Week 2: What Is the Gospel?

The Good News We Share

Key Verse: “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Historical and Cultural Context

• The word “gospel” comes from Old English “god-spell,” meaning “good news” or “good story”
• In the Roman world, “gospel” was often used to announce victory in battle or the enthronement of a new emperor
• Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (circa 53-54 AD) provides one of the earliest written formulations of the Gospel message
• The early church faced various challenges to the Gospel message, including:
  • Greek philosophy that rejected bodily resurrection
  • Jewish expectations of a political Messiah
  • Roman culture that viewed crucifixion as shameful

Key Points

1. The Problem: Sin and Separation
   • The universal human condition
     a. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23)
     b. Sin brings death – spiritual and physical (Romans 6:23)
     c. Humans are unable to bridge the gap to God on their own
2. The Solution: Christ’s Death and Resurrection
   • The heart of the Gospel message
     a. Jesus’ death was substitutionary – He died “for our sins”
     b. His resurrection validates His claims and promises
     c. This was all “according to the Scriptures” – fulfilling prophecy
3. The Response: Faith and New Life
   • How we receive the Good News
     a. Repentance – turning from sin
     b. Faith – trusting in Christ alone
     c. Transformation – becoming a new creation in Christ through baptism

Life Applications

1. Personal Understanding
   • Be able to articulate the Gospel clearly and concisely
   • Develop your own way of sharing the core message
   • Regularly reflect on how the Gospel has changed your life
2. Everyday Conversations
   • Look for natural opportunities to share Gospel elements
   • Use current events or common experiences as bridges
   • Be ready to explain why the Gospel is truly “good news”
3. Living the Gospel
   • Let your life reflect the transforming power of the Gospel
   • Show grace to others as you’ve received grace
   • Be authentic about your own ongoing need for the Gospel

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think many people today don’t see the Gospel as “good news”? How can we help them understand its relevance and importance?
2. In your own words, how would you explain the Gospel to someone in 2-3 minutes? What elements do you think are essential to include?
3. How has your understanding and appreciation of the Gospel grown since you first believed? How does this affect the way you share it with others?

Additional Scripture References

• Romans 1:16 – The Gospel is the power of God for salvation
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – Salvation by grace through faith
• James 2:17  – faith without works is dead

Suggested Teaching Methods

1. Have participants practice sharing the Gospel in pairs
2. Use visual aids (like a bridge diagram) to illustrate Gospel concepts
3. Share testimonies of how different people came to understand the Gospel
4. Break down popular Gospel presentations (like the Romans Road or Four Spiritual Laws)

Common Misconceptions to Address

1. The Gospel is just about going to heaven
2. Good people don’t need the Gospel
3. The Gospel is only for religious people