SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES LESSON 696: THE UNIVERSAL GOSPEL

RECAP OF OUR LAST STUDY From our last study, entitled “Paul rehearses his calling”, we learnt that: Ministers must wait on the Lord for His message, anointing and authority. The church should not commit anything to the hands of false ministers. Grace should make us humble, not boastful. We must be saved from sin and then consecrate our lives to the service of God and His people. Moreover, we must press on to be filled with the Holy Ghost for effectiveness. An apostle receives his commission directly from Christ Himself. However, this should not detach one from fellowship and correspondence with leaders. Pride and an independent spirit disqualify anyone from the ministry of Christ.

TODAY’S STUDY: LESSON 696: THE UNIVERSAL GOSPEL MEMORY VERSE: “And l went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which l preach among the gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means l should run, or had run, in vain.” (Galatians 2:2). TEXT: Galatians 2:1-10. The study of today is divided into four parts: Details of the universal gospel. Old testament pictures of the gospel. Defence of the universal gospel. Spreading the universal gospel.

SUMMARY Details of the universal gospel (Galatians 2:1,2): Paul focused on a pure and complete gospel of the crucified, risen and coming King. He emphasised salvation by faith in Jesus our Sacrifice, Substitute, Saviour and Lord. Old Testament pictures of the gospel (Gen. 22:9-13; Num. 21:5-9; Jos. 2:8-21) Gospel simplicity is seen in Old Testament examples. The ram killed instead of Isaac pointed to Christ our Substitute. The serpent on the pole pointed to salvation from the poison of sin by looking in faith to crucified Jesus. And Rahab the harlot was saved through her act of faith in the prescribed remedy, just as Jesus is our Remedy by faith. Defence of the universal gospel (Galatians 2:3-6) The body of Christ must not support self appointed preachers. The decisions of gospel ministers should be ruled by the word and the Spirit of God. Spreading the universal gospel (Galatians 2:7-10) Paul communicated his ministry to the Apostles, who also gave them full acceptance. In preaching the gospel, we should remember the poor.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 Mention some unnecessary additions people have made to the gospel today: Acts 15:1 Colossians 2:16, 21-23

QUESTION 2 Explain the gospel in your own words: John 3:16 Romans 10:9-13 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

QUESTION 3 What means of salvation are prescribed in the gospel? Romans 10:9,10,13 Acts 3:18,19 Acts 2:20,21

QUESTION 4 Explain how some old testament events foreshadowed the gospel. Genesis 22:12,13 Numbers 21:8,9 Joshua 2:11,21

QUESTION 5 How does the sanctification experience aid the spread of the gospel? Philippians 2:3-5 1 Peter 5:5 2 Corinthians 10:12 Romans 12:9,10

CONCLUSION Paul focused on a pure and complete gospel of the crucified, risen and coming King, emphasising salvation by faith in Jesus our Sacrifice, Substitute, Saviour and Lord. Gospel simplicity is seen in Old Testament examples. The ram killed instead of Isaac, the serpent on the pole and the faith of Rahab the harlot all pointed to salvation by faith in Christ our Substitute and Redeemer. The body of Christ must not support self appointed preachers. The decisions of gospel ministers should be ruled by God’s word and Spirit. We should relate our ministry to our superiors. There should be no jealousy in ministry but full acceptance and brotherly fellowship. In preaching the gospel, we should remember the poor.