Lesson 1 - Overview
Question 3
Yes, these are the characteristics of the Gospel.
It is to be preached to believers. Do not miss this point, the Gospel is not merely for the unbeliever – it is for the Christian. It is through the message of the Gospel and its application we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus.
It is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes. What do they believe? Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection for themselves personally.
Then in verse 17, Paul goes on to say that the Gospel is for ongoing sanctification, "For in it (the Gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.” As we see Jesus dying on the Cross for our sins, we see Him being buried in that tomb; we see Him rising from the dead, we see God's righteousness is being revealed. From faith to faith, we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)
As we consider the Gospel, the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing. But to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. Notice the centrality of the Gospel in Paul's thinking: in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25.
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. (19) For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent." (20) Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (21) For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. (22) For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; (23) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, (24) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1 Corinthians 1:18-25 NKJV)
3. How is the message of the Cross contrasted with the wisdom of the world?
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