THE HEART OF THE MATTER
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.”
I John 3:16 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
I. HAVE WE EXPERIENCED GOD’S LOVE?
A. NICODEMUS KNEW GOD’S LAW.
1. He was instructed in the Word of God.
2. He was involved in the Work of God.
a. He had a prestigious position. “Master of Israel”
b. He had a powerful position. “Ruler of the Jews”
B. NICODEMUS KNEW NOTHING OF GOD’S LOVE.
1. That is was universal in scope.
“For God so loved the world.”
2. That it was sacrificial in nature.
“That he gave his only begotten Son,”
II. HAVE WE EXPRESSED GOD’ LOVE?
A. LOVE CHANGES A PERSON.
1. Love is a mark of a Christian.
“In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.” 3:10
2. Love is the manifestation of life.
“We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.” 3:14
B. LOVE MAKES US CONCERN FOR PEOPLE.
1. For their welfare.
“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.” 3:17,18
a. How easy to mutter words from our lips.
b. How empty of meaning these words can be in our lives.
2. For their souls.
When you look in a mirror, what do you see? Do you see a reflection of God’s love?
