Most Important
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:2-11
Theme: Paul established the Gospel as the priority and common message of the apostles.
Key verses: “I passed on to you what was most important and what had been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said” (v. 3-4). “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me–and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace. So it makes no difference whether I preach or they preach, for we all preach the same message you have already believed” (v. 10-11).
What I believe God said to me: Dwayne, my favor is on you, but that doesn’t make you special. You work hard, but that doesn’t make your labors effective in themselves. The Gospel’s what is special. Only the Gospel is effective in changing lives and hearts. That’s why Paul could say, “It makes no difference whether I preach or they preach.” The point is they all preached the same message–the message of Gospel truth. Paul said the Gospel is “most important,” and that is exactly what Paul brought to them. Notice he didn’t emphasize bringing them his opinions or great ideas. He didn’t bring them some other religious thought or philosophy. It was only the Gospel of my Son Jesus that Paul emphasized as most important. Could you say that to the churches and Christians you’ve shared with and written for? Could you say you brought them the most important thing, the Gospel? Did you teach them that my Son’s death, burial, and resurrection is to be believed above all things? Check your teachings and your books. Are they filled with references to the Gospel message? Do their contents clearly and repeatedly point people to the empty cross? Every message and every gospel song should have redemptive hope and gospel truth bursting through it. They should be filled with my Word, the truth that sets people free. Your opinions and great ideas won’t change people’s hearts. They won’t bring conviction from my Spirit. They won’t bring eternal life. Only my Word, only the Good News of my Son, will accomplish that. Be sure you always prioritize the Gospel.
What I said to God: Good morning, Lord, from my cabin on the lake. It’s rainy outside, but I’m walking in Your sunshine nonetheless. What a joy to meet with You and hear from You this morning. Thank You for your Word, the Bible. Thank You for Paul and his powerful letter to the Corinthians. Thank You that he shows us all how the most important thing we can bring to people is Your Gospel about Your Son’s horrible death and triumphant resurrection. What a privilege we have to share this with others. We’re not special, but Your truth is. It’s truly Good News for desperate times.