JOHN 3:16-21 | HINDSIGHT IS 20/20
Notes
Transcript
JOHN 3:16-21 | HINDSIGHT IS 20/20
JOHN 3:16-21 | HINDSIGHT IS 20/20
ILLUSTRATION: They say that hindsight is 20/20.
ILLUSTRATION: They say that hindsight is 20/20.
You’ve probably heard someone say that before.
Tressa and I had the blessing of getting away for about a week a few months back.
And as part of our trip, I did something I don’t normally do… I scheduled our flight back for Saturday afternoon, knowing I was supposed to preach here Sunday morning.
Flying can quickly turn into one of the most stressful experiences in existence.
We got to the airport where we were greeted with a notification that our flight had been delayed.
Based on the delay, there was no way we were going to make our connecting flight.
We had to make a decision whether we were going to go ahead and fly out or wait until the next day and just miss that Sunday’s service.
Tressa, the ever optimist said, “you never know, our next flight could get delayed and we could make it, so we should go.”
To which I dismissed frustratingly let her know we would be sleeping in the airport.
We discussed back and forth and finally compromised and did what she suggested.
We landed in Denver for our connecting flight and quickly unloaded and ran like crazy to the gate where I knew our plane would no longer be.
As we approached the closed door, I settled into my mind that I had been right all along.
You can imagine my shock when they let us know they had held the plane for us and we would be able to make our connection.
It’s always so hard to admit when your spouse is right.
When we got on the plane I was forced to admit, I had nothing to worry about the whole time.
It all worked out in the end, and hind sight was 20/20
Maybe you’ve been there before where something seemed so uncertain and confusing as you were going through it… but when you reached the other side everything became so clear.
EXPLANATION: As we come to v.16, we reach what most would consider the most famous verse in all of the Bible.
EXPLANATION: As we come to v.16, we reach what most would consider the most famous verse in all of the Bible.
It’s the verse that athletes write on their shoes or paint under their eyes.
It’s the verse that you see on signs at sporting events.
It’s the verse that most people whether in or out of church at least know the reference to.
It’s the verse that a friend and I completely forgot when we were trying to give the Gospel to someone as teenagers.
I’m thankful today I can tell you, John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
But as John the author penned those words, there is a turn in his writing from what we have previously experienced.
In the verses prior, John was given us the “in the moment” events taking place in the interaction between Jesus and Nicodemus.
But when he comes to v.16, John moves to a past tense in his writing.
It’s as if, in this moment John steps out of the interaction he had been recording, back into his present moment in time, to give further insight into what Jesus was communicating to Nicodemus.
Almost as if he pauses the story, to look you and I in the eyes and communicate to you what Jesus was trying to communicate to Nicodemus.
With the confusion about being born again and Jesus explaining that out of the way, now Nicodemus looks back with 20/20 vision, and he tells you and I about the blessing and the ramifications of believing or rejecting Christ.
His hind sight, now on the other side of Jesus’s death and resurrection, and ascension was now clear as he communicates one of the most familiar verses to you and I.
APPLICATION: You know, when we look back and have clarity in situations, it should do two things for us.
APPLICATION: You know, when we look back and have clarity in situations, it should do two things for us.
We should be able to see the truth of the past.
Sometime when we are in the middle of something, our vision of the situation can become blurred and we can believe things that aren’t true.
But when you are on the other side, you should be able to see that situation more clearly.
But secondly it should affect the way we are going to move forward, based upon what we know now.
For just a few moments this morning, let’s gain some clarity with John, and may it impact our lives moving forward.
V.16-17, CHRIST DIED FOR EVERYONE
V.16-17, CHRIST DIED FOR EVERYONE
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
EXPLANATION: John reflects back on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross… and oh what a sacrifice.
EXPLANATION: John reflects back on the sacrifice of Christ on the cross… and oh what a sacrifice.
God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, God in flesh, to die on the cross to pay for your sins and my sins.
It was a gruesome sacrifice.
It was a bloody sacrifice
It was a sufficient sacrifice
It was an all inclusive sacrifice.
John records under inspiration of God, that it was a sacrifice for the “world” that “whosoever believeth in him should not perish.”
There have been attempts but some down through the centuries to say that Jesus only died for certain people.
To say that Jesus’s sacrifice was limited to only certain ones who He knew would accept Him.
But friend, that teaching flies in the very face of the most familiar verse in all of the Bible!
And John says, “whosoever” could believe in Christ.
ILLUSTRATION: If before you came to church today we had put out an announcement “whoever comes to church today will get a $100 bill”
ILLUSTRATION: If before you came to church today we had put out an announcement “whoever comes to church today will get a $100 bill”
Number one, we would have been packed out.
But number two, if you showed up and I stopped you at the door and then I said, “well only those that I knew were going to come get the $100”
We would probably have some problems.
Because whenever I say “whoever” you believe that to mean “anyone”
APPLICATION: Friend, Jesus gives the most wonderful promise here this morning, that “whosoever believes in Him”… puts their trust in Christ.
APPLICATION: Friend, Jesus gives the most wonderful promise here this morning, that “whosoever believes in Him”… puts their trust in Christ.
He literally goes on to say, Jesus didn’t come to condemn people to judgment, He came to save people to eternal life.
The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
And that offering is made available to anyone!
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
How about a quick OT verse:
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: For I am God, and there is none else.
Friend, as John looks back on the teaching of Jesus one thing was very clear to him and it should be clear to us today as well… Jesus died for the Whole world… that anyone could come to Him for salvation.
And friend, that includes you.
So many think they have to clean themselves up and get religious and then come to Jesus…
That isn’t it!
I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Friend, just as you are, Jesus has called you to come to Him in your mess of sin, and find forgiveness in Christ!
You come just as you are… but He doesn’t leave you as you were!
John tells us with perfect hindsight vision: CHRIST DIED FOR EVERYONE
Here’s the second thing that was clear to John:
V.18, THE UNBELIEVING ARE CONDEMNED
V.18, THE UNBELIEVING ARE CONDEMNED
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
EXPLANATION: Now it’s important for us to clarify something here this morning.
EXPLANATION: Now it’s important for us to clarify something here this morning.
The belief John was referring to was not an intellectual belief.
It isn’t an armchair quarterback belief.
ILLUSTRATION: You know what an armchair quarterback is right?
ILLUSTRATION: You know what an armchair quarterback is right?
It’s what some of you football fans are.
You’re watching your team and your quarterback throws an interception, and you say, “I could have made that throw.”
In your head, in that moment, you believe you could make that throw.
But if you really believe it, you would head over when they have their open tryouts.
You would make your way out on the field.
And when you hike the ball and step back to throw, and you’ve got 6’ 8” 400 lb men running after you to kill you, in that moment, you have the opportunity to believe you can make that throw.
Now, what you really meant when you said when the QB missed the throw was you have an intellectual belief that you could do it… but not a real trust that you could do it.
EXPLANATION: When John talks about belief, it isn’t just an intellectual thing.
EXPLANATION: When John talks about belief, it isn’t just an intellectual thing.
It’s an all in confidence and trust in what Christ has done.
It’s the practical step up faith in which you made a conscious decision to actually put your faith and trust in Christ.
The is the belief John is talking about.
But then he says, that the one that believes not is already condemned.
What does he mean by that?
Does he mean it’s impossible for them to be saved?
That they cannot turn to Christ?
No, John is what the readers to understand that there is nothing that they can do outside of Christ’s sacrifice to get to heaven.
You can keep trying and trying and trying… but the fate is already sealed if you choose to do it your way,
ILLUSTRATION: It’s like if I offered to give someone $100, and all they had to do was jump from the platform to the back door in one jump without any extra tools.
ILLUSTRATION: It’s like if I offered to give someone $100, and all they had to do was jump from the platform to the back door in one jump without any extra tools.
You could say, well I’m gonna train
I’m gonna eat right
I’m gonna just really belief that I can do it.
You would look at them and you would say, “You’ve already lost… you can’t do it!”
APPLICATION: Friend, if you are going to try to get to heaven your way, it’s like John was saying, “You’ve already lost”
APPLICATION: Friend, if you are going to try to get to heaven your way, it’s like John was saying, “You’ve already lost”
“You are already condemned”
There is no hope in your own way.
It is only if you determine to stop trusting in your way and you trust in Jesus way.
If you truly belief and put your faith in Christ’s sacrificial payment for you!
And friend, if you are here today trying to do it your own way, can I tell you, “You’ve already lost”
But there is still hope…
That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
If you reject it, one day you will be in the presence of God… and it’ll be so clear… but it’ll be too late.
Trust in Christ this morning.
It was so clear to John now, CHRIST DIED FOR EVERYONE, THE UNBELIEVING ARE CONDEMNED
V.19-21, THE REAL REASON MANY TURN FROM GOD
V.19-21, THE REAL REASON MANY TURN FROM GOD
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
EXPLANATION: John gives his final retrospective view in these verses by pointing to the thing that was keeping so many from accepting Christ as Savior.
EXPLANATION: John gives his final retrospective view in these verses by pointing to the thing that was keeping so many from accepting Christ as Savior.
He says in v.19, that “men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
John had already made clear who the light was back in John 1:9
That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
John is saying that for so many, they were more in love with their sin than they were with what Christ offered.
It’s expounded on in v.20, as he says they not only choose their sin over Christ, but those that did evil hate the light!
They reject the light… and the reason is found at the end of the verse… “lest his deeds should be reproved.”
They hate the light, because the light points out what is wrong.
ILLUSTRATION: This past summer, we were painting the trailer we were working on… the problem was it had gotten pretty late in the day.
ILLUSTRATION: This past summer, we were painting the trailer we were working on… the problem was it had gotten pretty late in the day.
But I’m not one to be stopped by a little darkness, so we turned on the lights from the garage and I shined the lights from my truck on it, and we finished the paint job.
It was nice to have it finished and I pillowed my head with a sense of accomplishment.
But when we woke of the next morning, the sunlight revealed what had taken place the night before.
The trailer was covered in green blotches all over where the sprayer had sprayed unevenly.
Now if was up to me, I would have just parked it in the shade and waited for the darkness to return because it looked pretty good in the darkness.
But when the sunlight shinned it showed all the problems with what we had done.
EXPLANATION: As John reflects back on the teachings of Jesus, he tells the readers it had become clear in his mind why so many hadn’t received the gift that was made available to everyone.
EXPLANATION: As John reflects back on the teachings of Jesus, he tells the readers it had become clear in his mind why so many hadn’t received the gift that was made available to everyone.
It was because they wanted their sin more than what Christ had to offer… and they hated that His righteousness revealed their sinfulness.
They would rather have life their way, than eternal life that Christ gave.
APPLICATION: There are many today that refuse to receive God’s gift of eternal life because they just love their life of sin too much.
APPLICATION: There are many today that refuse to receive God’s gift of eternal life because they just love their life of sin too much.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
You see if they truly accepted Christ as Savior than they would have Christ living within them and then they would feel guilty when they did their sinful things… and they don’t want to give those things up.
So instead of turning to Christ, they turn against Christ.
They harden their heart toward Him and live in defiance of Him.
ILLUSTRATION: I was speaking to a pastor a while back and he shared with me the story of a young man who was from his church.
ILLUSTRATION: I was speaking to a pastor a while back and he shared with me the story of a young man who was from his church.
The young man had been coming to church for around 5 years, when he announced that he was leaving the church and God behind, and he was pursuing a lifestyle of homosexuality.
One of the young ladies in the church confronted this young man about his decision.
She reminded him of biblical truths that he had learned during his years at the church.
And he responded to the young lady, “I know what pastor teaches, and I know what they Bible says. I’m just consciously making a decision to go against it.”
APPLICATION: For so many, they refuse to accept Christ as Savior because they are afraid of what they will have to give up!
APPLICATION: For so many, they refuse to accept Christ as Savior because they are afraid of what they will have to give up!
Friend, can I tell you, there is nothing you could “give up” that would compare to the promise of eternal life that Christ offers!
But here is another troubling aspect to these verses…
The truth is, so often it is Christian who have decided they are willing to live in knowing defiance to God and His Word because they want to enjoy their sin.
When speaking of the temptation that Moses faced to remain under the house of Pharoah and enjoy the lusts of the flesh, God’s Word says in Hebrews 11:24-25
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
You see, sin oftentimes is fun.
The commercials and tv show the laughter in the bars or in the clubs
They show the cheating spouses succeeding in sneaking around undetected.
They show the teenager getting away with their secret life that their parents don’t see.
But what you don’t see is the lives on the other side of those decisions that are wrecked and broken
There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, But the end thereof are the ways of death.
Proverbs 7 tells the story of a young man who ventures out in the night looking for a “good time” and he finds what he is looking for, at least so he thinks.
But the final two verses of the chapter give a warning to any that would consider pursuing the pleasures of sin for season as the words are written in Proverbs 7:26-27
For she hath cast down many wounded: Yea, many strong men have been slain by her.
Her house is the way to hell, Going down to the chambers of death.
I have watched in my lifetime as once faithful spouses have chased after perceived greener pastures and have left a broken family behind.
I’ve seen the devastation from bad decisions on an internet chat room
I’ve been in the seminar with a mother who was telling the story of a son who was killed in a drunk driving incident
I’ve been to the funerals of young people who just wanted to sow their wild oats.
And friend, I can tell you, pursuing the darkness will only bring pleasure for a time, but in the end it will lead you further from God than you ever dreamed!
And it will always cost you more than you wanted to pay.
Because you can pick your sin… but you can’t pick your sins consequences.
And maybe you are here this morning and you are teetering on the path of sin, and maybe the message this morning is a road block in your way to try to stop you from the destruction that lies just ahead!
If you wont hear my voice, listen to the voice of John as he records the words and wisdom of Christ… men love darkness rather than light, and when you go that path, you will find yourself running from the light!
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
As we finish this morning, I want to end on a happy note.
V.21 is a verse of encouragement to all of us today
But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
John says I can see clear as can be, CHRIST DIED FOR EVERYONE, THE UNBELIEVING ARE CONDEMNED, THE REAL REASON MANY TURN FROM GOD… But I can also tell you, those that pursue the truth will discover that satisfaction that what they are doing is pleasing to God!
While I can tell you story after story of lives destroyed by sin, I can tell you 10 times that number of those that have remained faithful to God and seen His blessing!
ILLUSTRATION: We live in Montana, and I love to look up into the sky on a clear night and see the stars.
ILLUSTRATION: We live in Montana, and I love to look up into the sky on a clear night and see the stars.
It just never gets old!
But every once and a while, we look up and you see a shooting star.
You watch it streak across the sky, and when we do, we point and “Oooo and awe” when we see it.
And why do we do it?
It’s because it’s not normal to see a shooting or a falling star as we call it.
Because for everyone that falls, there are a million more shinning bright.
APPLICATION: Friend, in a world of falling stars… be one that just keeps shinning bright for Christ!
APPLICATION: Friend, in a world of falling stars… be one that just keeps shinning bright for Christ!
You may not see the blessing of it today… but one day you’ll be able to look back like John and you’ll see clearly then!
And you’ll be thankful that you pursued the truth and pleased God!
Friend, today if your vision has gotten a little blurry, let’s as God to give us a glimpse into the future and have some clarity for our lives.
It was sure clear for John
CHRIST DIED FOR EVERYONE
THE UNBELIEVING ARE CONDEMNED
THERE’S A REASON MANY TURN FROM GOD
PURSUING THE LIGHT OF CHRIST IS A LIGHT OF SATISFACTION AND GLORY TO GOD!
One day you’ll look back with 20/20 vision and you’ll be thankful that you chose that path!
