For God So Loved the World (John 3:16)
Rev. Myung-sin Choi
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
Introduction
There was a pastor who I met and he shared a gospel with someone. When the person heard the gospel from the pastor and after hearing everything, this person said something to the pastor. The person told the pastor that he wanted to go to church but he can’t quit alcohol so he cannot go to church because of his alcohol addiction. The pastor replied to the person to not feel burdened and to just come to church because even Jesus drank wine, and if you come to church then your alcohol addiction will be solved. So the person urged up his courage and came to church but one day, there was a Christmas event that took place at church. At the Christmas service, the person started realizing that he was very thankful that he was able to attend church because of the pastor so he decided he wanted to give the pastor a present. The person gifted the best of two bottles of liquor to the pastor because he loved alcohol so much and wanted to give the best thing that he possessed to the pastor. What is the meaning of Christmas? Christmas was the day where God has given us the greatest gift. What is the greatest gift? It is Jesus Christ. The day that God gave us this gift was on Christmas. That is why I choose the Biblical scripture of John 3:16 from God as today’s sermon Biblical passage. It has been 30 years since I have been serving at this church but this is the first time I used John 3:16 as the main Biblical scripture. It is a very important message but I wondered why I didn’t share this precious message with you all. I am sure God made me save this Biblical scripture just for today. When you look at today’s Biblical passage, it said that God so loved the world.
1. For God so Loved the World
1) God's love
God loved the world immensely and greatly but the important message here is that God loved the world, and this is referring to agape love that only God can give. What it means is that God so loved the world means that the world and mankind were in a state where God couldn’t love us. But what kind of state was the world and mankind in where we became so undeserving of God’s love? Mankind committed a sin that was so terrible that it was unforgivable. But first, we need to look at the process of creation.
Genesis 1:26-27, 2:16-17, 3:4-5, 6 “Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 2:16-17 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.' 3:4 Then the serpent said to the woman, 'You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.' 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.” - It is written that mankind was created in God’s image. When God created us, He created us as the most precious and blessed beings.
Also God gave us the method on how to live the most blessed life and that mystery was Genesis 2:16-17. God told us that we can eat anything in the Garden of Eden except the tree of good and evil, and if we eat from that tree, we will die. God gave mankind the mystery on how to live an eternal life and the way for mankind to do that was not to eat from this forbidden tree. Many people give me this question many times, “Why did God create the tree of good and evil knowing that it will make mankind suffer? If God didn’t create this tree, then mankind didn’t have to suffer.” The reason why God created this forbidden tree was to give mankind His word. In order to give us blessings, God created this forbidden tree. This is because through the word of God, we can receive God’s power and wisdom. Just like today, through God’s word, we can experience and receive God’s wisdom, power, and strength. When God gave Adam and Eve the forbidden tree, they were reminded of God’s word and covenant every time they looked at the tree. Whenever they look at the forbidden tree, they are able to remember God’s word, have communication with God, and remember God’s love. They would receive the great power of God from God’s word. But Satan looking at this realized that this is all happening because God’s word was kept so he tempted mankind to stop God’s word reaching mankind. What did Satan say to mankind?
Genesis 3:4-6 - He told mankind that God’s word is all a lie. He told mankind that they will not surely die, they can become God, and to not to believe in God’s word. When Adam and Eve heard Satan’s words, they fell into temptation and didn’t know what to do. They received God’s word until now and have been obeying the word but they were starting to doubt God’s word. They were doubting if it was right to obey and follow God’s word or to see if God’s word was a lie and listen to Satan. What they decided was that it was better to become like God so they disobeyed God’s word and ate from the forbidden tree. They believed in Satan and followed him, and ended up living as a slave of Satan. When mankind started living a life that didn’t have any correlation with God’s word, they became separated from God. That was when problems started for mankind.
2) Human life
Ephesians 2:2 “In which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.” - The prince of the power of the air is referring to Satan. It is talking about the spirit of Satan that controls and enslaves mankind. The sons of disobedience are referring to people who are disobedient of God’s word. For a long time you have been attending church but the moment you disobey God’s word; the same thing happens. Who is working behind that? It is Satan who is working behind Christians just like how he deceived Adam and Eve. Mankind who became separate from God, they are now always longing to worship something and be with a God to serve. Even though they became separated from God, they are always longing for a God to serve. That is why everyone in this world is searching for “something", "someone” or a god. That is why people look at the sun, rocks, and trees and think they are gods and worship them.
1 Corinthians 12:2 “You know that you were Gentiles, carried away to these dumb idols, however you were led.” - This is an astounding message. They thought they were following God but they were following and became enslaved to an idol. What is the idol that is pulling them in? It is pulling them into disobedience. It is the prince of the sons of disobedience. Look at the world today. So many people worship so many different gods and idols in this world. They worship them thinking because it is their god who will bless them tremendously.
Romans 1:22-23 “Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” - Mankind who were blessed to conquer the world, instead of making things of the world as their idols and worshiping them. Imagine how frustrated God is when He looks at all of this. People are worshiping these idols thinking that it will give them answers and prosperity. But people are unaware that this is what God hates the most. Because we are doing the wrong things, we have no choice but to fall into destruction and disaster. There is no one in this world who does not have a disease or an illness. I am sure you all have a disease or physical illness. Mankind have fallen into severe problems. Everyone is suffering from problems. Mankind is facing problems that they cannot handle anymore. Then, they become exhausted and wonder if they should continue to live like this. Not only that but mankind who are all created in this world, they are all bound to face death. Even though our young remnants, they all may seem like they will live a long life but they will face death eventually. The biggest problem of mankind is that when mankind dies, they will go to hell. What is more tremendous is that, not only will we suffer and die but our children will suffer and face death as well. How can we solve this? How can we come out of this problem?
God knew this and had pity on mankind, and gave us the covenant of Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.” - God promised that through the offspring of the woman, He will crush the head of the serpent. In other words, through Jesus Christ, God promised us salvation. When Jesus Christ came to Earth, He completely demolished the powers of Satan who made Adam and Eve fall into destruction. But, the serpent shall bruise its heel. If you become bitten by a snake, you will die but the offspring of the woman will face death because of the serpent. This means that Jesus Christ will die on the cross but not only does Jesus die but He gave us a message through Jesus’ resurrection that the image of God will be restored. This was the promise in the Old Testament that the Messiah, Jesus Christ will come and this was the main focus of the Old Testament.
2. He Gave His Only Begotten Son
1) Sent His only Son
Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” - The offspring of the woman will come through the virgin and it will be Jesus Christ. It was already prophesied in the Old Testament, 700 years ago before Jesus’ birth and on Christmas, Jesus Christ has come.
John 1:14, 18 “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 18 No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” - How did the offspring of the woman come? How did the virgin conceive a son? It was through the word of God. It was prophesied that the word became flesh. Who is the word?
John 1:18 - Who is the word? That word was originally within Father’s bosom, and it was Jesus. Jesus who was within the bosom of the Father came to the world in human flesh. He came as the Son of God to Earth in human flesh.
Philippians 2:6 “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.” - When God created the world, He created the world with His word. That Word was God. This being came in human flesh to Earth and what did He do when He came? He fulfilled the three roles of the offices of Jesus Christ.
2) Fulfilling the offices of Christ
1 John 3:8 “He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” - The reason why God came to Earth was to completely destroy the work of Satan who made mankind sin and fall. What is the work of Satan?
He is a murderer, liar, and deceiver. He makes mankind suffer and fall into chaos. But God sent His Son to completely destroy Satan. Satan who thought that he was the prince of the world, God completely destroyed His power and work.
Isaiah 53:6 “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” - Everyone in this world is living their lives wondering around and going astray. People are living their lives committing all of these sins, not knowing what they are doing and how they are living their lives. And people think this is the best path of their lives so they stake everything to reach their goals. But what mankind doesn’t know is that when we continue to live their lives like this, they are living a life committing sin against God.
John 14:6, 19:30 “Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.' 19:30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.” - God has forgiven all of our sins. Do you believe in this? Jesus Christ came to solve all of our sins on the cross once and for all. He came as the True Priest and solved all our problems.
John 14:6 - Only God can overcome Satan. No matter how powerful a man can say he is, he cannot overcome Satan. Only God can die for our sins. No one is capable of this; only Jesus Christ is capable of doing this. Jesus Christ is the sole way. That is why Jesus Christ confessed in John 14:6. The only way to meet God is through Jesus Christ alone. Jesus Christ fulfilled His three offices on the cross and died for us.
John 19:30 - What does this mean? You have suffered so much, and life has been so difficult for you but now it is okay, Jesus Christ has finished it all! Believe in this. Then, how can we enjoy and receive this blessing?
3. Whosoever Believes in Him
1) Shall not perish
Romans 10:9-10 “If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” - What must we believe in? Romans 10:9-10. The moment you believe with your heart, you will become saved. There is something important here, it says to confess with your mouth. You believe that Jesus is your Savior and we must confess this with our mouths, then you will be saved. What a tremendous blessing! This is the gift that God has given to you.
John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.” - "Jesus come inside of my heart, I accept you." The moment you confess this, you receive the authority and power to become a child of God.
Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” - If you truly believe in God and accept Him in your heart, then God promised that He will enter and feast in your heart forever. Once Jesus comes inside your heart, He will never leave you. Then, you will receive eternal life.
2) But have eternal life
At this time, let us all do the acceptance prayer together. Place your right hand over your heart. I am sure you are all children of God already, but I would like you to sincerely accept Christ in your heart once again and ask God to come inside your heart on this precious day of Christmas. Ask and pray to God to not live a life of misery enslaved by Satan but to live a life with Christ. Follow after me and pray with me. Sincerely and uprightly stand before God and make a confession before God. Ask God to take control of your life. Close your eyes and pray from your heart. Pray to yourself first.
“Loving God, until now I have lived a life of sin separated from God and of slave of Satan. I have lived in the midst of many sufferings and tribulations, at this time, I open my heart. My master, king, and priest, I ask you to come inside my heart today. Forgive of my sins. Come inside of my heart. I believe the Holy Spirit is within me. Eternally guide and govern over me. In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.”
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” - You have accepted Jesus Christ. The word of God says that you are a temple of God and the Holy Spirit is inside of you. The Holy Spirit of God is inside of you. This is God’s promise to you. This is the promise of God that will never break or change. The Holy Spirit is with you, will guide, and protect you forever. No matter what power of Satan stands before you, it cannot break or overcome you. All of your sins are over. You are already a child of God. May you enjoy these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ.
Comments