God’s Offer Of Life-3 Series

GOD’s OFFER Of LIFE-III—John 1:5-13

Attention:

Since we are new to this particular area, we are currently experimenting to see what will grow on our ‘sand hill.‘ The sand makes it much like a desert in that it doesn’t retain water very well, but it receives much more water than a desert.

We have discovered that Lantana grows well even in the arid sandy soil.

My daughter planted 3 Lantanas of 3 different colors(orange, yellow & cream) in a group by the driveway.

Since the weather has gotten cooler, they have ‘taken off.’ They are not only growing larger but they are in full bloom now.

That’s all well & good but there is something else which which the lantanas do...They are also great attracters of butterflies! They contain & freely offer what the butterflies need. The butterflies are drawn to that which gives them life.

A butterfly which refuses the life-giving nectar of the lantana will die(Not that our lantanas keep the entire butterfly population alive!). Our response to God’s offer of life(in Christ) is similar. If we refuse it, at the very minimum we die spiritually!

Like the lantana’s offer of life to the butterflies, so God’s Offer of Life is extended to & is waiting for you.

The apostle John revealed God’s offer of Life to mankind.

God offers Life to mankind.

How can Life be procured/had?

Last time, we discovered that God’s offer of Life comes to you thru...

1. Its CONTRAST(:5)

2. Its WITNESS(:6-8)

3— God’s offer of Life comes to you thru...

Its EXPOSURE(:9)

Explanation:(:9)Encompassing

:9—“That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”

There “was” a “true Light.” This “true Light”(objective) is in direct contrast to false light(subjective) which is available as well. This informs us that men can & generally are drawn to that which is false light. This false light lures them away from trusting that which is “true.” Men must make a choice!

2Cor. 11:14—“....Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.”

3:19-21—“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, & will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.””

The mere presence of the “true Light” in the world is enough to enlighten/“give light to” every man. Not as His example but as embodiment of God’s Light Himself.

A valid Alternate rendering(Maj. Text—NASB/HCSB/NIV):

NASB—“There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”

NIV—“The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world.”

HCSB—“The true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”

“The peculiar Greek syntax this translation presupposes is a common feature of John’s style(cf. 1:28; 2:6; 3:23; 10:40; 11:1; 13:23; 18:18, 25).”..... “...it is the Word, the Light, that is coming into the world, in some act distinct from creation.”—D. A. Carson

Supporting this rendering are:

Jn. 3:19—“And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, & men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

Jn. 11:27—She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

Jn. 12:46—“I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.

?What if some have never heard of the presence of this light? They are still enlightened. The mere presence of the “true Light” is enough to make men accountable.

Also if this is understood as stated in the KJV & NKJV(RT—Received Text), then this it is plain that no one escapes accountability.

“As the “true light,” Jesus is here presented as the source of (spiritual) light [upon entrance to the world]. That light enlightens every person.”—Andreas Köstenberger

The creative ‘light’(Ps. 19:1-6) is funneled down to the more specific ‘light’ of Scripture(Ps. 19:7-14) & lastly the fulfillment of that Scripture, Christ Jesus.

Ps. 19:1-6 “—<> The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.”