Get it Right

The Heart of God: Love, Light, and Life

Bible Passage: John 3:16, John 3:17, John 3:18, John 3:19, John 3:20, John 3:21

Summary: John 3:16-21 presents the fundamental message of the Gospel: God's profound love for humanity, the gift of His Son, and the distinction between light and darkness in the realm of belief and unbelief.

Application: This passage helps Christians understand the depth of God's love and the significance of living as children of the light. It challenges believers to reflect on their relationship with Christ and the world around them, urging them to share the hope found in Jesus with others.

Teaching: From this passage, we learn that God's love is unconditional and that acceptance of Jesus leads to eternal life. Furthermore, it teaches about the necessity of choosing light over darkness in our moral and spiritual lives.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage encapsulates the essence of Christ in the entire Bible; it reveals Jesus as the incarnate Word of God, who embodies love and provides salvation, fulfilling the prophetic promises of redemption.

Big Idea: God's unconditional love for the world invites us to respond with faith, choosing the light of Christ over the darkness of sin, leading to eternal life.

I have heard that John 3:16 is a favorite preaching text for young preachers, but I confess that as far as I can recall, I have never had the courage to prepare and preach a sermon with John 3:16 as my text. I suppose I have quoted it as many as 15,000 or 20,000 times in prayer and in testimony, in writing and in preaching, but never as a sermon text.… I think my own hesitation to preach from John 3:16 comes down to this: I appreciate it so profoundly that I am frightened by it—I am overwhelmed by John 3:16 to the point of inadequacy, almost of despair. Along with this is my knowledge that if a minister is to try to preach John 3:16 he must be endowed with great sympathy and a genuine love for God and man.… So, I approach it. I approach it as one who is filled with great fear and yet great fascination. I take off my shoes, my heart shoes, at least, as I come to this declaration that God so loved the world. John 3:16 Christ the Eternal Son, 77, 78.

A. W. Tozer

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider exploring the Greek terms used in John 3:16-21, specifically 'agape' for love and its implications. Investigating the historical context of Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus could also provide insights into the broader themes of belief and judgment. Utilizing Logos, look into commentaries that discuss the theological implications of light and darkness in Johannine literature, as these themes are critical in understanding John’s message.

1. God's Gracious Gift

John 3:16

You could start by emphasizing how John 3:16 reveals the heart of God's unconditional love for humanity. This verse presents God's love as the ultimate motivator for sending Jesus, His only Son. Stress that this divine love calls for a response of faith from believers. Perhaps explain that understanding God's love leads to a deeper truth about our purpose and identity as children of God. This foundation sets the stage for choosing light and life over darkness and separation.

During the darkest days of his life, John Newton, the author of "Amazing Grace," found solace in God’s love. Once involved in the slave trade, he experienced a profound transformation after a life-threatening storm at sea. In that moment of despair, he cried out to God—a love he had long denied. His story reminds us that no matter how far we stray, God’s love is capable of redeeming us, just as it transformed Newton from a wretched sailor to a beloved hymn writer.

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary III. Early Ministry and Signs (2:1–4:54)

3:16 Here we have perhaps the most well-known verse in the Bible. God loved the world of people, and his love was not merely sentimental. Rather, it prompted him to take action. God the Father gave his one and only Son as a substitute for sinful human beings. He would die in their place, bearing their sins. But salvation from sin through the Son requires faith: Everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. When you trust in Jesus alone as your personal sin-bearer, divine judgment is removed and eternal life is freely given.

Christians can imitate God by loving others, even to the point of death if necessary (1 John 3:16).

Harold W. Hoehner

At work, you may find yourself dealing with a difficult colleague who challenges your patience and ignites frustration. Instead of responding in anger, use the principle of loving others because Christ died for us. Plan to engage with this colleague one-on-one over coffee, aiming to understand their perspective. Show genuine interest in their feelings and experiences. This act of love can soften hearts and break down barriers, creating a more harmonious work environment, reflecting the grace and understanding that Christ demonstrated.

2. Salvation, Not Condemnation

John 3:17

Maybe connect John 3:17 to make it clear that Jesus was sent not to condemn, but to save the world, underscoring the purpose of Christ's mission. Highlight the reassurance that in Christ, there is no condemnation but an invitation to salvation. This brings hope and empowerment to believers, encouraging them to adopt an attitude of compassion rather than judgment toward themselves and others.

3. Faith and Freedom

John 3:18

Perhaps delve into John 3:18 by discussing the dichotomy between belief and unbelief. Stress the consequences of choosing not to believe, as it leads one to remain in darkness. Emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus, which rescues believers from this fate and grants eternal life. This segment can challenge the audience to examine their own faith and their role in spreading the Good News.

4. Light versus Darkness

John 3:19

You could focus on John 3:19 to reveal the battle between light and darkness. Discuss how Jesus came as the light of the world, and yet some loved darkness due to their evil deeds. Enlighten the audience about the reality of our sinful nature and our tendency to resist the light. Encourage believers to embrace the truth, which involves coming into the light and exposing sin's power.

5. Exposing Evil's Grip

John 3:20

Maybe use John 3:20 to illustrate the fear that keeps people in darkness, driven by the fear of their deeds being exposed. Encourage believers to live transparently and courageously in the light of God's truth. In doing so, they can break free from chains of guilt and live in the freedom Christ offers. An invitation to live authentically and openly as Christians is paramount here.

6. Walking in God's Truth

John 3:21

Examine John 3:21, highlighting the call to come into the light. Emphasize that true followers of Christ do what is true and live by the truth. This act signifies transformation and aligns believers with God's purposes. Explain that walking in the light validates God's work in them, encouraging the audience to pursue righteousness and integrity.