Topical Sermon: The Simplicity of the Gospel

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

The Simplicity of the Gospel

Intro.

1. Satan’s deceit is avoided and minds are not corrupted when we remain committed to the “simplicity that is in Christ”, 2 Cor 11:1-4.

2. Simplicity (haplotes): “1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty 1a) the virtue of one who is free from pretence and hypocrisy” (Thayer).

a. “Single, simple, uncompounded, sound, perfect” (Moulton, 40)

b. Without duplicity, 2 Cor 1:12.

3. Simplicity is not simplistic: We must hold the faith of Christ without hypocrisy; without doubt – absolute.

4. In a world where relativism prevails, the absolute truth of Christ is the sure defense against being deceived by Satan!

a. Relativism: “what is right for you is right for you but does not have to be right for me, and we can agree to disagree”

b. Absolute truth is in Christ Jesus, Jno 14:6 (8:32); 1:14, 17.

I. SIMPLICITY OF TRUTH (absolute; within our reach), Rom 10:5-10.

-Simplicity of truth does not mean it is simplistic or that those who believe it are simpletons.

-Means truth is without pretense; genuine, authentic and unadulterated.

-Divine truth is beyond the reach of those who glory in their wisdom, 1 Cor 1:18, 26-29; cf. Jno 9:40-41.

A. Absolute Truth: He Lived on the Earth, Jno 1:14.

1. Experienced life fully (Lk 2:52; 1 Jno 1:1-2); Acts 10:38.

2. Approved of God by His works, Acts 2:22 (Jno 5:36).

3. His words were extraordinary; contained life, Jno 6:68.

4. He lived without sin, Jno 7:18 (1 Pet 2:22).

B. Absolute Truth: He Died on a Cross, Acts 10:39 (2:23; 1 Co 15:3)

1. Confirmed dead, and then buried, Mk 15:44-47.

2. Sacrifice for sins, Heb 9:27-28.

C. Absolute Truth: He was Raised from the Dead, Acts 10:40-41.

1. Declared Him to be the Son of God, Rom 1:4.

2. Power over death, Acts 2:24-32.

D. Absolute Truth: He is Exalted in Heaven, Acts 2:33; 5:30-31.

1. Prince: Ruler, authority to rule and dispense justice.

2. Savior: Repentance and forgiveness of sins (Acts 10:43).

E. Absolute Truth: He will Return to Judge the World, Acts 10:42; 17:30-31 (2 Tim 4:1).

II. SIMPLICITY OF SALVATION, 1 Cor 15:1-2

A. Powerful to Save Sinners from Spiritual Death and Wrath to Come, Rom 1:16-17 (Jno 5:24-27; Rom 5:9-11; 2:5-6).

1. Episcopal Presiding Bishop: "Heresy to say we can be saved as individuals." ("Episcopal Bishop calls individual salvation ‘heresy,’ ‘idolatry’")

2. Individual life is obtained by the way of truth: Jesus! Jno 14:6; Acts 4:12 (2:40)

3. Individual must do the Father’s will to enter heaven, Matt 7:21.

B. Absolute Plan of Salvation, Mk 15:15-16; Acts 2:21, 36-41 (1 Pet 3:21).

III. SIMPLICITY OF AUTHORITY.

A. Supreme/Final Authority over Mankind, Matt 28:18; Acts 3:22-23

B. Faithless Ones Scoff at the Simplicity of Truth, Jno 18:38 (turn away from truth, 2 Tim 4:4).

1. Truth is absolute (no doubt), full authority, Jno 12:48.

2. Truth is sound, 1 Tim 6:3.

3. Truth is complete, Jno 16:13 (Jude 3); 2 Tim 3:16-17.

C. The Revealed Truth of God is Supreme Over…

1. How you are saved (not: faith only; not earned; Eph 2:8-9).

2. The church, Eph 1:22 (1 Tim 3:15).

3. The home (Eph 5:22-25).

4. Personal morality, Eph 4:19-24. (Thoughts, actions, goals, plans, relationships, etc., Jno 17:17)

5. Doctrine (it is true doctrine; way of truth, 2 Pet 2:2) 2 Tim 3:16.

Conclusion

1. What place and position do you give God’s truth in your life: Half-hearted…contempt…rebellion…full devotion?

2. Christ is absolute; therefore, His word of truth is sound and sure.

3. Believe and obey Jesus for your personal salvation from your sins.