Intro

Point One

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The Depth of God's Love: A Love That Saves

Bible Passage: John 3:16

Summary: John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of God's love for humanity, illustrating that His love is sacrificial and redemptive, offering eternal life to all who believe in His Son.

Application: This passage encourages individuals to understand their worth in God's eyes and assures them that no matter their struggles or failures, God's love through Christ offers forgiveness and hope of salvation. It can motivate believers to share this love with others who are lost or hurting.

Teaching: This sermon could teach that God's love is not only for personal comfort but is a powerful driving force for evangelism. It emphasizes that loving others as God loves us should be our primary response to such a great gift.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the broader context of Scripture, John 3:16 is a pivotal verse that points to Christ’s mission on earth. His incarnation, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection are all manifestations of God's profound love and His desire to reconcile humanity back to Himself.

Big Idea: God's love is the foundation of our faith, compelling us to receive it and share it with others as we seek to fulfill His great commission.

Recommended Study: As you prepare to preach on John 3:16, consider leveraging your Logos library to explore theological dictionaries that delve into the nuances of 'agape' love as depicted in scripture. Look into commentaries that focus on the context of Nicodemus' encounter with Jesus to understand the implications of belief in this passage. Additionally, it might be beneficial to study the broader themes of salvation and redemption throughout the Gospel of John as they relate to this key verse.

1. God’s Profound Love

John 3:16a

You could begin by exploring the profound significance of God’s love in John 3:16, focusing on the phrase "For God so loved the world." This initiates the concept of love that goes beyond human comprehension,

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setting the stage for the following truths about His sacrificial giving. God's love is shown to be the basis of salvation and the starting point of the believer's journey of faith, motivating them to love others in the same selfless manner.

2. God’s Sacrificial Gift

John 3:16b

Perhaps you could emphasize how God’s love is demonstrated through His giving, particularly "He gave His only begotten Son." This sacrificial act serves as the ultimate example of love and the framework for understanding the depth of God’s compassion. Highlight how this gift challenges us to embrace our own call to selfless love, honoring the sacrifice of Christ by showing mercy and grace to others in our spheres of influence.\\

Whatever a person maybe like, we must still love them because we love God.

John Calvin (French Reformer)

3. God’s Inclusive Promise

John 3:16c

Maybe you could explore the promise that "whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." This underscores the inclusive and redemptive nature of God’s love, emphasizing belief as the response to His love. Reflect on how this love assures believers of eternal life, offering hope and assurance amid personal struggles. Challenge the congregation to live out their faith by sharing this transformational message of love and hope with those who have not yet experienced it.

Romans 12:1–2 “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

Romans 12:1–2 ESV

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.