Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
The Christians in Corinth likely faced pushback from people regarding the authenticity of the resurrection of Christ our Lord, for God led Paul to write about this in 1 Corinthians 15. God had Paul begin by stating that it all begins with the Gospel. We read in 1 Corinthians 15:1–2, “Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.” The word “gospel” means “good news” and the story of the life, death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ is absolutely “Good News.” God had Paul remind the Christians in Corinth that when Paul was with them, he had made known to them the gospel and that when he preached it to them they believed it and surrendered to Christ as Lord and Savior. God also led Paul to remind them that when they surrendered to Christ as Lord, they were saved from the power and penalty of their sin. But then, God had Paul issue a warning saying that the only ones who are truly saved are those who “hold firmly” to God’s Word and walk in obedience to it. A simple “head knowledge” is not true salvation. True transformation occurs when someone genuinely repents of their sin and turns to God the Father through Christ our King. Those with a superficial belief have not made a complete commitment to follow Jesus as Lord; therefore, they are still lost.
Challenge & Application
When did you first hear the gospel of Christ, and did you initially respond to it?
In what ways have you seen God transform your life since surrendering to Christ as Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!