1. There are many things that we value in this life
2. They are considered important to us
3. We will go to great lengths to obtain and preserve these things
4. But is there more to this physical life that we have?
NICODEMUS’ ENCOUNTER WITH THE LORD JESUS
“1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
John 3:1-2
1. Nicodemus
a. He was called a ruler of the Jews
i. A Pharisee
ii. Who sat on the Sanhedrin council (Cf. John 7:50)
b. Considered by many to be a great teacher (“teacher of Israel”)
2. The issues that the Lord Jesus raised to Nicodemus
a. Being born again/ born of the Spirit. (John 3:3)
b. Eternal Life
3. This was how the Lord sought to help Nicodemus
a. While it seemed that Nicodemus was a successful religious leader
b. The Lord astutely identified what Nicodemus lacked
i. He had not been born again
ii. Eternal life had not been properly considered
4. The Lord always testified of the paramount importance of Eternal Life
THE PROMISE OF ETERNAL LIFE
13 No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:13-15
1. Our life on earth
a. The things on earth will one day perish
b. We will also perish
2. But God readily offers a glorious alternative: Eternal Life!
3. It is found in none other than the Lord Jesus Christ
a. He came from heaven to bring Everlasting Life to us
b. He died that we may have such life
c. Everlasting life is offered to anyone who would believe in Him
THE PROFOUND LOVE OF GOD
“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.”
John 3:16
1. It is God who gave the Lord Jesus to us
a. His only begotten Son
b. That we may be saved
2. Why would He do so?
“For God… so loved the world”
3. Behind the everlasting life that God desires to give to us, is His everlasting love
The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.