Active Theology

“For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NASB)

What is of first importance to you? I suppose there are various ways to go about figuring out the answer. What do you do to start your day? What are things you can’t go without each day as part of your routine or rhythm? What do you think about as you go to sleep at night?

Personally, I can’t go without spending time with God, spending time with my wife and kids, and enjoying a single-origin light roast coffee (most likely from Ethiopia). If those things are missing, my day will feel a little off. We all have things that are important to us and non-negotiable. And as they say at Cold Stone Creamery…you just “gotta have it”. 

The Apostle Paul, as he writes to the church in Corinth, is very explicit about what is most important to him – the gospel. Paul would do anything in order for someone to know that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day.

If you look at Paul’s life, the gospel was the driving force for everything he did. In the second half of 2 Corinthians 11, Paul tells of all the physical trials he experienced for the sake of the gospel. The good news of Jesus always remained his top priority. For Paul, if people weren’t hearing about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, then he was not demonstrating what was of first importance. 

Paul is a mammoth example to follow, but not an impossible one. Put the gospel first.

How does this translate into our lives? How do we make the gospel the thing at the top of our list? 

Think about how to make God be at the center of all you do. Make time to pray, read God’s Word, serve others, be in fellowship with others, worship, show generosity…the list goes on. All of these practices demonstrate a love for God and a love for people. It shows that the gospel is of first importance you. 

As we celebrate Easter and the resurrection this weekend, may this be our launching point for making the gospel of first importance in our lives. 

Pray: God, thank you for Jesus and the promise of eternal life through him. Grow my affections for you and help me to form my life around you. Amen. 

Song: “Death in His Grave” by John Mark McMillan

Craig is a worship pastor at Wallula Christian Church and the creator of Active Theology. He loves coffee dates with his wife, reading, and riding his bike. A few of his favorite things are third wave coffee, vanilla ice cream, and plain t-shirts.