The Gospel (Lesson 6)
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
–1 Timothy 1:15
The gospel is a promise of rescue.
That's what it means to be saved.
When someone is rescued, they are delivered from a dire predicament from which they cannot escape on their own.
Imagine a caterpillar surrounded by a great ring of fire. How is that little creature going to escape? Only if someone from above reaches down and scoops it up!
We’re not caterpillars. But we can imagine the scenario of needing rescue.
Maybe we're on a sinking ship or on a rooftop during a flood. The only way we are going to be rescued is if someone takes the initiative to save us.
This is why Jesus came. He came to rescue us–to save us.
The apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 1:15,
"15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. 16 But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life."
Notice the kind of people Jesus came to rescue. What does Paul call them? Sinners.
But notice also that he includes himself. He confesses to being in the ring of fire. He is on the sinking ship. The great apostle acknowledged that he was on the rooftop.
We all are.
As he writes in Romans 3:23,
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Every human is in need of rescue.
If our rescuer is Jesus, the place of rescue is the cross, where Jesus put himself in the ring of fire so we could be lifted out and placed on safe ground.
That safe ground is our salvation.
Because the gospel is a promise of rescue.
Discussion Questions
What are some other examples of rescue?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you needed rescue or help? How did it feel to be rescued?
How does the concept of rescue change your perspective on the Gospel?
How does it make you feel to know that Jesus came to rescue you?
In what ways can we show gratitude for the rescue Jesus has provided for us?
A Suggested Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus,
We thank you for being our rescuer. We are grateful for your sacrifice on the cross and for the gift of salvation and eternal life that you've secured for us. We pray that we may live our lives in a way that shows our gratitude for your rescue.
In your name we pray, Amen.