Greatest text

The Greatest Text

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

I. The Greatest Love

“God so loved the world …” (John 3:16).

A. Children may have great love for their parents and pets. Parents may have greater love for their spouses and children, but God’s love is greatest.

B. God’s love is the greatest because of its purpose. It delivers from sin, heals hurts and disappointments, and mends broken hearts and homes.

C. It reaches upward to the proud, downward to the depressed, inward to the affections, and outward to all humankind (see John 3:1).

II. The Greatest Gift

“… that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16).

A. Many great gifts are given—houses, cars, money. Even greater gifts are education, respect, appreciation, and love.

B. God gave the greatest gift: “his only begotten Son.” Kings, presidents, not even angels, could atone for our sins. Only Christ’s blood was efficacious.

C. Jesus Christ is the greatest gift because he forgives sins, cleanses hearts, gives peace and eternal life to all who repent and believe (see 2 Cor. 9:15).

III. The Greatest Faith

“… that whosoever believeth in him should not perish” (John 3:16).

A. Many Christians believe God for divine healing and mountain-moving miracles. Faith is pleasing to God (see Heb. 11:6).

B. The greatest faith involves believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Through faith we receive God’s greatest gift.

C. Through faith we live and overcome. “And this is the victory … even our faith” (1 John 5:4).

IV. The Greatest Life

“… but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

A. History records many who have sacrificed their lives to benefit mankind: Livingstone, Taylor, Barton.

B. The greatest life is “everlasting life.” It is available to all who accept God’s greatest love and gift.

C. Everlasting life can begin now and continue forever. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (see Rom. 8:35–39).