Sermon Notes:
1.Don’t underestimate God’s __________ (John 3:16)
2.Don’t misunderstand the Messiah’s _______________ (John 3:17)
3.Don’t misjudge the purpose of _____________________ (John 3:18)
4.Don’t be deluded by the cover of __________________(John 3:19-21)
Digging Deeper:
1.Read John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10; Romans 5:8. God’s love reveals what love actually is. How do these verses help you understand God’s love? Romans 5:10 says that we were reconciled to God while we were his “enemies.” Can you share how God has shown you how to love people who are difficult to love?
2.Read John 3:16; John 1:10-12; Luke 15:11-32. These verses show us that God’s love is often resisted. Give some reasons why some people might refuse God’s love? What was your life like when you didn’t know God’s love? What did it take for you to open your heart to God’s love? How is God’s love changing you on a daily basis?
3.Read John 3:16; James 2:19; Romans 10:9-10. In today’s world, belief is often reduced to a thought, opinion, or affiliation (for example, “I identify as Christian”). What does being a Christian mean to you? Biblical belief involves trust, surrender and transformation, and not merely mental assent. How does your trust relationship with Jesus affect your daily life, your relationships and your priorities?
4.Read John 3:17; Luke 19:10; 2 Peter 3:9. Christians today often feel tension between truth and compassion. How can you hold firmly to biblical truth and at the same time reflect God’s love to those who don’t share your Christian beliefs? (2 Peter 3:9) Have you personally observed the church following (or not following) the principle of speaking “truth in love”? (Ephesians 4:15) Please share.
5.Read John 3:21; Matthew 5:14-16; 1 John 1:7. We live in a world that is obsessed with image and performance, but these verses tell us to live differently. What do the terms: living “by the truth” and “coming into the light” mean to you? (John 3:21) How can you know if your good works glorify God and not yourself? (Matthew 5:14-16) In what ways can you be obedient to Jesus’ command to live your life “by the truth” and “in the light?”