The Gospel – It’s Sure Foundation

The Gospel – It’s Sure Foundation

1Corinthians 15:1-11             July 6, 2003

Scripture Reading:

Introduction:

Video, WorshipFilms.com, Sermon Illustrations, Vol.1, No.1: Sure Foundations

Paul, in his effort to bring unity to the Corinthian church began with the truth of the cross that first brought them together.

In 1:17 he said that Christ sent him to preach the gospel and that his ability to do that was not human but divine so that the cross would not be emptied of its power.

He went on to say in 2:2 that his focus among them was to know nothing except Christ crucified and in 2:5 so that their faith might not rest on men’s wisdom but on God’s power.

Then in between the first few chapters focusing on the cross and where we are now in chapter 15, Paul addresses a number of other issues that have been dividing the church such as issues of sexual sin, Christian freedom, worship, and spiritual gifts.

Interestingly enough, he now completes the message of the cross by a reminder of the entire gospel that is not only the death of Christ but also the resurrection of Christ.

And just like there must be a sure foundation upon which to establish a nation, there must be a sure foundation for the church.

For both actually, it is the gospel of Christ. For the nation it must be the principles of the gospel, but for the church it must be the power and truth of the gospel itself.

Without the gospel foundation the church is not the church, and indeed without its principles consistently applied, no nation can long endure.

I will bring three messages on the gospel in 1Corinthians 15, God willing, beginning with this one today on It’s Sure Foundation (vv. 1-11), then It’s Argument (vv. 12-34), and finally It’s Hope (vv. 35-58).

Big Question:

How does the sure foundation of the gospel bring us unity?

It is the one thing upon which we can stand.

It is the one thing by which we are saved.

It is the one thing by which we are tested.

It is the one thing of first importance.

It is the one thing that fulfills Scripture.

It is the one thing that brings us hope.

It is the one thing about hope that can be proven.

It is the one thing about hope which we can absolutely testify.

It is the one thing by which we are changed.

So – the gospel is the one thing that brings us together and has the power to keep us together.

I.       Cycle One

          A.      Narrative (v. 1)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing upon which we can stand.

          C.      Illustration

Remind: “Gospel for unbelievers, believers”, p. 26 CTT, July 03

          D.      Application

II.      Cycle Two

          A.      Narrative (v. 2a)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing by which we are saved.

          C.      Illustration

Hospital ER room is like the church. People don’t come there until they are in crisis.

          D.      Application

III.    Cycle Three

          A.      Narrative ( v. 2b)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing by which we are tested.

          C.      Illustration

Chicago Tribune, July 5, 03: “3 hurt at museum dedication” (Mt. 21:33-44)

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the brief written by the Supreme Justice.

Chgo. Trib., July 5, 03: “Navy details high rate of misconduct in chaplain corps”

          D.      Application

IV.    Cycle Four

          A.      Narrative (v. 3a)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing of first importance.

          C.      Illustration

Facing the prospect of death with greater imminence and awareness changes us.

          D.      Application

V.      Cycle Five

          A.      Narrative (v. 3b)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing that fulfills Scripture.

          C.      Illustration

“Romanian Astronomers Claime to Pinpoint Exact Time of Cruicifixion”

          D.      Application

VI.    Cycle Six

          A.      Narrative (v. 4)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing that brings us hope.

          C.      Illustration

General Douglas MacArthur, “I will return!” (Philippines – WW II)

          D.      Application

VII.   Cycle Seven

          A.      Narrative (vv. 5-7)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing about hope that can be proven.

          C.      Illustration

Luke 24, John 21

(Is. 53:5, 49:1, 6, 7; Ps. 22; Zech. 9:9, 12:10; Micah 5:1-2; Num. 24:17)

          D.      Application

VIII.  Cycle Eight

          A.      Narrative (v. 8)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing about hope which we can absolutely testify.

          C.      Illustration

Acts 7, 13:26ff

          D.      Application

IX.    Cycle Nine

          A.      Narrative (vv. 9-10)

          B.      Implication

It is the one thing by which we are changed.

          C.      Illustration

          D.      Application

X.      Cycle Ten

          A.      Narrative (v. 11)

          B.      Implication

So – the gospel is the one thing that brings us together and has the power to keep us together, because it has the power to transform us in the image of God through Christ Jesus our Lord.

          C.      Illustration

          D.      Application

Conclusion:

Big Answer:

How does the sure foundation of the gospel bring us unity?

It is the one thing upon which we can stand.

It is the one thing by which we are saved.

It is the one thing by which we are tested.

It is the one thing of first importance.

It is the one thing that fulfills Scripture.

It is the one thing that brings us hope.

It is the one thing about hope that can be proven.

It is the one thing about hope which we can absolutely testify.

It is the one thing by which we are changed.

So – the gospel is the one thing that brings us together and has the power to keep us together.

Timeless Truth:

On this one thing you can be sure: it is the gospel truth. There is no other truth that can save us from ourselves – and from each other. There is no other truth that brings us eternal life. Live it now!