The Gospel: The Power of God & Knowing Him

08/26/2025, Tuesday

The Gospel: The Power of God & Knowing Him

This message explores the reality of humanity’s fallen nature, the power of the gospel, and the necessity of knowing God through Jesus Christ.

1. Humanity’s Condition Without Christ

We are born with the ability to sin. From the moment a human being is born, there is already a fallen nature present. It is not merely the environment or family upbringing that makes us sinners. The sin nature is inherited. The Bible says in Romans 5:8: 'But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.' Even before we sought Him, Christ made provision for our redemption.

Romans 8:1–2 says: 'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.' This is the foundation: the believer is no longer condemned, because a higher law—the law of the Spirit—has overruled the law of sin and death.

2. Laws of Life and Spiritual Ignorance

To explain the nature of spiritual laws, consider the example of a fish in water. A fish cannot live outside of water. No matter how strong it is, the moment it leaves the water, it begins to die. It was created to live in water. In the same way, human beings were created to live under God’s spiritual law. We are sustained by His Word and His Spirit.

Hosea 4:6 says: 'My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.' Ignorance of God’s Word is fatal. Just as a fish dies outside water, a believer who ignores the Word of God weakens spiritually. Many are destroyed not because the enemy is too powerful, but because they lack knowledge of the truth.

3. The Dual Nature of Man

Man has two dimensions: the physical body and the spirit man. The body is subject to natural laws—it must eat, sleep, and rest. If you ignore these laws, the body suffers. But there is also the spirit man, which is invisible yet real. The spirit man also requires sustenance, which comes from God’s Word and Spirit. When we feed only the body and neglect the spirit, our inner man becomes weak.

4. The Gospel: More Than a Message

The gospel is not just a message; it is also a Person. Jesus Christ Himself is the embodiment of the gospel, the Living Word. John 17:3 says: 'Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.' Eternal life is not simply endless existence; it is knowing God and His Son personally.

Believing is the starting point, but knowing is the goal. We are called to grow from mere belief into deep, experiential knowledge of God. The gospel is alive, it transforms as we encounter the living Christ.

5. Spiritual Discernment

The things of God cannot be understood by natural reasoning. 1 Corinthians 2:9–14 reminds us that spiritual truths are revealed by the Spirit. It is written: 'What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived—the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.' Without the Holy Spirit, the gospel appears foolish. With Him, it becomes life and light.

6. Call to Maturity in Christ

The journey does not end with believing. We must move from believing, to knowing, to living the gospel. Knowledge of God transforms us, renews our minds, and equips us to overcome sin. The gospel is God’s power to save, sustain, and grant eternal life.

7. Closing Prayer

Lord, we dedicate ourselves to You. Let Your Spirit teach us and guide us into all truth. Dwell richly in us and transform our lives through Your Word. May we not merely hear, but also know and live Your gospel. In Jesus’ name, Amen.