TITLE: THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
TEXT: John 3: 16-21
Introduction
Tonight we are here to celebrate that Jesus is the light of the world. The scriptures declare in John 3:19 “This is the verdict: light has come into the world…”
Tonight I want to share briefly 4 consequences that we all face because the light (Jesus) has come into the world.
Each of the 4 consequences that I’ll share are all found in John 3:16-21
Because the light has come into the world there is...
1.Conviction
“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, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. (v19-20)
The light has come into the world and convicted all man-kind of its true nature.
To look at these verses is to look in a mirror
And what is man’s true nature?
1.Men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil
We love darkness instead of light and our deeds prove it! The Bible says we are all sinners in need of a savior!
2.Further more everyone who does evil also hates the light
When King Herod heard that Jesus had been born in Bethlehem he sent soldiers to kill him.
“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ? Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!”
3.Thirdly everyone who does evil not only hates the light but will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.
Just as Adam and Eve hid in fear from God in the Garden of Eden so too the conviction of whom we truly are causes all of us to not want to come into the light.
Because the light has come into the world there is conviction
Secondly there is also …
2.Condemnation
“But whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the Name of God’s one and only Son.
The wages of sin is death (eternal separation from God)
Because of our sins we are condemned to an eternal separation from God.
What is the greatest sin someone could ever commit? (it’s not murder or adultery) To not believe in the name of Jesus!
God does not want to see us condemned and be eternally separated from him. He has provided a way of escape!Here it is;
3.Confession
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned.”
1.God loves the world!
2.God loves the world so much that he sent his son Jesus into the world to die for our sins
3.It is our sins that condemn us! It’s our sins that separate us from God.
4.Jesus was condemned to die for our sins!
When we believe in Jesus and confess him as our savior we are no longer condemned instead we are saved from condemnation!
“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” (Romans 4:7-8)
Because the light has come into the world we have...
1.Conviction
2.Condemnation
3.Confession
The fourth word is
4.Consecration
“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.” (v21)
We are not called only to confess and believe in Jesus. We are also called to consecrate ourselves and live like Jesus. To live like Jesus is to live by the truth and to let God live through us.
We do this by coming into the light.
When we pray, when we study and apply God’s word, when we fellowship with the Holy Spirit and with God’s people we come into the light.
In conclusion
Which of these 4 words best describe your situation this Christmas?
1.Are you convicted of your sins and in need of a savior this Christmas? The Light has come into the world. Look to Jesus!
2.Have your sins condemned you and do you need hope this Christmas? Confess and believe in Jesus!
3.Have you confessed Jesus as your savior? Then go ahead and consecrate yourself to Jesus!
4.Have you consecrated yourself to Jesus? Then continue to live for Jesus trusting in God’s power to help you do so!
Prayer.
Jesus you are the light of the world. When I look at the light I am convicted of my sins and stand condemned before your holiness. But I thank you that you came into the world not to condemn me but to save me! Thank you for going to the cross for my sins. I confess my sins before you. I accept you as my savior. Come into my heart today and help me to consecrate myself to you and to live for you from this day forth. Amen!
