Can I Hope Again?Sample

What the Gospel Isn’t

Sometimes we need to look at what something is not to understand fully what it is. Let’s set this guardrail: the gospel isn’t something we do to be right with God.

THE GOSPEL IS NOT TRYING TO IMPROVE YOURSELF.

Some see the gospel as a self-help seminar for moral improvement or a chance to turn over a new leaf and work to become a better person. The gospel is not simply a collection of good ideas that improve our lives.

THE GOSPEL IS NOT FEEDING THE POOR OR HELPING PEOPLE.

Some believe the gospel means helping others who are down. They think, “If I can just help enough struggling people I will be right with God!” It’s wonderful and right to help people who are struggling. But is the gospel really about doing good things to earn (and keep) God’s favor?

THE GOSPEL IS NOT EARNING OUR SALVATION.

Some understand the gospel to mean earning our way into God’s favor through our own effort. The trap is this: some think if we do enough good things, God will let us into heaven. But is the gospel really a message that we simply use to clean ourselves up to make God love us?

Does the gospel compel us to improve ourselves? Yes! Does the gospel give us compassion to help people in need? Absolutely! Does the gospel compel us to live in obedience to Jesus? YES! But each of these good actions is an outcome of how the gospel moves us into action. The gospel—the good news—is the free gift of salvation that comes through faith in Jesus' work for us on the cross. Once we believe the gospel and surrender to Christ, we work together to change the world.

As you engage with God’s word:

● What is God saying to me?

● What does it mean to me?

● How can I apply what God is teaching me?

● How can I be specific in prayer today?

After you reflect on these questions, bring everything to God in prayer.