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God So Loved the World

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: John 3:16

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TEACHINGS OF JESUS (53)

We are continuing our study of the teachings of Jesus.  Thus far, we have focused on 3 areas – the Sermon on the Mount, the parables of Jesus and the I AM sayings of Jesus.  With this lesson, and for the remainder of our year (with our usual breaks), we are going to focus on various conversations and teachings of Jesus.  We will begin with the conversation of Jesus to Nicodemus and focus on what is described as “the golden text” of the Bible – John 3:16.

1. The conversation of Jesus with Nicodemus
   1. Who is Nicodemus?
      1. He is described in vs. 1-2 – a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews.
         1. NOTE: vs. 10 where Nicodemus seeks to understand Jesus and Jesus replies, “Are you THE teacher of Israel…” The article “the” is in the Greek text.   Some see in this that he was THE prominent leader of the council.
         2. He was impressed with the signs (miracles) and teachings of Jesus.  So much so he was willing to come to Jesus and inquire of Him.
      2. We also read about him in John 7:50-53 where he defends Jesus before the council.
      3. He is also with Joseph of Arimathea in caring for the crucified body of Jesus – John 19:39-42.
      4. From these, it seems very likely that he was a disciple of Jesus who sought to defend him amongst hostile leaders.
   2. The conversation – Unless one is born again
      1. Born again – This is a description of salvation. Used only here and in 1 Peter 1:23 which we have recently addressed.
      2. Unless one is – he cannot see the kingdom of God
      3. Born of the water and the spirit – a reference to baptism. Why water baptism?
         1. Nicodemus would have been familiar with the concept as that is what John the Baptist had been doing – Mark 1:4-5, John 1:26, 31 (“I baptize with water”), AND John 3:23, which notes he was baptizing “because there was much water there.”
         2. Whenever water is associated with salvation, it is ALWAYS baptism. Acts 22:16, 8:36-39, 1 Peter 3:20-21, Romans 6:3-4 – a burial; Hebrews 10:22, etc.
            Consider also Galatians 3:27 – we are baptized into Christ and thus put on Christ.
      4. Water and Spirit –
         1. Jesus noted BOTH were needed and would work together.
         2. Titus 3:5, in whatever way, the Holy Spirit has a part in our salvation.
         3. Furthermore, Jesus actually clarified that his work is unseen, but you know it is there – just like the wind (John 3:8).
         4. While we are challenged to understand the Holy Spirit – exactly how He works, we understand that He does His part – whatever that involves.
         5. Used together Jesus is emphasizing the need to obey the gospel (our part) and He will do His part. IT is NOT about just going through some ritual without meaning.
      5. Some say “water and Spirit” are 2 separate births
         1. This is usually an attempt to dismiss “water” as being reference to salvation.
         2. Contextually they are tied together. You need both in salvation as we have noted.  To say “water” refers to childbirth makes no sense – what does that have to do with entering the kingdom of heaven?
         3. Water cannot be the natural childbirth – Jesus clarified that in vs. 6, distinguishing between fleshly birth and spiritual birth.
         4. Also what Jesus said was in reply to Nicodemus’ question about that natural birth, Jesus emphasized both water and spirit as necessary to enter the kingdom of God.
      6. He cannot enter the kingdom of God – this has a bearing on our salvation. While only used here in John’s gospel, the “kingdom of God” is found often in the synoptics, and has reference to our salvation (cf. Matthew 6:33, 19:24, 21:31 & 43, etc.)
   3. He further declares His relationship with the Father, noting that (many of) the Jewish leaders rejected Him (11-13)
   4. Then He declares His sacrifice – what He is going to do (vs. 14-15). He compares it to Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the wilderness after the plague of fiery (deadly) serpents as recorded in Numbers 21:4-9
   5. We then come to our text!
2. John 3:16 – God so loved the world
   1. This is called the golden text of the New Testament because it concisely summarizes our salvation. But it is also a verse that is greatly misunderstood by many.
   2. For – a conjunction tying this verse to the previous phrase – the account of Israel in the wilderness. IN the same way that the people had to by faith obey God (look to the bronze serpent), so we by faith have to obey God (do what He tells us to do).
   3. The elements:
      1. God – the greatest Being – He created the world and all that is in it (with Jesus and Holy Spirit) – Genesis 1:1-2, Ephesians 1:3, etc.
      2. So loved – the greatest motive – it is behind what He has done for us – Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:9-10, etc. Even Ephesians 2:4-8 demonstrates this.
         And the adverb “so” demonstrates the greatness of His love – it is something we cannot truly grasp its greatness.
      3. The world – the greatest audience. Salvation is available to anyone and everyone! 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us “He desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.   2 Peter 3:9 – He is not willing that any should perish, but repent; etc.   Also see vs. 17 of our text.  Jesus Himself declared that He came to give His life, “a ransom for many” (meaning all)
      4. That He gave His only begotten son – the greatest gift (sacrifice) – God is a giver – James 1:17 tells us He is the source of all good gifts. Ephesians 1:3 declares that He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing.
         Of course the greatest gift is Jesus Himself – again see Roman 5:8, Ephesians 2:4-8, etc. Jesus would also say this in John 15:13.   And it was something he willingly did.
         NOTE: It is possible for gifts to be conditional!  Consider Jericho which was a gift (Joshua 6:2), yet they still had to follow God’s instructions.
      5. That whoever believes – the greatest invitation.
         1. Again, it is available to all, as previously noted. Note the great commission in Mark 16:15, Matthew 28:19-20, etc.
         2. The term believes is a present tense verb, indicating ongoing action.
            We have noted in times past that the term believe can mean the simple act of belief, OR it can be an inclusive term of everything one does because of his belief (e.g. Acts 16:31-34 where the Jailer is told to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ…”  THEN the gospel is explained to him; NOTE also the contrast between belief and disobedience in John 3:36).
         3. The ONLY faith that will save you is a faith that is willing to respond in obedience to His instructions.  Matthew 7:21, Luke 6:46, Hebrews 5:9, etc.
      6. Should not perish – the greatest deliverance
         1. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. Romans 3:23 tells us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.  Thus, we ALL need redemption.  The gift of God makes that redemption possible.
         2. The idea of “perish” in this verse would be reference to the eternal condemnation that awaits the ungodly – Matthew 25:46 speaks of those who will go into everlasting punishment; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 speaks of the wrath of God against those who persecute Christians and those who do not obey the gospel.
         3. NOTE: It is conditional – scripture teaches the need to remain faithful to God. We have shown that to be true.   Recall that “believe” is present tense meaning ongoing action.  What happens if you cease to believe?
         4. The point being made in John 3:16 is deliverance – in Him we have been delivered – Colossians 1:13,
            1 Thessalonians 1:10 – He delivers us from the wrath to come.
      7. But have everlasting life – the greatest hope or promise. This is obviously reference to salvation (Matthew 25:46, 1 Timothy 1:16, Galatians 6:8, etc. And is that not our goal?  1 Peter 1:9 speaks of “receiving the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
3. Following this text
   1. NOTE: Many scholars believe that the conversation with Jesus and Nicodemus ended in vs. 15. Then in vs. 16ff, John the apostle, elaborates on this new birth.  There are reasons for this including:
      1. We do not find dialogue in vs. 16-21,
      2. You do not find Jesus addressing Nicodemus personally (i.e. “you”) in these verses,
      3. Jesus and His work are referred to in the 3^rd person (though that is also found in vs. 13-15). Note that in vs. 13-14, Jesus the expression “Son of Man” which is found some 80 times in the gospel, EVERY TIME (except one and it is asking “Who is this Son of Man?” in John 12:34 in response to Him), it is Jesus speaking.  So we can apply vs. 13-15 to His conversation.
      4. It begins with the word “For” (gar) which explains what was previously said – and while Jesus could be explaining further, it is not necessary grammatically.
      5. HOWEVER, whether Jesus is speaking or not, the message is the same!
   2. It is noted that that Jesus came to this world to save (the first time) – not to condemn (judge). That would happen as a response to what He said and did.
   3. Sadly, he continues declaring that many will reject Him and the gospel (John 3:18-20)
   4. 21 He concludes by describing the obedient – you might call this the invitation to choose which path you are going to take.

There is much in this discourse that Jesus had with Nicodemus.  In summary, Jesus called upon him to be born again.  And in our text, we find that God has done His part to make that possible.  The question that we each need to ask is, “Have I been born again?”  If not, let us help you make your life right with Him.

Truly we have hope because of the love of God and the sacrifice of Jesus for us.  The only question that remains is, will you believe in Him as He calls for you to do?  Will you obey the gospel.