The S.O.S. Lesson Materials
 May I Introduce to You the Gospel

TEXT: Romans 1:16-18; I Cor.15:1-7; Romans 10:18-13

CENTRAL TRUTH: Correct understanding and appreciation of the gospel will lead people to make a correct response to it.

NEEDS TO ADDRESS:

  1. Many people have heard the word `gospel’ or `good news’ but are unable to explain it..
  2. Because of religious prejudice, some people immediately judge anything `preached’ by the `born-again. Given this chance to present the gospel to them, that mental barrier can be removed..

INTRODUCTION: In Romans 1:1, Paul begins his letter with simplicity but confidence; saying he is the servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel. He is saying that his life purpose is for the gospel. The record of Paul’s missionary journeys and ministry reveal his dedication and willingness for the gospel. What is the gospel? What’s in it that a man like Paul is willing to give of himself to spread it?

  1. THE GOSPEL IS PART OF GOD’S SALVATION STRATEGY, Romans 1:2-4
    1. God promised it through the prophets - God did not intend to keep the gospel a secret. He had it broadcasted by the prophets . Read Isa.53:2-12. God promised His Messiah was coming to provide a final and fully sufficient sacrifice for man’s sins.
    2. The gospel is centered in God’s only Son Jesus Christ - the Jesus whom the gospel presents is both fully human and fully divine.
      1. To his human nature was a descendant of David, that is He was truly human unmarked by sin. Read 1 Peter 2:21-23.
      2. Attesting to His divine nature - Paul says Jesus was declared with power to to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead through the Spirit of Holiness. QUESTION? Did Christ become God because He resurrected from the dead? NO. But it means that His eternal deity was clearly manifested through His physical resurrection.

  2. THE PROVISION OF THE GOSPEL, Romans 1:16-18
    Paul says he is not ashamed of the gospel because of what it provides:
    1. It is the power of God for salvation
    2. Its provision covers everyone who believes: Jew and Greek
    3. It reveals the way of escape from the wrath of God (v.18), and instead, a righteousness from God is available through faith.

  3. THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL, 1Cor.15:1-8
    The word gospel means `good news’. The term carries with it a sense of excitement and conveys the idea of shouting out something to someone else. If we are to share the gospel to others, what should be the content of that good news’?

    Paul in this passage clearly says that the gospel he is preaching is about Christ. He is proclaiming to all the complete salvation that is available only through Him, the eternal Son of God, who died for our sins, was buried but resurrected from the dead. Then he proceeded in the following passage to discuss the significance of Christ's resurrection.

CHALLENGE: RESPONSE TO THE GOSPEL : Read again Romans 1:16 and also Romans 10: 8-13 and lead contacts to express faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. (Christians should check their previous knowledge and understanding of the gospel message and correct any part of which that is wrong, and prepare to explain the gospel to another person).