The Glorious Gospel 2

Manfred begins by expressing gratitude to God for the eternal plan of the Gospel, which was revealed through His Son and continually interpreted by the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that the Gospel is not merely a set of teachings but a way of life, a faith, a truth, and a testimony that leads us to know Christ personally. True knowledge of Christ involves love and intimacy, not just intellectual understanding. Paul’s desire to know Christ deeply reflects this love, which is essential for spiritual growth. Manfred urges believers to love the Lord more deeply, as love is the foundation for true knowledge and relationship with Christ. He highlights the significance of the cross, which is God's method of liberating us from flesh, the natural man, the world, and self-glory, bringing righteousness, peace, and life. The Gospel is also the word of life, imparting divine, resurrection life that transforms believers into living testimonies. Manfred stresses that teaching must be in life, guided by the Holy Spirit, to produce genuine spiritual growth and fruitfulness. The ultimate focus of the Gospel is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God, which Jesus preached from the beginning and exemplified through His teachings, parables, and miracles. The Kingdom is a spiritual reality, not merely a future earthly reign, and is experienced through the Holy Spirit, who works to bring all under Christ’s Lordship. Believers are called to be faithful, obedient, holy, and willing to suffer for the Kingdom, which will ultimately be established fully when Christ returns to reign in glory.

Outline of Main Points

• Gratitude for God's eternal plan and the revelation of the Gospel through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
• The Gospel as a way of life, faith, truth, and testimony leading to knowing Christ personally.
• Knowing Christ involves love, intimacy, and deep relationship, not just intellectual knowledge.
• Paul’s desire to know Christ exemplifies the importance of love and personal relationship.
• Love for Christ is essential; without love, spiritual growth is hindered.
• The cross as God's method of liberation—crucifying flesh, natural man, world, and self-glory.
• The Gospel as the word of life, imparting divine, resurrection, eternal life.
• Teaching must be in life, guided by the Holy Spirit, to produce genuine spiritual fruit.
• The Gospel of the Kingdom of God is central, preached by Jesus, and exemplified through His teachings and miracles.
• The Kingdom is a spiritual reality, experienced through the Holy Spirit, not merely a future earthly reign.
• Believers are called to be faithful, obedient, holy, and willing to suffer for the Kingdom.
• The ultimate establishment of God's Kingdom will occur when Christ returns in glory.