this life. b. There are benefits to others; gospel changes attitudes and actions toward others. c. There are benefits to your family. d. More than any earthly gain: Colossians 1:23. e. The joy of sharing: Philippians 1:5(note: 4:15-16). 7. Prepares one for a life pleasing to God: Ephesians 6:15. a. The rest of the armor is listed in the surrounding verses. b. Prepares for temptation. c. Prepares for adversity: I Peter 4:16. d. Prepares for an appreciation of joy and happiness. e. Prepares one to live with God in eternity. 8. Establishes one as a Christian: Romans 16:25. a. Only those who obey the gospel are Christians. b. More than just a good life--must be a righteous life. c. Some failed: Galatians 2:14. (1 Allows for change(repentance). (2 Regains hope when makes right. (3 The power of prayer is a right of a Christian. 9. Basis for judgment: Romans 2:16. a. Strong words: II Thessalonians 1:8-9. b. God gave his Son to make possible the gospel: not surprising he will punish those who ignore his Son's gospel. III. Conclusion. A. The warning: Galatians 1:6-10. B. The hope: II Timothy 4:8. C. Have you obeyed the gospel?-jy