The Apostle Paul says to follow him as he follows Jesus. When Paul (then known as Saul) became a Christian, his priorities were radically changed. He no longer valued his old life and credentials, but prized knowing Jesus above all else.
Paul didn’t just focus on the healings of Jesus, the birth of Jesus or the miracles of Jesus. As Paul focused on Jesus, his focus and main priority was on the work of Jesus on the cross.
The gospel he preached was a gospel that saved. Paul describes what he passed on as of “first importance“, that is, what matters most. What mattered most?
- V3 – Jesus died for our sins
- V4 – Jesus was buried (he definitely died)
- V5 – He was raised on the third day
- VV5-8 – He appeared to many (he was definitely raised)
Jesus died and rose again. That was the focus of Paul’s life and ministry.
Galatians 6:14
May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
1 Corinthians 2:2
For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.
As the Apostle Paul focused on Jesus – he couldn’t take his eyes off the cross of Jesus. The cross of Jesus was his boast. The cross of Jesus was his gospel. Paul lived a cross-centred life.
Check out C.J. Mahaney’s killer book: The Cross Centered Life
A warm fuzzy if you can guess the above pic. A bonus 3 warm fuzzies for the “why” behind the pic.
(c) The basis of this series will soon be copyright Scripture Union NSW
Gold mate. There is so many things that call for our attention – and most of them good and godly. Reflecting on Paul’s priorities will highlight God’s priorities.
This will impact my church decisions also…
Great second post to. Keen for more
glad it’s helpful!
only 3 in this series + a summary one tomorrow – i’ll reveal the answer to the wamr fuzzy that has been hotly contested!!
peaceout
With all due respect David, wouldn’t it make sense to refer to Jesus’ teachings in our understanding of the gospel. It seems very strange to me that evangelicals are so reluctant to let Jesus himself have a voice in the discussion.
OK, David, how about this: “The son of man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.
Or: “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself.”
Or: “Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.”
Yes, I like those verses John.
Me too
With all due respect David, wouldn’t it make sense to refer to Jesus’ teachings in our understanding of the gospel. It seems very strange to me that evangelicals are so reluctant to let Jesus himself have a voice in the discussion.
hey david – i totally agree that we ought to refer to Jesus’ teachings in our understanding of the gospel!!!
but – just remember the context of this blog post!!! craig may have given me a link saying that i had a good explanation of the gospel… but the intention of this 4 part series was to talk about following the example of Paul. So the aim of my topic was not to expound what Jesus says about the gospel.
so please don’t jump to conclusions about what ‘evangelicals’ do and don’t believe based on reading my post out of context.
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thanks john for the verses. Jesus seemed to have a good grasp of the gospel!! ;)
My apologies Dave – went off the deep end a bit there. I must admit I have a bit of a dislike for gospel presentations that don’t refer to the Gospels, so much so that I didn’t even stop to think that you’d titled your series “Paul’s priorities”.
I could get into trouble by saying too much, so I’ll just say that I like 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 too.
thanks david.
I could get into trouble by saying too much, so I’ll just say that I like 1 Corinthians 15:3-7 too.
good!
peaceout