Exhortations to a Church: Prioritise the Gospel

Why does the church exist? And how can we remain faithful to that purpose?

These two vital questions shape Paul’s words to the saints in Corinth, as recorded in 1 Corinthians 15:1–10, where he reminds believers of the gospel he received and delivered. This gospel defines the church, drives its mission, and determines its future. In a world full of distraction, division, and confusion, this text calls the church to prioritise the gospel as a matter of first importance.

The Bible begins with a majestic vision of God—holy, wise, sovereign, and good. God made human beings in his image to enjoy and worship him (Genesis 1:26–28). But this original harmony was shattered when Adam and Eve sinned, bringing death, separation, and judgement upon the human race.

Yet even in judgement, God announced a promise: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). This was the first gospel announcement, foretelling a victorious offspring who would conquer evil and reconcile humanity to God. The Old Testament unfolds in anticipation of this promised Redeemer. The church exists because we know this Saviour—Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of Genesis 3:15.

The church is the instrument through which God makes the gospel known to the nations. It exists to evangelise the lost and disciple the saints (Matthew 28:18–20). It is through the witness of the church that the nations will come to praise God (Psalm 67:3).

This global mission is not to be carried out by Christians in isolation but within the context of the local church, where the gospel is lived, taught, and proclaimed.

Paul’s exhortation provides three principles to help churches to stay anchored in gospel mission: preserving, articulating, and labouring for the gospel.

Paul writes: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (v. 3).

The terms “delivered” and “received” underscore that the gospel is not manmade but divinely revealed. Paul emphasises that he did not invent this message—God entrusted it to him. As he clarifies elsewhere: “I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).

The church is not permitted to modify or modernise the gospel to suit the culture but must faithfully preserve it as received.

Paul also prioritised the gospel. He considered it to be “of first importance.” Indeed, he had long determined “to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). This exclusive focus must define every teaching, ministry, and mission effort of the church. Spurgeon once said, “Preach Christ. He is the magnet. He will draw his own.”

Preserving the gospel is not enough; we must also be able to clearly articulate it. The gospel is not vague inspiration or religious sentiment—it is a concrete message of substitution, redemption, and resurrection.

Paul outlines the gospel very simply. He roots the claims of the gospel in three historical events, which all align with prophecies and teachings in Scripture.

First, “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures” (v. 3). Christ’s death was necessary because of human sin (Romans 3:23), which rendered all unrighteousness in God’s sight (Romans 3:10). Humanity’s greatest problem is sin, which separates us from God. Christ died in the place of those he came to save, bearing the wrath we deserved. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). At Calvary, God treated Christ as a sinner so his righteousness might be imputed by faith to his people (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Second, “he was buried” (v. 4). This confirmed the reality of his death. Jesus truly died—physically and fully—as a substitute for sinners.

Third, “he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (v. 4). The resurrection is central. It is God’s declaration that he accepted Christ’s sacrifice. “He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification” (Romans 4:25). Without the resurrection, the claims of Christianity fade into futility (v. 17). But because Christ is alive, we have assurance of forgiveness, hope for the future, and power for the present.

Paul concludes this chapter with a charge: “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain” (v. 58).

The resurrection gives our lives and labour eternal significance. Knowing Christ is alive compels us to serve, to fight sin, to pursue holiness, and to engage in gospel ministry with unwavering dedication.

This has several practical implications for church members. We should prioritise the Lord’s Day, attending church gatherings faithfully, arriving early to greet others and welcome visitors. We should serve the church regularly, asking where help is required and being willing to step out of our comfort zone. We should foster gospel fellowship, staying after services to fellowship around the truth preached, pray for one another, and build each other up. In worship, we should sing joyfully, allowing our worship reflect the glory of Christ and encourage the congregation. Above all, we should stay rooted in gospel motivation, allowing our service to be grounded in gratitude for what Christ has done.

The church exists to proclaim and live out the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are called to preserve its purity, articulate its message, and labour with confidence in its power. May Paul’s words be our guide: “By the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain” (v. 10).

The gospel is the church’s treasure, mission, and hope. Let us be steadfast in it. Let us proclaim it clearly. Let us serve God faithfully, knowing that our labour in the Lord is never in vain.

This article is based on a sermon preached in early 2022 to the core group that Living Hope Church would send out to plant Pretoria West Bible Church.