(Clip) The Gospel is Following the Person of Christ
K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that the core of the gospel is intimately knowing and following the person of Christ rather than merely adhering to religious practices or doctrines.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing and following Christ rather than just memorizing doctrines or performing religious acts. Jesus pointed out to the Pharisees that despite their knowledge and religious practices, they were missing the point because they were not willing to follow Him. The core of the gospel is having an intimate relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ, rather than just following a set of rules or rituals.
Full Transcript
It is Christ. Pharisees memorized the Bible, they knew the doctrines, they were full-time missionaries traveling across oceans, and Jesus said, all of you are going to hell. And I imagine they asked, what is wrong with you? We know Bible more than you do, and we fast more than you do, we do more than you do, who are you talking about it? And in my imagination, Jesus said, the problem is this, the entire scripture talks about me, but you will not want to follow me.
You want to follow your own set of ideas. See brothers and sisters, the old covenant is doing something and not doing something, but the new covenant is we are called to be sharing in the nature of Christ, partakers of His nature. Once we get to the place, I believe this, I do this, we come under the old covenant and legalism.
And I found this many times I repent from and change my, you know, thinking that I do what I do because I love Him so much and I can't, I can't do enough, not because I want to gain something because I love Him. So what is the core of the gospel? It is knowing Him intimately. Father, what is life eternal? It is to know you and the one you send.
And so do I like fasting and praying? No, I don't. But I'm so grateful for the privilege you gave me to think and make choice, to look at a world map and weep before Him, to stand in His place because His heart that He pours into me. So that to me is the invitation, you know, says come and follow me.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Pharisees knew scripture but missed Christ
- Religious works without following Jesus leads to condemnation
- The entire scripture points to Christ
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II
- Old covenant focuses on doing and not doing
- New covenant calls us to share in Christ’s nature
- Legalism traps believers in works instead of relationship
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III
- True gospel centers on intimate knowledge of Christ
- Eternal life is knowing the Father and the Son
- Our actions flow from love, not obligation
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IV
- Personal response to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him
- Gratitude for the privilege to intercede for the world
- Following Christ is a life of choice and love
Key Quotes
“The entire scripture talks about me, but you will not want to follow me.” — K.P. Yohannan
“The new covenant is we are called to be sharing in the nature of Christ, partakers of His nature.” — K.P. Yohannan
“What is life eternal? It is to know you and the one you send.” — K.P. Yohannan
Application Points
- Focus on developing a personal relationship with Christ rather than just religious rituals.
- Reject legalism and embrace the transformative nature of the new covenant.
- Respond daily to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him out of love and gratitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main problem Jesus saw with the Pharisees?
They knew the Bible and practiced religious duties but refused to follow Jesus personally.
How does the new covenant differ from the old covenant?
The new covenant calls believers to share in the nature of Christ rather than merely obeying laws.
What does eternal life mean according to this sermon?
Eternal life is to know God the Father and Jesus Christ intimately.
Why is legalism a problem for believers?
Legalism focuses on doing works to earn favor rather than loving and following Christ.
How should believers respond to Jesus’ invitation?
By choosing to follow Him out of love and gratitude, not obligation.