What is the Gospel?

Main Point: At its core, the Gospel is about God saving sinners from the penalty of their sin, which He accomplished through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Because of the Gospel, we have life.

Discussion Starter: G.O.S.P.E.L.
A relatively new form of art called Spoken Word is captivating Christian circles. It’s basically “theology meets poetry.” Some of it is even reminiscent of modern rap (minus the negative references to women). It’s pretty cool, and easily sharable on social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.

In this YouTube video, a guy stands in a parking garage and breaks down an acronym of the word, G.O.S.P.E.L. It’s a really well done video, equipped with cool music, and even some CGI. More importantly, it’s completely parallel with Scripture.

Introducing the Clip:
I want to show you one of the coolest sermons I’ve ever heard about the Gospel of Jesus. Chances are, you’ve never heard it like this before. Take a look and listen at this guy’s rendition of Spoken Word to see if this is what you believe about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

YouTube Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyYFxp7apl4
(The video clip can be accessed on YouTube by clicking this link.)

Transitional Statement:
Don’t you wish my sermons were that cool? Or that short!?!? Seriously, that was a really great way to think about the Gospel, wasn’t it? So many of us don’t have a working definition of the Gospel, and that’s sad, because NOTHING in life is more important than the Gospel! At its core, the Gospel is about God saving sinners from the penalty of their sin. According to Scripture, and this guy’s message, God did that through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Because Jesus was willing to die for sinners, we can have life. Let’s spend a few minutes talking about this to make sure we fully understand what all this means.

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: As we get started, let’s all take a second to share our names and our favorite line from this guy’s video.


2. ASK A FEW: Do you remember what each letter stood for in G.O.S.P.E.L? (Leaders – God. Our. Sins. Paying. Everyone. Life.)


3. ASK A FEW: Why are those particular words important? What message is contained in them?


4. ASK A FEW: Finish this sentence: To me, the Gospel is….


5. ASK A FEW: Why is it important to have an understanding of the Gospel, or is it?

Read the following passage:

1 Timothy 1:8-17 (NLT)

We know these laws are good when they are used as God intended. 9 But they were not made for people who do what is right. They are for people who are disobedient and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who murder their father or mother or other people. 10 These laws are for people who are sexually immoral, for homosexuals and slave traders, for liars and oath breakers, and for those who do anything else that contradicts the right teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. 12 How thankful I am to Christ Jesus our Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve him, 13 even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down his people, harming them in every way I could. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how kind and gracious the Lord was! He filled me completely with faith and the love of Christ Jesus. 15 This is a true saying, and everyone should believe it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners– and I was the worst of them all. 16 But that is why God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Glory and honor to God forever and ever. He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.



6. ASK A FEW: If you had to sum this passage up into one statement, what would that statement be?


7. ASK A FEW: What were some of the things Paul says he was guilty of in this passage?


8. ASK A FEW: What was God’s response to Paul’s sin? (Leaders – Hint. Check out verses 13 & 14.)


9. ASK A FEW: What is similar between this passage and the video we just watched?


10. ASK A FEW: Why does Paul say that the statement “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” is a true saying that everyone should believe?


11. ASK A FEW: What happens if people do not believe that statement?


12. ASK A FEW: Just to be sure, who saved Paul? Paul or Jesus, and how do you know?


13. ASK A FEW: Verse 16 tells us how you and I can have eternal life. What is it?


14. ASK A FEW: What do you think God wants us to do with the Gospel?


15. AROUND THE CIRCLE: How will you let the Gospel impact you this week?

Oh, and we also watched a cool video about the Gospel, too.

OK, I’m kidding. That video was sweet. BUT! That video represented THAT guy’s understanding of the Gospel. His understanding is right, by the way, but it begs me to ask you a question: do YOU understand the Gospel? If so, what is it that you think you know about it?

Right now, I invite you to put your trust in this Gospel, in this Savior. You can do so right where you are. We’re going to close in prayer, but if you would like to talk about this further, we’d love to hear from you.

Close in Prayer

Written by David R Smith