Did Jesus Preach the Gospel of Evangelicalism
John Piper argues that Jesus preached the same gospel of justification by faith alone, through grace and the righteousness of Christ, that Paul later expounded, emphasizing the continuity between Jesus' and Paul's message.
This sermon emphasizes the doctrine of justification by faith alone, highlighting the importance of not trusting in our own righteousness but in Christ alone. It delves into the universal need for Christ's righteousness in every culture and the necessity of giving Christ all the glory in salvation for both bearing our sins and providing our righteousness.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Introduction and prayer for spiritual awakening
- Clarification of sermon title and intent
- Conviction that Jesus and Paul preached the same gospel
-
II
- Methodological approach to gospel studies
- Importance of reading the four gospels as they stand
- Rejecting critical scholarly reconstructions
-
III
- Big picture of Luke's gospel centered on the cross
- Jesus as the suffering servant fulfilling Isaiah 53
- Jesus’ blood as the means of new covenant forgiveness
-
IV
- Exposition of Luke 18:9-14 parable of Pharisee and tax collector
- Analysis of the Pharisee’s moral, religious, and theological confidence
- Contrast with true justification by faith and humility
Key Quotes
“If you interpret faithfully the deeds and the words of Jesus as he is portrayed in the four gospels, Jesus will be historically and theologically more in accord, in your mind, more in accord with who he really was and what he really did than all the varied attempts at portraits of critical scholars who tried to reconstruct the Jesus of history behind the gospels.” — John Piper
“If you really understand what's there in its fullness, with all of them together, you will have a more accurate portrait of the Jesus who really was and really is, than if you did all the peeling away, using all kinds of historical criteria, which are very arbitrary.” — John Piper
“This man went down to his house justified rather than the other. And the parable is about how one gets justified and how one doesn't get justified.” — John Piper
Application Points
- Meditate deeply and continually on the four gospels to know Jesus more fully.
- Examine your own confidence in righteousness to ensure it rests on Christ’s work, not self.
- Embrace humility and faith as the true basis for justification before God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main question John Piper addresses in this sermon?
He asks whether Jesus preached the same gospel of justification by faith alone that Paul later taught.
How does Piper suggest we should read the four gospels?
He encourages reading the gospels as they stand, with historical and grammatical faithfulness, illuminated by the Spirit.
What is the significance of the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18?
It illustrates the difference between self-righteous confidence and true justification by faith and humility.
How does Piper connect Jesus’ teaching to Pauline doctrine?
He shows that Jesus’ teaching on justification aligns with Paul’s gospel of grace, faith, and Christ’s righteousness.
Why does Piper emphasize the blood of Jesus in Luke’s gospel?
Because it is the means by which the new covenant and forgiveness of sins are obtained.