Daily Devotional for Sunday, March 5th

Definition of the Gospel

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand,” 1 Corinthians 15:1.

In our living room in Indonesia, a special painting hung just inside the door. It was Joshua 1:5 painted for us by our friend, Miguel. The verse is set colorfully against the beautiful lake both our families enjoyed together. That is a dear verse to him and to Chase, and after sharing their stories one day, Miguel painted those words for us to hang in our home. They are a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness and nearness.
Reminders are important. The Lord commanded Israel to make reminders and rehearse God’s goodness and provision for themselves and for their children (Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Psalm 78). Similarly, Paul reminded the Corinthians of the gospel that he himself preached to them through a fourfold reminder in verses 1 and 2. They not only heard the gospel from Paul but believed it, stood in it and would be saved by it. Paul’s reminder represented their past, present and future. He went on to remind them what that gospel message is: “Christ died for our sins…he was buried, and…rose again the third day,” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. Hallelujah! The gospel is the emphasis of Paul’s letter. He began (1 Corinthians 1:8—2:5) and ended (chapter 15) with the gospel. Paul knew the importance of that constant reminder. Believers sometimes read past Paul’s reminders of the gospel message. It is the old, old story. However, it is imperative that believers remember the gospel we received and that we stand in it. Christ died for our sins. He was buried but overcame death and was resurrected on the third day. The gospel must be heard and believed so one can stand in it and be saved by it. May we remember this not only for ourselves but also for those we evangelize.

THOUGHT: Believers need gospel reminders so we do not forget the priceless gift we have received. We stand on and will be saved by the gospel.

Kelli Reynolds