Owen Strachan's sermon focuses on the theme of "God-centeredness," a three-week series addressing different aspects of Christian living. The first week, covered in this sermon, emphasizes "Christianity and the Gospel." Strachan's main argument is that the gospel should not be seen as a distant, past event relevant only at the moment of conversion, but as a daily, active force in a Christian's life.
Strachan uses the metaphor of a hotel keycard to illustrate how some Christians may view the gospel as something that once granted them access to faith, but is now obsolete. He counters this by citing Romans 1:16-17, emphasizing that the gospel is a continuous source of salvation and righteousness, central to living a Christian life every day.
The sermon outlines four ways the gospel shapes daily Christian life:
1. **Identity:** The gospel redefines our identity, shifting it from our past sins to our new life in Christ. Strachan references 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 to emphasize that Christians are defined not by their past sins but by their sanctification in Jesus Christ.
2. **Sin:** He discusses how the gospel transforms our approach to sin, referencing 1 John 1:7-9. He argues against both perfectionism and defeatism, instead presenting a balanced view where Christians regularly confess sins and rely on God's grace for forgiveness and cleansing.
3. **Growth:** The sermon asserts that Christian growth is primarily driven by gospel grace through the Holy Spirit, rather than just adherence to moral laws. Strachan cites Ezekiel 36:27 and Philippians 2:12-13, stressing that growth is a divine work within believers, facilitated by grace.
4. **Future:** Finally, Strachan speaks about how the gospel influences our perspective on the future, giving hope beyond current circumstances. This hope is rooted in the unchanging nature of the gospel and its promise, as described in Colossians 1:23.
Strachan concludes with practical applications: making the gospel a relentless focus in life, leading in gospel application within families, especially by men through confession and repentance, and being a living testament to the gospel's transformative power. He also cautions against placing hope in political or earthly solutions, emphasizing that true hope lies in Christ alone. The sermon ends with a prayer for divine assistance in living out these principles.
