Converted To The Gospel

A TEXT: 1st Corinthians 4:14-17 v. 14 – Paul was always concerned about saints, especially those whom he had a hand in teaching This was certainly the case with the Christians in Corinth (see Acts 18) v. 16 – Paul was so confident in himself that he could make this type of statement - could we make the same statement? v. 17 – Paul was consistent in his teachings - “I teach everywhere” Note v. 15

A TEXT: 1st Corinthians 4:14-17 v. 15 – “I have begotten you through the gospel” “I became your father through the gospel” (NIV) “… through the good news” (YLT) We have to acknowledge that, however, that conversions can be made through things besides the gospel…

Possible To Be Converted … … to the preacher (see 1 Corinthians 1 for the danger of this) … to the denomination - no authority for baptism into a denomination - no authority for more than one church (Matthew 16:18) … to the family - one must be cautious as to “why” he’s being baptized

Converted To The Gospel If we’re converted to the gospel (and through the gospel), we need to appreciate some facts about the good news. - consider three observations 1 – The gospel is not to be concerned with the pleasing of men - 1 Thess. 2:4 - our stance for the gospel can cause problems (see 1 Peter 4) 2 – Gospel conversion means “Each One, Teach One” - 2 Timothy 2:2

Converted To The Gospel 3 – The gospel is “specifically specific” - 2 Corinthians 11:1-4 - Galatians 1:6-11 4 – The message of the gospel is more important than anything - 1 Corinthians 9:12-18 - the word gospel is used more often in this text than in any other in the Bible

The Gospel’s Impact Given the fact that the gospel is so important in our conversion, what should we walk away with? - consider three applications for learning 1 – The result of the gospel depends on the hearer - 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - our responsibility in spreading the word is to do so liberally without regard for who hears it (see Matthew 13)

The Gospel’s Impact 2 – We will be judged by the gospel so we best know its message - Romans 2:16 - Romans 10:16 - John 12:48 3 – The result of the gospel message is Peace - Romans 10:15 - Ephesians 6:15 The world searches for peace in many places The gospel is the only place where real peace is found

Then, I can be truly CONVERTED to the gospel To Be Converted… It goes back to 1 Corinthians 4 … I must be CONCERNED with doing the Lord’s will I must be CONFIDENT in my walk with Him I must be CONSISTENT in my application of His ways Then, I can be truly CONVERTED to the gospel

Have You Been Converted To The Gospel