11-13-2025 PART 3: The Gospel Above All

Section 1

Paul continues his argument by stressing that he was not sent to baptize but to preach the gospel. This does not dismiss the value of baptism, which Jesus commands and which believers should pursue as a public declaration of faith. Instead, Paul clarifies that baptism cannot replace or overshadow the gospel itself. His ministry focus was the message of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection. Without the resurrection, there is nothing to preach and nothing to hope for. Any teaching that presents Jesus as admirable but denies His resurrection is false, because the entire Christian life depends on the truth that He lives. Baptism is meaningful, but it is not equal to the gospel, nor can it stand apart from it. Everything in the Christian faith flows from the finished work of Jesus.

Section 2

Paul also warns against elevating one doctrine or denominational emphasis above the central message of Christ. Different church traditions often highlight different parts of the Christian walk: some excel at preaching the gospel, some emphasize baptism, some focus on prayer and spiritual gifts. These differences are not the problem. Division is the problem. God has always worked through diverse groups, just as Israel was made up of twelve distinct tribes. When believers turn differences into battles, they lose sight of the maturity and unity they are called to maintain. Paul urges the church not to argue over secondary issues or make any practice equal with the gospel. The unity of believers is found in the Father, through the Son, and by the Holy Spirit—not in winning theological debates.

Section 3

Paul concludes by reminding believers that the power of salvation is not found in clever arguments, polished presentations, or human wisdom. The power is in the gospel itself. People are not saved because someone delivers a flawless explanation but because God uses His message to reach hearts. Sharing the gospel does not require perfect skill; it requires willingness and honesty. Believers are not called to out-debate anyone but to testify to what God has done. The Holy Spirit brings conviction, transformation, and new life. Christians are simply participants in God’s work, playing their small role while Jesus remains the true center of the story. The gospel—God’s power to save—is what matters most, and sharing it faithfully is the calling of every follower of Christ.