mouth on a stick

Returning to the Gospel

8-Week Study Guide

Rediscovering the Good News of Jesus Christ

How to Use This Study Guide

This study guide is designed to be used alongside the sermon series Returning to the Gospel. It can be used in small groups, Bible studies, discipleship groups, or personal devotion.

Each week includes:

  • Main Scripture readings
  • Key thought
  • Short teaching summary
  • Discussion questions
  • Personal reflection
  • Practical response
  • Prayer focus

The aim is not simply to gain information, but to help believers return to the centre of the Christian life: Jesus Christ and His Gospel.

Week 1

The Gospel Is Good News, Not Good Advice

Main Scriptures

  • Romans 1:16
  • 1 Corinthians 15:1–4
  • Mark 1:14–15

Key Thought

The Gospel is not first about what we must do for God, but about what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.

Teaching Summary

The word “Gospel” means good news. This is important because many people think Christianity is mainly about trying harder, becoming a better person, or living by religious rules.

But the Gospel begins with an announcement. God has acted in Jesus Christ to save sinners, forgive sin, defeat death, and bring people into His Kingdom.

Good advice says, “Here is what you must do.”

Good news says, “Here is what has been done.”

The Gospel certainly calls us to respond. Jesus said, “Repent and believe the good news.” But our response does not create salvation. Our response receives what God has already done through Christ.

Paul says in Romans 1:16 that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation. That means the power is not in human cleverness, religious performance, emotional pressure, or church activity. The power is in the message of Christ crucified and risen.

The Gospel must never become assumed in the life of the Church. It must remain central in our preaching, worship, discipleship, fellowship, and mission.

Discussion Questions

1. What do you think most people believe Christianity is mainly about?

Discuss how people often reduce Christianity to morality, church attendance, rules, tradition, or being a good person.

2. What is the difference between good advice and good news?

Why is it important that the Gospel begins with what God has done, not what we do?

3. Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–4. What does Paul place at the centre of the Gospel?

How does this help us keep Jesus central?

4. What are some ways a church can become busy but slowly drift from the Gospel?

Think about programs, personalities, traditions, politics, preferences, or performance.

5. Why does Paul call the Gospel “the power of God”?

What confidence should this give us when sharing Christ with others?

Personal Reflection

Take a few minutes to reflect quietly:

  • Have I been treating Christianity more like advice than good news?
  • Is Jesus truly central in my faith?
  • Have I been trusting in my own performance rather than Christ?
  • Do I clearly understand the Gospel well enough to explain it simply?

Practical Response

This week, practise explaining the Gospel in one or two minutes using simple words.

You may use this outline:

  1. God created us for relationship with Him.
  2. Sin has separated us from God.
  3. Jesus died for our sins and rose again.
  4. We are called to repent and believe.
  5. Through Christ, we receive forgiveness and new life.

Prayer Focus

Lord Jesus, help us to return to the simplicity and power of the Gospel. Keep us from making Christianity about ourselves. Help us to see clearly what You have done through Your death and resurrection. Make us people who are not ashamed of the Gospel. Amen.

Week 2

The Problem the Gospel Answers

Main Scriptures

  • Romans 3:23
  • Isaiah 59:2
  • Ephesians 2:1–9

Key Thought

The Gospel is good news because it answers humanity’s deepest problem: sin and separation from God.

Teaching Summary

Before we can understand the beauty of grace, we must understand the seriousness of sin.

Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This includes every person. Sin is not merely bad behaviour. It is not just weakness, immaturity, or poor choices. Sin is rebellion against God and a heart turned away from Him.

Sin affects our thoughts, desires, words, actions, relationships, worship, and priorities. It is deeper than outward behaviour. A person can appear respectable and still be full of pride, selfishness, bitterness, or unbelief.

Isaiah 59:2 says that sin separates us from God. This is the deepest tragedy of sin. It damages our lives, but even more seriously, it breaks fellowship with the holy God who made us.

Ephesians 2 describes humanity as dead in trespasses and sins. This means we cannot save ourselves. We do not simply need improvement. We need resurrection life.

The Gospel allows us to be honest. We do not minimise sin, but neither do we despair. The cross shows us that sin is serious, but God’s grace is greater.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to understand sin before we understand grace?

What happens if we preach grace without explaining what we need saving from?

2. Read Romans 3:23. What does it mean to “fall short of the glory of God”?

How is this more than just making mistakes?

3. In what ways can sin hide inside respectable or religious behaviour?

Think about pride, self-righteousness, unforgiveness, spiritual comparison, or desire for praise.

4. Read Ephesians 2:1–9. What words does Paul use to describe our condition apart from Christ?

What does this teach us about our need for grace?

5. How does the cross show both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of God’s love?

Why do we need both truths?

Personal Reflection

Consider these questions honestly before God:

  • Do I minimise sin in my own life?
  • Are there areas where I excuse, hide, or defend sin?
  • Do I compare myself with others instead of measuring myself before God?
  • Have I truly understood that I cannot save myself?

Practical Response

This week, spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to reveal anything in your heart that needs repentance.

Do not do this in fear. Do it in light of the Gospel. God exposes sin so that we may bring it to Christ and receive mercy.

Prayer Focus

Father, help us to see sin truthfully. Keep us from pride, denial, and self-deception. Thank You that Jesus came for sinners. Thank You that the cross is greater than our guilt. Lead us to repentance and deeper trust in Christ. Amen.

Week 3

Christ Alone Is the Saviour

Main Scriptures

  • 1 Timothy 1:15
  • John 14:6
  • 1 Peter 2:24
  • Romans 4:25

Key Thought

The Gospel is centred on Jesus Christ alone — His person, His cross, His resurrection, and His Lordship. 

Teaching Summary

At the heart of Christianity is not an idea, philosophy, moral code, or religious institution. At the heart of Christianity is Jesus Christ.

Paul says in 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This is a simple but powerful summary of the Gospel.

Jesus is more than a teacher. He is more than an example. He is more than a prophet. He is the Son of God, the Saviour of sinners, and the risen Lord.

In John 14:6, Jesus says He is the way, the truth, and the life. He does not merely point to the way; He is the way.

The cross is central because Jesus bore our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 says He bore our sins in His body on the cross. He took our place. The righteous One died for the unrighteous.

But the Gospel does not end with the cross. Jesus rose from the dead. Romans 4:25 says He was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification.

Christ alone saves. Not Christ plus our works. Not Christ plus religious background. Not Christ plus church attendance. Not Christ plus ministry service. Christ alone.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it not enough to admire Jesus as a good teacher?

What does the New Testament claim about who Jesus truly is?

2. Read 1 Timothy 1:15. What does this verse teach us about why Jesus came?

Why is this good news for sinners?

3. What does it mean that Jesus “bore our sins” on the cross?

How does this shape our understanding of forgiveness?

4. Why is the resurrection essential to the Gospel?

What would Christianity lose if Jesus had not risen?

5. What are some things Christians may subtly add to Christ?

Discuss good works, religious activity, spiritual experiences, ministry roles, or personal morality.

Personal Reflection

Ask yourself:

  • Am I trusting Christ alone for salvation?
  • Have I added anything to Jesus as the basis of my acceptance before God?
  • When I feel guilty, do I run to Christ or try to punish myself?
  • When I feel spiritually strong, do I remain humble before Christ?

Practical Response

This week, write down the sentence:

“My hope is Jesus Christ crucified and risen.”

Place it somewhere visible. Let it remind you that your confidence is not in yourself, but in Christ.

Prayer Focus

Lord Jesus, thank You that You came into the world to save sinners. Thank You for bearing our sins on the cross. Thank You for rising from the dead. Help us to trust You alone and never add anything to the Gospel. Amen.

Week 4

Saved by Grace, Living by Faith

Main Scriptures

  • Ephesians 2:8–10
  • Titus 3:3–7
  • Galatians 2:20

Key Thought

We are saved by grace through faith, not by works, yet grace produces a changed life.

Teaching Summary

Grace means God gives what we could never earn. It is His undeserved favour.

Ephesians 2:8–9 says we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so that no one can boast. This removes pride. No Christian can stand before God and say, “I earned this.” Salvation is a gift.

Grace also gives hope to the guilty. Titus 3:5 says God saved us not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. Our hope rests not on the cleanness of our past, but on the mercy of God in Christ.

Faith is how we receive what grace provides. Faith is not merely believing facts about Jesus. It is trusting Him personally. It is relying on His death, resurrection, and mercy.

But grace does not leave us unchanged. Ephesians 2:10 says we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Good works are not the root of salvation; they are the fruit of salvation.

This protects us from two dangers:

Legalism says, “I obey so God will accept me.”

Licence says, “Because God accepts me, obedience does not matter.”

The Gospel says, “God accepts me in Christ, and His grace teaches me to live differently.”

Discussion Questions

1. What does grace mean?

Why is grace so humbling?

2. Read Ephesians 2:8–10. What do these verses say about salvation and good works?

How do we keep these in the right order?

3. What is the difference between faith and simply believing facts about Jesus?

How would you explain saving faith?

4. How does grace destroy both pride and despair?

Why do proud people and guilty people both need grace?

5. What is the difference between legalism and licence?

Which one do you think Christians are more likely to struggle with 

Personal Reflection

Consider:

  • Do I live as though God’s love depends on my performance?
  • Do I look down on others because of my obedience or knowledge?
  • Do I use grace as an excuse to avoid change?
  • Am I living by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me?

Practical Response

This week, identify one area where you may be living from guilt, fear, or performance.

Bring it to God in prayer and remind yourself:

“I am saved by grace. I live by faith. I obey because I am loved, not to earn love.”

Prayer Focus

Father, thank You for saving us by grace. Forgive us for boasting in ourselves or despairing over our failures. Teach us to live by faith in Christ. Let Your grace produce true holiness, humility, and love in us. Amen.

Week 5

Repent and Believe the Good News

Main Scriptures

  • Mark 1:15
  • Acts 3:19
  • Romans 2:4
  • 2 Corinthians 7:10

Key Thought

Repentance is not self-punishment; it is turning from sin and returning to God because of His mercy.

Teaching Summary

Jesus preached, “Repent and believe the good news.” Repentance and faith belong together.

Faith turns to Christ.

Repentance turns from sin.

Repentance is more than feeling sorry. A person can feel regret without truly repenting. They may be sorry because they were caught, sorry because of consequences, or sorry because life became difficult.

Biblical repentance is deeper. It is a change of mind, heart, and direction. It says, “Lord, I have sinned against You. I turn from this and return to You.”

Romans 2:4 says God’s kindness leads us to repentance. That means repentance is not God’s rejection of us. It is His invitation to come home.

Repentance does not mean we become perfect overnight. It means we stop defending sin and start surrendering to Christ. There is a difference between struggling against sin and settling comfortably into sin.

A Gospel-centred Christian is not someone who pretends to be sinless. A Gospel-centred Christian is someone who keeps returning to God in repentance and faith.

Discussion Questions

1. What is the difference between regret and repentance?

Can you think of examples where someone may regret consequences but not truly repent?

2. Read Mark 1:15. Why do repentance and faith belong together?

What happens if we separate them?

3. How does Romans 2:4 change the way we think about repentance?

Why is God’s kindness important?

4. What is the difference between struggling against sin and making peace with sin?

Why is this distinction important?

5. Why should the Church be a repenting people?

How can a church culture make repentance easier or harder?

Personal Reflection

Ask yourself:

  • Is there a sin I have been excusing rather than repenting of?
  • Am I more sorry about consequences or about grieving God?
  • Do I run to God when convicted, or do I hide from Him?
  • Is my heart soft and responsive to the Holy Spirit? 

Practical Response

This week, take time for honest confession before God.

Use this simple pattern:

  1. Name the sin honestly.
  2. Stop defending or minimising it.
  3. Thank Jesus for His mercy.
  4. Ask the Holy Spirit for power to change.
  5. Take one practical step of obedience. 

Prayer Focus

Lord, give us repentant hearts. Keep us from hiding, excusing, or defending sin. Thank You that Your kindness leads us to repentance. Help us turn from sin and trust Christ more deeply. Amen.

Week 6

The Gospel Creates a New Life

Main Scriptures

  • 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • Romans 8:1–4
  • Colossians 3:1–17

Key Thought

The Gospel does not merely forgive the past; it creates a new life in Christ.

Teaching Summary

The Gospel does more than cancel guilt. It makes us new.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says that if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone; the new is here.

Many people define themselves by their past, failures, wounds, family background, achievements, or the opinions of others. But the Gospel gives us a new identity.

In Christ, we are forgiven, accepted, adopted, loved, cleansed, and no longer condemned.

Romans 8:1 says there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This does not mean there is no correction or growth. It means condemnation is no longer the ruling voice over the believer.

Colossians 3 shows us that new life must be lived out. We are to put off the old life and put on the new. We are to put away anger, malice, impurity, lies, and greed. We are to put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love.

The Gospel changes our identity, direction, relationships, and desires. But this new life is not lived in our own strength. We walk by the Spirit. 

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to be a “new creation” in Christ?

How is this more than simply trying to become a better person?

2. Read Romans 8:1. Why is freedom from condemnation so important?

What is the difference between conviction and condemnation?

3. What are some false identities people live under?

How does the Gospel give us a stronger identity?

4. Read Colossians 3:1–17. What are believers told to put off and put on?

Which of these areas is most challenging today?

5. How does the Gospel change the way we treat others?

Why does forgiveness become a major evidence of Gospel life? 

Personal Reflection

Consider:

  • Do I still define myself by my past or by Christ?
  • Am I listening more to condemnation or to the truth of the Gospel?
  • What old attitudes or behaviours do I need to put off?
  • What Christlike qualities do I need to put on? 

Practical Response

This week, choose one “put off” and one “put on” from Colossians 3.

For example:

  • Put off anger; put on patience.
  • Put off bitterness; put on forgiveness.
  • Put off pride; put on humility.
  • Put off harshness; put on kindness.

Pray about it daily and look for one practical opportunity to live it out.

Prayer Focus

Lord Jesus, thank You that in You we are made new. Help us stop living under old identities and old patterns. Teach us to put off the old life and put on the new. Fill us with the Holy Spirit so that our lives reflect Your grace. Amen.

Week 7

The Gospel and the Kingdom of God

Main Scriptures

  • Matthew 4:17
  • Romans 10:9
  • Matthew 6:33
  • Colossians 1:13–14

Key Thought

The Gospel brings us not only into forgiveness, but under the Lordship and reign of Jesus Christ. 

Teaching Summary

When Jesus preached the Gospel, He preached the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 4:17 says, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

The Kingdom of God means God’s rule and reign. It is not first about geography, but authority. Where God is honoured as King, His Kingdom is being expressed.

The Gospel announces that Jesus is not only Saviour, but Lord. Romans 10:9 says that if we confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead, we will be saved.

This means salvation is not simply receiving forgiveness while continuing to rule our own lives. Salvation is a transfer of allegiance. Colossians 1 says God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of His Son.

Matthew 6:33 calls us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This means the priorities of Jesus begin to shape our decisions, relationships, finances, speech, time, and mission.

The Church is meant to be a Kingdom people — a community that lives under the rule of Christ and shows the world what life looks like when Jesus is King.

Discussion Questions

1. What does the Kingdom of God mean?

How would you explain it simply?

2. Why is it important to understand Jesus as both Saviour and Lord?

What happens if we want forgiveness without surrender?

3. Read Colossians 1:13–14. What does it mean to be rescued from darkness and brought into Christ’s Kingdom?

How should this change the way we live?

4. What does it mean to seek first the Kingdom of God?

What things often compete for first place in our lives?

5. How should a church reflect the Kingdom of God?

What should people see in a community that truly lives under Christ’s Lordship?

Personal Reflection

Ask yourself:

  • Is Jesus truly Lord over my life, or only part of my life?
  • Are there areas I have not surrendered to Him?
  • What do my priorities reveal about what I seek first?
  • How can I better represent the Kingdom of God in daily life? 

Practical Response

This week, choose one area of life and consciously bring it under the Lordship of Jesus.

Possible areas:

  • Speech
  • Money
  • Relationships
  • Entertainment
  • Work
  • Church involvement
  • Forgiveness
  • Time

Ask: “What would it look like to seek first the Kingdom here?” 

Prayer Focus

King Jesus, we confess that You are Lord. Forgive us for wanting Your salvation while resisting Your rule. Teach us to seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness. Let our lives and our church reflect Your reign. Amen.

Week 8

Keeping the Gospel Central in the Church

Main Scriptures

  • 2 Corinthians 11:3
  • Galatians 1:6–9
  • Philippians 1:27
  • Matthew 28:18–20

Key Thought

The Church must guard the Gospel, proclaim the Gospel, live the Gospel, and pass the Gospel on. 

Teaching Summary

The Gospel must be guarded because Gospel drift can happen slowly.

Paul warned the Corinthians that they could be led away from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. He warned the Galatians because they were turning to a different gospel.

This shows us that Gospel drift often happens among religious people, not just outside the Church.

A church may begin by assuming the Gospel. Then it speaks of the Gospel less clearly. Then secondary things move to the centre. Eventually people may know church culture, but not Gospel truth.

There are several dangers:

Legalism adds human performance as the basis of acceptance with God.

Licence uses grace as an excuse to treat sin lightly.

Entertainment makes church about keeping people interested rather than making disciples.

Personality-centred ministry makes human leaders more prominent than Christ.

Distraction allows secondary matters to replace the central message.

To keep the Gospel central, preaching must point people to Christ. Worship must exalt Christ. Fellowship must reflect Christ. Mission must proclaim Christ. Daily living must display Christ.

Philippians 1:27 says we are to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ.

The Gospel we preach must become the Gospel we live.

Discussion Questions

1. What is Gospel drift?

Why do you think it often happens slowly rather than suddenly?

2. Read 2 Corinthians 11:3. What does “sincere and pure devotion to Christ” look like?

What can lead us away from it?

3. What are some common substitutes for the Gospel in church life?

Discuss legalism, entertainment, personalities, politics, traditions, or programs.

4. How can preaching, worship, fellowship, and mission remain Gospel-centred?

Give practical examples.

5. Read Philippians 1:27. What does it mean to live in a manner worthy of the Gospel?

How should the Gospel shape our behaviour as a church? 

Personal Reflection

Consider:

  • Have I personally drifted from simple devotion to Christ?
  • Do I talk more about church activity than about Jesus?
  • Am I helping my church stay centred on the Gospel?
  • Is my life making the Gospel attractive or confusing to others?

Practical Response

This week, pray for your church by name.

Pray specifically for:

  • Gospel-centred preaching
  • Christ-exalting worship
  • Spirit-filled discipleship
  • Loving fellowship
  • Courageous mission
  • Humble leadership
  • Repentant hearts
  • Clear witness in the community 

Prayer Focus

Lord Jesus, keep our church centred on the Gospel. Guard us from drifting into legalism, licence, distraction, entertainment, pride, or human effort. Help us proclaim Christ clearly, worship sincerely, love deeply, and make disciples faithfully. Amen.

Final Group Session

Reviewing the Series

This optional session may be used after Week 8 to help the group reflect on the whole study.

Review Questions

1. What has become clearer to you about the Gospel during this series?

2. Which week challenged you the most personally?

3. What is one false idea about the Gospel that you have had to correct?

4. How has this series helped you understand grace, repentance, faith, or discipleship?

5. What would it look like for our church to be more Gospel-centred?

6. How can we help one another keep returning to Christ?

Personal Commitment

Complete the following statements:

Because of the Gospel, I will stop:

Because of the Gospel, I will start:

Because of the Gospel, I will remember:

Simple Gospel Summary

God is holy and created us for relationship with Him.

Humanity has sinned and is separated from God.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into the world to save sinners.

He died on the cross for our sins.

He rose again from the dead.

He is Lord.

We are called to repent and believe the good news.

Through Christ, we receive forgiveness, new life, and entrance into God’s Kingdom.

Final Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the Gospel.

Thank You that salvation is not based on our goodness, effort, knowledge, or performance, but on Your grace.

Thank You for Your death on the cross.

Thank You for Your resurrection.

Thank You for forgiveness, new life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Help us to remain faithful to the Gospel.

Help us to live as people shaped by grace.

Help our church to keep Christ central in everything.

May our lives, words, worship, fellowship, and mission point people to You.

Amen.