Theocast
Who Does the Gospel Offend?
May 10, 2023
Summary
At multiple points, Paul writes that he is not ashamed of the gospel. Why did he need to write that? What is it about the gospel that could bring shame on someone who preaches it--or believes it? The gospel offends us in our self-righteousness. That’s clear. It also offends us in our licentiousness. The truth of our union with Christ and liberation from sin’s dominion can fly in the face of the desires of our flesh. In all of this, the Lord has us and will complete the good work he has begun in us! Jon and Justin talk about all of this on today’s episode.
Topics
- Episode focus: Who Does the Gospel Offend?
- At multiple points, Paul writes that he is not ashamed of the gospel
- What is it about the gospel that could bring shame on someone who preaches it--or believes it?
- The gospel offends us in our self-righteousness
- It also offends us in our licentiousness
Transcript
Edited machine transcript. May contain errors. Select a timestamp to watch that moment.
Hi, this is Justin.
Today on Theocast, we are going to consider who it is that the gospel offends.
Paul, at multiple points in his letters, says that he is not ashamed of the gospel.
Why did he need to say that?
There clearly is something about the gospel that could bring shame upon a person who preaches it, or even a person who believes in it in this world.
And I think the answer to that question as to who does the gospel offend, it might surprise you.
And not to give it all away, but to kind of prime the pump for you, the gospel certainly offends the self-righteous, those among us who think that we either are righteous before God or can attain righteousness.
That's clear.
But then the gospel also offends those among us who are licentious, where we are clinging to things that are desires of our flesh, and we don't really want to let those things go.
And so, the reality of our union with Christ and what that means for our freedom and our liberation and our transformation of life sometimes can be hard to hear, also.
John and I are going to consider all of this in today's episode.
We hope that you're encouraged and helped by the content.
Stay tuned.
If you'd like to help support Theocast, you can do that by leaving us a review on iTunes and subscribing on your favorite podcast app.
You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Plus, we have a Facebook group if you'd like to join the conversation there.
Thanks for listening.
Welcome to Theocast, encouraging weary pilgrims to rest in Christ, conversations about their Christian life from a confessional, reformed, and pastoral perspective.
We are aiming here at Theocast to clarify the gospel and reclaim the purpose of the kingdom of Christ.
Your hosts today to that end are John Moffat, who is pastor of Grace Reform Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee.
