How to Share The Gospel
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Session 1 – A Clear Gospel
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (HCSB)
“For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
John 20:21 (HCSB)
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’”
Growth in the Christian life begins with clarity about the gospel itself. Many believers love Christ sincerely, yet feel uncertain when it comes to speaking about Him. That uncertainty often grows not from unwillingness, but from a lack of settled understanding. When the gospel is unclear in the mind, confidence falters in practice.
Scripture presents the gospel plainly. Jesus Christ lived in obedience to the Father, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again. Salvation is God’s work from beginning to end, received through repentance and faith. This message is not a technique to be mastered, but a truth to be trusted. Before the gospel is shared, it must be firmly received and rested in.
The gospel not only saves; it shapes. Those who encounter Christ are not merely forgiven but formed. Jesus speaks peace to His disciples before He sends them. He grounds them in grace before He calls them into mission. The sending of believers always flows from what Christ has already done for them.
A clear gospel anchors the entire Christian life. It steadies the heart, shapes obedience, and provides the confidence needed to walk with Christ faithfully. When believers are grounded in the truth of the gospel, movement toward obedience becomes natural rather than forced, and growth becomes a response of gratitude rather than pressure.
Core Theological Truth:
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation for both salvation and faithful obedience.
Putting This into Practice
Begin by settling the gospel in your own heart. Read 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 slowly. Consider what Christ has done for you and why it matters. Let the truth of His death and resurrection become central again, not assumed or rushed past.
Learn these three major points from 1 Corinthians 15:3–4:
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The gospel is of first importance.
Paul identifies the message of Christ’s death and resurrection as central, not secondary, to the Christian faith. -
Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.
Jesus’ death was substitutionary and redemptive, fulfilling God’s revealed plan, not an accident of history. -
Christ was buried and raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
The burial confirms His real death, and the resurrection affirms God’s victory over sin and death, grounding the believer’s hope.
Defining The Gospel
The gospel, according to Scripture, is this:
The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day, in fulfillment of the Scriptures, so that sinners may be forgiven, reconciled to God, and given eternal life through faith.
Supporting Scriptures
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (HCSB)
“For I passed on to you as most important what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”
The gospel begins with God, not humanity. God is holy and righteous, and humanity is sinful and separated from Him.
Romans 3:23 (HCSB)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
The consequence of sin is death and judgment.
Romans 6:23a (HCSB)
“For the wages of sin is death…”
God, in love, acted to save sinners through His Son.
Romans 5:8 (HCSB)
“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Salvation is received by grace through faith, not by works.
Ephesians 2:8–9 (HCSB)
“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”
Those who repent and believe are forgiven, justified, and given new life in Christ.
Romans 10:9 (HCSB)
“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
In summary:
The gospel is what God has done in Christ to save sinners, accomplished through the death and resurrection of Jesus, and received by faith alone.
Because of these these, allow peace to shape your posture. Jesus speaks peace before He sends His disciples. Receive that peace. (John 14.1) The call to follow Christ flows from grace, not anxiety. Confidence grows as we rest in what Christ has already accomplished.
Practice stating the gospel simply. Be able to explain who Jesus is, what He has done, and how a person responds in repentance and faith. Simplicity strengthens clarity and prepares the way for faithful witness.
Remain open to where the study is leading. A clear gospel prepares the heart for obedience, movement, and trust in Christ’s presence. Growth in this study will flow from staying rooted in the truth you have received.
Reflection Questions:
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How clearly can you explain the gospel in your own words? Use 1 word, then define it with 2, then 3, 4, 5, etc...you get the idea.See if you can define it in 10 words! 2 sentences? 2 paragraphs (Kathy and I just played this game and its fascinating and fun!)
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How does resting in Christ’s finished work affect your willingness to follow Him in obedience?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gospel that saved me and continues to shape me. Where my understanding has grown dull, renew it. Where my confidence has rested in myself, redirect it to Your finished work. Ground me in Your truth, fill me with Your peace, and lead me forward as I continue to follow You. Amen.
Next Session: Session 2 – Moving Out