“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain.“

1 Corinthians 15:1-3 (ESV) 

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September 22, 2025

In Christian circles, we use the word “gospel” so often that it can lose its significance. Christians throw the term around like it’s our favorite winning sports team—yet our hearts refuse to allow the gospel in.   

Paul writes this first letter to the Corinthians because he sees something dangerous taking place. Even though he founded the church in Corinth, even though it is still a young church, they already need to be reminded of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They were already in danger of leaving the gospel forgotten and discarded like an old mitten in the snow.  

This was affecting their view of sin, affecting how they treated one another, how they viewed themselves. It was putting this body of believers in danger of living a life God did not intend. They were in danger of getting out of alignment with the Spirit.  

Paul uses his letter to address these issues and to remind this young Corinthian church of what the gospel is and what it isn’t—and that they must hold on to it!  

We are so forgetful, aren’t we? Like this Corinthian church, we have received the gospel; it has been preached to us, a stunning and humbling gift we have been given by our God of infinite patience and mercy. The gospel changes everything about who we are, our identity, our present circumstances, and our future. And yet, how often do we forget? 

This week, I invite you to join me in reflecting on the gospel. What is it? Why do we need it? What effect does it have on our lives? How does the good news change things? 

Questions for reflection and discussion:  

  • What is the gospel? How would you explain it to someone who knew nothing about Jesus? 
  • Have there been times in your life when you celebrated the gospel but left it behind in the daily function of your life?  
  • What tools have helped you to hold on to the gospel and remember it?  
  • What false gospels have you heard or even believed?  

Church Reading Plan: 2 Samuel 18; 2 Corinthians 11