John 3:17-21 – For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”

A. The Divine Reasons for God’s Display of Love – John 3:17, Ephesians 1:3-14

1. God’s Love is God’s motivation
   1. God’s love in wanting a reclaimed people – vs. 3-5
   2. God’s love in making a certain type of people – vs. 4
   3. God’s love in providing the means to gain this people – vs. 7
   4. God’s motive in doing this great work of His love – vs. 6, 12, 14
2. To save us from sin not to remain in sin
   CHARLES SPURGEON: “Salvation in sin is not possible; it always must be salvation from sin. Salvation is not deliverance from hell alone, it is deliverance from sin.”
   Romans 7:21-25, Psalm 86:11
3. To save us for Jesus’ sake not our sake – 1 John 2:12, Isaiah 43:25, Revelation 4-5

B. The Human Response to God’s Display of Love

1. Belief by reliance: Leading to spiritual freedom – John 3:18a, Romans 8:1
2. Unbelief by rejection: Continuing in spiritual condemnation – John 3:18b

C. The Human Methods for Responding to God’s Display of Love

1. Unbelief: Love of sin manifested by the practice of sin – John 3:19-20, 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
2. Belief: Love of truth manifested by the practice of righteousness – John 3:21, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 John 3:10