AM Scripture Reading: Galatians 1.6-12

Brent T. Willey

The Gospel Certified!

Galatians 1.11-12

Text: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [KJV]

Introduction:

1. The apostle Paul’s use of gnōrizō [“certify”] is a strong statement, indicating that his message is backed by inspiration.
2. The “gospel” [euaggelion] is “good news”!

THE GOSPEL FACTS – 1 Corinthians 15.1-4

1. The gospel of Christ is based upon three essential facts.
   1. Death of Jesus (1 Pet. 2.24)
   2. Burial of Jesus (Luke 23.50-53)
   3. Resurrection of Jesus (Luke 24.1-7)
2. Any teaching omitting these facts is not the true gospel!

THE GOSPEL TRUTHS – Romans 1.16-17

1. The salient truths of the gospel emphasize its essential nature.
   1. God’s exclusive power to save (Gal. 1.6-9)
   2. For all of humanity (Titus 2.11)
   3. God’s righteous action (2 Cor. 5.17-21)
2. There is no room for any other system of faith!

THE GOSPEL PLAN – Mark 16.15-16

1. The gospel of Christ has steps to be obeyed.
   1. Belief acknowledges Christ (John 8.24; Matt. 10.32-33)
   2. Repentance involves a change (Luke 13.3; 2 Pet. 3.9)
   3. Baptism procures rebirth (John 3.3-5; Titus 3.3-5; cf., Rom. 6.3-7 – also see Acts 2.38; 22.16; 1 Pet. 3.21; etc.)
2. To exclude any one of these steps is to pervert the gospel!

THE GOSPEL MEMORIAL – 1 Corinthians 11.23-26

1. The gospel of Christ is commemorated in the Lord’s Supper.
   1. Memorial: “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Vs. 24-25).
   2. Perpetual: “until He comes” (v. 26).
   3. First Day of the Week (Acts 2.42; 20.7; cf., 1 Cor. 16.2)
2. To forsake this memorial is to forsake Christ!

Conclusion: What does the gospel of Christ mean to you?