#5 – Knowing God Better – John 3 continued

Today we’re going to look at some of the most important sentences in all of Scripture!

Important for you to know (maybe memorize). And great for you to use if you want to explain to someone else how they can begin a relationship with God.

John 3:16 — Does that ring a bell? Have you ever seen someone hold a sign up at football games with this written on it? Here it is:

16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

Please answer the following questions by looking at verse 16:

Q – What was God’s motivation?
A –

Q – What action did God take?
A –

Q – Who did he do it for?
A –

Q – What would you gain?
A –

Q – What would you need to do?
A –

Q – If you believe in Jesus, what do you have?
A –

In this gospel, John uses the Greek word, “pisteuo” for “believe.”

You will not find the passive noun, “belief” in John’s gospel. It is always in verb form. If I’m remembering correctly, Matthew and Mark use it nine times in their gospels, and Luke 10 times. John uses this word 99 times. And it means to fully trust, to fully rely on.

It is more than agreement. It isn’t like saying, “Yeah, I believe that plane could get me to Chicago.” It is fully trusting. It’s where you have to get on the plane.

When we believe in Jesus, we are asking him to enter our lives with an intent to rely on him, as God. When we do, we begin an eternal relationship with him…we are given eternal life.

Q – According to verse 17, what is God’s desire?
A –

17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.

A lot of people are surprised to find out what the Bible says about being “saved.”

The criteria for being saved is given in these verses. Verses 16-18. In verse 18 we’re told what it takes to be saved. And what God will judge people for.

What do you think it might be? How many times a person goes to church? How kind they are to others? How well they avoid sins?

Q – According to verse 18, on what basis does God judge people? What criteria is he using?
A –

18 There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

As we go through the Gospel of John, you’ll see the massive amount of reasons Jesus gives them to believe in him!

You might want to read through John chapter 3 in full now.

In our next study, we’ll see Jesus’ conversation with a woman. She also comes to him in private, for fear of what other’s might think.

I hope you’re enjoying these!

Sincerely,

Marilyn Adamson
director of EveryStudent.com
and StartingwithGod.com