The Most Important Thing
The Most Important Thing: Understanding the Gospel’s Power in Your Life
Have you ever wondered what’s truly most important in Scripture? In First Corinthians 15:1-11, the Apostle Paul addresses this exact question, cutting through all the noise to remind us of what matters most.
Why Is the Gospel the Most Important Thing?
Paul wrote extensively to the Corinthians about many topics – church governance, spiritual gifts, lawsuits between believers, and more. But when he reaches chapter 15, he pauses to remind them of what’s truly essential: “Now I want to make clear for you, brothers and sisters, the gospel I preached to you.”
The gospel is the reason we gather as believers. It’s the good news that changed everything. But what exactly is this good news?
What Is the Gospel Message?
The gospel begins with understanding our problem: we are all sinners. Sin is rebelling against God and breaking His laws. Romans 3:23 tells us “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The bad news is that because we are sinners, we deserve death. Romans 6:23 states, “the wages of sin is death.” This means no one can be good enough to earn their way to heaven. Our sin earns us spiritual death – eternal separation from God.
But here’s where the good news comes in! Jesus came to save us through His death on the cross. He lived a perfect life, fulfilled prophecy, performed miracles, and then willingly died to pay for our sins. He was buried and rose again on the third day, conquering sin and death.
His resurrection proves His power over sin and death. This is the gospel – the good news that changes everything.
How Do I Know If I Really Know Jesus?
Many people have heard about Jesus but don’t truly know Him. Paul gives us three ways to recognize if we truly know Jesus:
1. You Have Received the Gospel
There’s a vast difference between knowing about the gospel and receiving it. Many people grow up in church, attend Sunday school, participate in church activities, and even serve in leadership – yet never truly receive Jesus.
Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works so that no man may boast.”
No amount of church attendance, good deeds, or religious activities can save you. Salvation comes only through receiving what Jesus has already done for you. The question is: Have you received the gospel yet?
2. You Are Standing in the Gospel
Paul says the Corinthians are “standing” in the gospel. This indicates that accepting Christ isn’t just a one-time decision but a continued action. When you’re standing in the gospel, it should be obvious both to you and to others around you.
Just as it’s obvious when someone is physically standing up versus sitting down, it should be clear when someone is living in the power of the gospel. When people look at your life, do they see evidence of your relationship with Jesus?
3. You Are Being Saved by the Gospel
Paul writes that believers “are being saved” – using present tense to indicate an ongoing process. This refers to sanctification – the daily process of becoming more like Jesus.
Contrary to popular belief, becoming a Christian doesn’t make life easier. In fact, it often becomes more difficult because you’re now fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil. But the evidence of true salvation is that you’re constantly being changed to look more like Jesus.
Ask yourself: How am I more like Jesus today than I was yesterday? Last week? Last year? If you’re continually being transformed by Jesus, that’s evidence you’re being saved by the gospel.
The Choice We All Must Make
Paul continues by saying we are saved “if you hold fast to the word I preached to you.” This highlights an important truth: there’s a choice we all must make.
No one can make this decision for you. Your grandmother’s prayers, your father’s faith, or your family’s church attendance cannot save you. You must personally choose to “hold fast” to Jesus.
This “holding fast” isn’t casual – it’s gripping onto Jesus for dear life. It’s why we have daily quiet times, pray regularly, and immerse ourselves in Scripture. We’re not checking religious boxes; we’re holding onto Jesus because He’s our lifeline.
Galatians 2:20 describes this relationship: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me, and the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
The Gospel Given to You
Paul concludes by summarizing the gospel: “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
This is the most important thing – that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. This isn’t just a New Testament story; it’s God’s redemption plan woven throughout the entire Bible. The Bible isn’t our story; it’s His story.
Life Application
The most important question you need to answer today is: Do you know the most important thing? Have you made the gospel the center of your life?
You might find yourself distracted by the many demands of life, pulling your attention away from what truly matters. Or perhaps this is the first time you’ve heard the gospel clearly explained.
Wherever you are today, I challenge you to make Jesus – and the good news He brings – the most important thing in your life.
Ask yourself these questions this week:
- Have I truly received the gospel, or am I just familiar with it?
- Is there evidence in my life that I’m standing in the gospel?
- How am I being transformed to look more like Jesus each day?
- Am I holding fast to Jesus, or am I trying to hold onto Jesus and the world?
- What one step can I take this week to make the gospel more central in my life?
The gospel isn’t just information to know—it’s a power to experience. Let it be the most important thing that defines everything else in your life.