Importance of the Gospel
Pastor Chang Kim
Colossians 1:3-8
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
Introduction:
With affirmation, Paul reminds these troubled believers their hope was not in a revitalized economy. Their hope was going to come through from where it had always come from, in the power of the gospel.
I. Unequivocally T vv3-5
3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel
Faith describes the Christian as he is related to God
Hope focuses on the certainty we have about our future as followers of Christ
Love portrays the Christian in their relationship with others
II. T v6
6 which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing—as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth
Acts 9:1-2 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Romans 9:1-3 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
III. Uniquely D vv7-8
7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf 8 and has made known to us your love in the Spirit.
Jesus needs us to be His hands, lips and feet that will bring His gospel to those who have never heard it or have never accepted it.
Conclusion: Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962) was a world-famous violinist who earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions.
As Christians we all have a symphony of beautiful news, good news in our personal possession.
Discussion Questions
What is the gospel?
Who was Paul before and after meeting Jesus?
Why do you think the gospel has the power to transform people?
What are some steps we can take to share the gospel?