1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:02,620 Last week we looked together 2 00:00:02,620 –> 00:00:04,500 at what surely must be the best known 3 00:00:04,500 –> 00:00:08,260 and best loved verse in all of the Bible, John 3 16. 4 00:00:08,260 –> 00:00:11,140 For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son 5 00:00:11,140 –> 00:00:15,100 that whoever believes in Him should not perish 6 00:00:15,100 –> 00:00:17,900 but have eternal life. 7 00:00:17,900 –> 00:00:21,620 And we made three observations from that wonderful verse. 8 00:00:21,620 –> 00:00:23,000 First, God loves you. 9 00:00:23,000 –> 00:00:26,680 Always remember that you can say to every person 10 00:00:26,680 –> 00:00:29,540 you ever meet without qualification, without exception, 11 00:00:29,700 –> 00:00:32,380 God loves you. 12 00:00:32,380 –> 00:00:34,860 And here’s how you know God loves you. 13 00:00:34,860 –> 00:00:37,340 God gave his son for you. 14 00:00:37,340 –> 00:00:39,980 Remember that you will not be able to come 15 00:00:39,980 –> 00:00:42,740 to a settled assurance that God loves you 16 00:00:42,740 –> 00:00:44,959 by looking at the world. 17 00:00:44,959 –> 00:00:47,480 You will not be able to come to a settled assurance 18 00:00:47,480 –> 00:00:50,580 that God loves you by looking at your own experience. 19 00:00:50,580 –> 00:00:52,419 Your experience in this troubled world 20 00:00:52,419 –> 00:00:55,700 that’s in rebellion against God will always be a mixture. 21 00:00:55,700 –> 00:00:57,900 That’s why we walk by faith and not by sight. 22 00:00:57,939 –> 00:01:00,740 Here’s how you can come to a settled assurance 23 00:01:00,740 –> 00:01:01,580 that God loves you. 24 00:01:01,580 –> 00:01:03,459 You look at his son. 25 00:01:03,459 –> 00:01:07,919 God so loved the world that he gave his only son. 26 00:01:07,919 –> 00:01:10,279 That’s how you know that God loves you. 27 00:01:10,279 –> 00:01:13,820 You know it in Christ, by looking at who he is 28 00:01:13,820 –> 00:01:16,260 and by what he has done and the fact 29 00:01:16,260 –> 00:01:18,000 that he has given for you. 30 00:01:18,000 –> 00:01:21,820 And then we saw that God calls you to believe in his son. 31 00:01:21,820 –> 00:01:23,699 And we saw that believing in Jesus 32 00:01:23,699 –> 00:01:25,820 means not trusting in yourself 33 00:01:25,820 –> 00:01:27,900 or in your own attempts at pleasing God. 34 00:01:27,900 –> 00:01:31,400 And it means positively looking to Jesus 35 00:01:31,400 –> 00:01:33,379 to do for you and in you 36 00:01:33,379 –> 00:01:36,580 what you cannot do for and in yourself. 37 00:01:36,580 –> 00:01:39,860 Now with this good news of John in chapter three 38 00:01:39,860 –> 00:01:42,099 in verse 16, God so loved the world 39 00:01:42,099 –> 00:01:44,480 that he gave his one and only son. 40 00:01:44,480 –> 00:01:47,019 Whoever believes in him, 41 00:01:47,019 –> 00:01:50,720 whoever believes, will not perish, 42 00:01:50,720 –> 00:01:54,300 not perish but have eternal life 43 00:01:54,300 –> 00:01:57,580 with news that is as good as that, 44 00:01:57,580 –> 00:01:59,739 the obvious question is, 45 00:01:59,739 –> 00:02:03,180 well then why does not everybody believe? 46 00:02:04,300 –> 00:02:05,419 Why are there people 47 00:02:05,419 –> 00:02:08,899 who do not believe such good news as this? 48 00:02:10,020 –> 00:02:11,580 Clearly, there are some people 49 00:02:11,580 –> 00:02:15,460 who do not believe because they have never heard. 50 00:02:15,460 –> 00:02:17,000 The Bible addresses this, 51 00:02:17,000 –> 00:02:19,100 how shall they believe in one 52 00:02:19,100 –> 00:02:21,460 of whom they have never heard? 53 00:02:21,460 –> 00:02:23,979 And that is why we are given the Great Commission, 54 00:02:24,080 –> 00:02:25,660 the Church is given the Great Commission 55 00:02:25,660 –> 00:02:29,300 to go tell everyone on the face of the planet 56 00:02:29,300 –> 00:02:30,600 that is good news for you. 57 00:02:30,600 –> 00:02:33,300 God sent his son into the world 58 00:02:33,300 –> 00:02:35,720 and whoever believes in him will not perish 59 00:02:35,720 –> 00:02:37,139 but have everlasting life. 60 00:02:37,139 –> 00:02:38,360 This is our commission, 61 00:02:38,360 –> 00:02:40,139 this is the work to which we are committed 62 00:02:40,139 –> 00:02:42,960 to which the Church must always be committed. 63 00:02:43,940 –> 00:02:48,460 But then many who have heard, do not believe 64 00:02:48,460 –> 00:02:49,979 and we have this right at the beginning 65 00:02:49,979 –> 00:02:51,800 of John’s Gospel chapter one 66 00:02:51,839 –> 00:02:55,080 and verse 11, he came to his own 67 00:02:55,080 –> 00:02:58,839 and his own did not receive him. 68 00:02:58,839 –> 00:03:00,479 And we find throughout the Gospel 69 00:03:00,479 –> 00:03:03,199 that many people to whom Jesus ministered 70 00:03:03,199 –> 00:03:05,960 actually did not in the end believe in him. 71 00:03:05,960 –> 00:03:08,059 Some did and some did not. 72 00:03:08,059 –> 00:03:11,619 He was rejected by the scribes and by the Pharisees, 73 00:03:11,619 –> 00:03:13,080 he does a marvelous miracle 74 00:03:13,080 –> 00:03:14,639 in the area known as Decapolis 75 00:03:14,639 –> 00:03:16,759 and the immediate response of people 76 00:03:16,759 –> 00:03:19,119 is to ask him to leave. 77 00:03:19,240 –> 00:03:21,240 And of course, this rejection of Jesus, 78 00:03:21,240 –> 00:03:24,139 this not receiving him, not believing in him 79 00:03:24,139 –> 00:03:27,559 finds its culmination in the story of Good Friday 80 00:03:27,559 –> 00:03:32,119 and in the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ. 81 00:03:32,119 –> 00:03:34,440 Then in addition to all of that, 82 00:03:34,440 –> 00:03:37,059 the Gospel makes it clear that there were some people 83 00:03:37,059 –> 00:03:41,320 who believed in Jesus for a time and then turned back. 84 00:03:41,320 –> 00:03:43,039 In other words, they were part of the group 85 00:03:43,039 –> 00:03:46,740 of people who said, yes, yes, yes, we believe in Jesus, 86 00:03:46,779 –> 00:03:49,020 but it did not last. 87 00:03:49,020 –> 00:03:51,740 And you have an example of this in John 2, 88 00:03:51,740 –> 00:03:56,600 where in verse 23, we read that many believed in his name 89 00:03:56,600 –> 00:03:59,300 when they saw the signs that he was doing, 90 00:03:59,300 –> 00:04:03,779 but Jesus did not on his part did not entrust himself 91 00:04:03,779 –> 00:04:06,559 to them because he knew all people 92 00:04:06,559 –> 00:04:09,539 and he knew what was in man. 93 00:04:09,539 –> 00:04:12,080 And again you find this phenomenon of people 94 00:04:12,080 –> 00:04:15,619 who said that they believed for awhile and then turned back. 95 00:04:15,619 –> 00:04:19,859 You have it in John chapter six and verse 66. 96 00:04:19,859 –> 00:04:21,519 By the way, there are three sixes there. 97 00:04:21,519 –> 00:04:23,579 John six, 66. 98 00:04:23,579 –> 00:04:25,500 So something has got three sixes in it. 99 00:04:25,500 –> 00:04:27,179 There’s probably something bad there 100 00:04:27,179 –> 00:04:30,380 and there is something bad in John six and verse 66. 101 00:04:30,380 –> 00:04:32,799 You’ll always remember this reference now, won’t you? 102 00:04:32,799 –> 00:04:37,160 And what it tells us there is that Jesus had been teaching 103 00:04:37,160 –> 00:04:39,339 and he said some things that were hard 104 00:04:39,339 –> 00:04:41,019 for some people to hear 105 00:04:41,019 –> 00:04:46,019 and John six, 66 says after this many of his disciples 106 00:04:46,559 –> 00:04:51,559 turned back and they no longer walked with him. 107 00:04:53,380 –> 00:04:55,500 Now here’s the question that’s before us today. 108 00:04:55,500 –> 00:04:57,720 Why is it that some people do not believe 109 00:04:57,720 –> 00:04:59,339 this great Good News? 110 00:05:00,339 –> 00:05:03,179 Why is it that some people who say for awhile they believe 111 00:05:03,179 –> 00:05:05,019 end up turning back? 112 00:05:06,619 –> 00:05:09,940 Now I’ve decided to stay with these verses in John 113 00:05:09,940 –> 00:05:14,420 for today because it seems to me that Palm Sunday 114 00:05:14,420 –> 00:05:16,059 that we celebrate today 115 00:05:16,059 –> 00:05:18,739 confronts us with exactly this question. 116 00:05:19,779 –> 00:05:22,399 Why would it be that the crowds in Jerusalem 117 00:05:22,399 –> 00:05:24,500 that cheered for Jesus on Sunday 118 00:05:24,500 –> 00:05:28,679 called for him to be crucified by Friday? 119 00:05:28,679 –> 00:05:32,019 If your boss praises you on Monday, 120 00:05:32,019 –> 00:05:34,640 commends you for this marvelous work that you are doing 121 00:05:34,640 –> 00:05:36,540 and then fires you on Friday, 122 00:05:36,540 –> 00:05:38,040 you will not come to the conclusion 123 00:05:38,059 –> 00:05:40,619 that he or she believes in you. 124 00:05:40,619 –> 00:05:42,320 You would say, whatever good thing 125 00:05:42,320 –> 00:05:44,040 they were saying about me on Monday 126 00:05:44,040 –> 00:05:45,279 didn’t amount to very much 127 00:05:45,279 –> 00:05:47,619 because by Friday they decided 128 00:05:47,619 –> 00:05:49,720 that they didn’t need me, they didn’t want me 129 00:05:49,720 –> 00:05:51,559 and that I was out the door. 130 00:05:52,440 –> 00:05:54,500 So Palm Sunday reminds us 131 00:05:54,500 –> 00:05:56,640 of this strange phenomenon 132 00:05:56,640 –> 00:05:57,720 and it’s actually something 133 00:05:57,720 –> 00:05:59,859 that quite often happens 134 00:05:59,859 –> 00:06:01,940 in the world of church. 135 00:06:01,940 –> 00:06:04,700 People say that they believe 136 00:06:04,700 –> 00:06:07,540 and they are swept along for a time, 137 00:06:07,540 –> 00:06:09,779 perhaps with the company of the friends 138 00:06:09,779 –> 00:06:12,140 perhaps just with the emotion that they feel 139 00:06:12,140 –> 00:06:14,459 but in the cold light of day 140 00:06:14,459 –> 00:06:16,600 it turns out that they are not serious 141 00:06:16,600 –> 00:06:18,279 about being cleansed 142 00:06:18,279 –> 00:06:21,220 and they are not serious about being renewed. 143 00:06:21,220 –> 00:06:23,700 Their minds have not yet processed 144 00:06:23,700 –> 00:06:26,540 what their hearts were at one time feeling 145 00:06:26,540 –> 00:06:28,100 and so after a while 146 00:06:28,100 –> 00:06:30,820 they actually return to the unbelief 147 00:06:30,820 –> 00:06:33,019 that in fact they never truly left 148 00:06:33,019 –> 00:06:34,540 in the first place. 149 00:06:35,420 –> 00:06:38,820 Now these verses that are before us today 150 00:06:38,820 –> 00:06:40,540 deal with the question 151 00:06:40,540 –> 00:06:43,500 of why some people do not believe 152 00:06:43,500 –> 00:06:46,540 or why some who after a short profession of believing 153 00:06:46,540 –> 00:06:48,299 return to the unbelief 154 00:06:48,299 –> 00:06:50,299 that they never really left 155 00:06:50,299 –> 00:06:52,299 what we have here in the Bible 156 00:06:52,299 –> 00:06:53,660 open in front of us 157 00:06:53,660 –> 00:06:58,179 is a pathology of unbelief 158 00:06:58,179 –> 00:06:59,779 that is we’re getting a little look 159 00:06:59,779 –> 00:07:03,459 at what lies behind unbelief 160 00:07:03,459 –> 00:07:05,859 lies behind not believing 161 00:07:05,859 –> 00:07:08,579 and when a person says 162 00:07:08,579 –> 00:07:10,100 I don’t believe, I can’t believe 163 00:07:10,100 –> 00:07:11,500 I won’t believe 164 00:07:11,500 –> 00:07:12,820 what lies behind that 165 00:07:12,820 –> 00:07:14,260 the pathology of unbelief 166 00:07:14,260 –> 00:07:15,500 and then we are going to look at 167 00:07:15,500 –> 00:07:17,500 how a person can come to believe 168 00:07:17,500 –> 00:07:18,779 there will be folks here today 169 00:07:18,779 –> 00:07:20,339 they will say I’m being drawn 170 00:07:20,339 –> 00:07:21,859 I want to believe 171 00:07:21,859 –> 00:07:24,179 but what does it actually mean to believe 172 00:07:24,179 –> 00:07:26,140 how do I come to believe 173 00:07:26,140 –> 00:07:29,140 what does that actually look like 174 00:07:29,140 –> 00:07:31,380 well that’s what’s before us today 175 00:07:31,380 –> 00:07:33,059 and I have two headings 176 00:07:33,100 –> 00:07:37,019 the first is understanding unbelief 177 00:07:37,019 –> 00:07:38,619 and the second is 178 00:07:38,619 –> 00:07:41,220 overcoming unbelief 179 00:07:41,220 –> 00:07:42,420 so I hope you have the Bible open 180 00:07:42,420 –> 00:07:43,660 in front of you 181 00:07:43,660 –> 00:07:44,739 ready to go 182 00:07:44,739 –> 00:07:45,739 John Chapter 3 183 00:07:45,739 –> 00:07:48,940 and we start at verse 18 184 00:07:48,940 –> 00:07:51,260 Whoever believes in him 185 00:07:51,260 –> 00:07:52,059 that’s in Jesus 186 00:07:52,059 –> 00:07:54,619 is not condemned 187 00:07:54,619 –> 00:07:57,700 but whoever does not believe 188 00:07:57,700 –> 00:07:59,059 is condemned already 189 00:07:59,059 –> 00:08:00,779 because 190 00:08:00,859 –> 00:08:03,019 he has not believed 191 00:08:03,019 –> 00:08:03,940 in the name 192 00:08:03,940 –> 00:08:07,619 of the only Son of God 193 00:08:07,619 –> 00:08:09,739 so the issue here is 194 00:08:09,739 –> 00:08:10,380 that some 195 00:08:10,380 –> 00:08:12,980 do not believe 196 00:08:12,980 –> 00:08:14,179 okay John 3 16 197 00:08:14,179 –> 00:08:15,540 whoever believes 198 00:08:15,540 –> 00:08:16,739 and yet John 3 18 199 00:08:16,739 –> 00:08:18,980 some do not believe 200 00:08:18,980 –> 00:08:20,540 and the question now is 201 00:08:20,540 –> 00:08:22,260 why do some not believe 202 00:08:22,260 –> 00:08:24,380 what lies behind 203 00:08:24,380 –> 00:08:27,140 a person’s unbelief 204 00:08:27,140 –> 00:08:30,100 and the answer is in verse 19 205 00:08:30,100 –> 00:08:33,140 and this is the judgment 206 00:08:33,140 –> 00:08:34,380 the light has 207 00:08:34,380 –> 00:08:37,419 come into the world 208 00:08:37,419 –> 00:08:40,179 and people loved 209 00:08:40,179 –> 00:08:41,900 the darkness 210 00:08:41,900 –> 00:08:45,979 rather than the light 211 00:08:45,979 –> 00:08:47,619 now you see what is being said here 212 00:08:47,619 –> 00:08:48,419 that the roots 213 00:08:48,419 –> 00:08:49,299 of unbelief 214 00:08:49,299 –> 00:08:50,780 the explanation of unbelief 215 00:08:50,780 –> 00:08:53,500 what lies behind unbelief 216 00:08:53,500 –> 00:08:54,700 the roots of unbelief 217 00:08:54,700 –> 00:08:56,580 lie in loving 218 00:08:56,580 –> 00:08:58,260 the wrong things 219 00:08:58,419 –> 00:09:00,940 and people loved darkness 220 00:09:00,940 –> 00:09:02,380 loved darkness 221 00:09:02,380 –> 00:09:03,820 rather than light 222 00:09:03,820 –> 00:09:04,619 now understand this 223 00:09:04,619 –> 00:09:07,179 God made us to love 224 00:09:07,179 –> 00:09:09,979 He designed us in such a way 225 00:09:09,979 –> 00:09:11,780 as to love Him 226 00:09:11,780 –> 00:09:13,780 and to love other people 227 00:09:13,780 –> 00:09:15,219 and all of the commandments 228 00:09:15,219 –> 00:09:16,500 all of the Ten Commandments 229 00:09:16,500 –> 00:09:17,099 Jesus says 230 00:09:17,099 –> 00:09:17,940 are really summed up 231 00:09:17,940 –> 00:09:18,820 in these two things 232 00:09:18,820 –> 00:09:20,299 You love God with all your heart 233 00:09:20,299 –> 00:09:21,900 you love your neighbour as yourself 234 00:09:21,900 –> 00:09:25,900 That’s how God designed us to be 235 00:09:25,900 –> 00:09:28,380 and the effect of sin 236 00:09:28,380 –> 00:09:32,739 is that our natural propensity to love 237 00:09:32,739 –> 00:09:37,299 gets diverted on to the wrong things 238 00:09:37,299 –> 00:09:39,219 and the Apostle Paul speaks about this 239 00:09:39,219 –> 00:09:43,739 in 2 Timothy 3 and verses 2-4 240 00:09:43,739 –> 00:09:44,500 He says 241 00:09:44,500 –> 00:09:46,260 in the last day 242 00:09:46,260 –> 00:09:48,500 people will become 243 00:09:48,500 –> 00:09:51,299 lovers of self 244 00:09:51,299 –> 00:09:53,900 lovers of money 245 00:09:53,900 –> 00:09:56,219 lovers of pleasure 246 00:09:56,219 –> 00:09:59,460 rather than lovers of God 247 00:09:59,460 –> 00:10:00,340 In other words, he’s saying 248 00:10:00,340 –> 00:10:01,900 here will be the effect of sin 249 00:10:01,900 –> 00:10:03,179 in the human bloodstream 250 00:10:03,179 –> 00:10:04,900 God made us to love 251 00:10:04,900 –> 00:10:06,500 to love him and to love others 252 00:10:06,500 –> 00:10:07,979 the effect of sin is that 253 00:10:07,979 –> 00:10:10,020 our love gets set on the wrong thing 254 00:10:10,020 –> 00:10:11,820 we love the wrong things 255 00:10:11,820 –> 00:10:13,059 that’s the effect of it 256 00:10:13,059 –> 00:10:14,979 and the roots of unbelief 257 00:10:14,979 –> 00:10:16,219 John 3.19 258 00:10:16,219 –> 00:10:19,940 lie in loving the wrong things 259 00:10:19,940 –> 00:10:20,979 In other words 260 00:10:20,979 –> 00:10:24,940 if you are a lover of yourself 261 00:10:24,979 –> 00:10:27,780 if you are a lover of money 262 00:10:27,780 –> 00:10:30,580 if you are a lover of pleasure 263 00:10:30,580 –> 00:10:34,340 you will be held back by that love 264 00:10:34,340 –> 00:10:36,460 from believing in the Lord Jesus Christ 265 00:10:36,460 –> 00:10:39,140 you will not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ 266 00:10:39,140 –> 00:10:40,260 if you are a lover of self 267 00:10:40,260 –> 00:10:41,419 and pleasure and money 268 00:10:41,419 –> 00:10:44,619 because Jesus Christ is the one who says to you 269 00:10:44,619 –> 00:10:46,059 if anyone would come after me 270 00:10:46,059 –> 00:10:47,820 he must deny himself 271 00:10:47,820 –> 00:10:49,419 and take up his cross and follow me 272 00:10:49,419 –> 00:10:50,940 how are you going to do that 273 00:10:50,940 –> 00:10:53,099 if you are a lover of yourself 274 00:10:53,099 –> 00:10:56,659 so if your love has been moved in its trajectory 275 00:10:56,659 –> 00:10:58,140 in the wrong direction 276 00:10:58,140 –> 00:11:00,500 that actually underlies 277 00:11:00,500 –> 00:11:02,219 what you then say when I can’t believe 278 00:11:02,219 –> 00:11:03,059 I don’t believe, 279 00:11:03,059 –> 00:11:05,500 I won’t believe 280 00:11:05,500 –> 00:11:06,979 and so long as you love yourself 281 00:11:06,979 –> 00:11:08,539 so long as you love your money 282 00:11:08,539 –> 00:11:09,900 so long as you love your pleasure 283 00:11:09,900 –> 00:11:11,659 more than you love Jesus Christ 284 00:11:11,659 –> 00:11:12,619 you will not believe 285 00:11:12,619 –> 00:11:15,780 and you will not follow after him 286 00:11:15,780 –> 00:11:17,219 so Jesus is saying 287 00:11:17,219 –> 00:11:19,179 here is what lies behind unbelief 288 00:11:19,179 –> 00:11:20,380 please understand this 289 00:11:20,380 –> 00:11:22,700 the reason why some do not believe 290 00:11:22,700 –> 00:11:25,700 is that they love the wrong things 291 00:11:25,700 –> 00:11:29,739 they loved darkness rather than light 292 00:11:29,739 –> 00:11:30,900 it’s about the propensity of the heart 293 00:11:30,900 –> 00:11:35,299 it’s about what you love the most 294 00:11:35,299 –> 00:11:37,020 now let’s take it a step further 295 00:11:37,020 –> 00:11:39,260 and ask this question 296 00:11:39,260 –> 00:11:41,020 what is the root cause 297 00:11:41,020 –> 00:11:44,500 of us loving the wrong things? 298 00:11:44,500 –> 00:11:45,820 and you’ll see that that’s answered 299 00:11:45,820 –> 00:11:47,260 in verse 19 as well 300 00:11:47,260 –> 00:11:48,380 that the root of what we love 301 00:11:48,380 –> 00:11:50,260 lies in what we do 302 00:11:50,299 –> 00:11:53,659 people loved the darkness 303 00:11:53,659 –> 00:11:56,059 rather than the light 304 00:11:56,059 –> 00:11:57,340 because 305 00:11:57,340 –> 00:11:59,179 so now we’re getting the explanation 306 00:11:59,179 –> 00:12:00,700 of the loving of darkness 307 00:12:00,700 –> 00:12:02,260 the wrong love 308 00:12:02,260 –> 00:12:03,859 people love darkness rather than light 309 00:12:03,859 –> 00:12:05,780 because 310 00:12:05,780 –> 00:12:10,179 their works were evil 311 00:12:10,179 –> 00:12:11,500 now notice what our Lord Jesus 312 00:12:11,500 –> 00:12:13,820 is teaching us here 313 00:12:13,820 –> 00:12:16,539 why do people love the wrong things 314 00:12:16,539 –> 00:12:19,739 which undergirds the unbelief 315 00:12:19,739 –> 00:12:21,380 that is there 316 00:12:21,380 –> 00:12:23,340 well we love the wrong things 317 00:12:23,340 –> 00:12:25,059 because what we do 318 00:12:25,059 –> 00:12:28,780 shapes what we love 319 00:12:28,780 –> 00:12:30,940 people loved darkness 320 00:12:30,940 –> 00:12:32,859 because 321 00:12:32,859 –> 00:12:34,260 their deeds were evil 322 00:12:34,260 –> 00:12:35,419 that’s what our Lord says 323 00:12:35,419 –> 00:12:36,820 in John chapter 3 324 00:12:36,820 –> 00:12:37,700 and verse 19 325 00:12:37,700 –> 00:12:39,460 now here’s the principle 326 00:12:39,460 –> 00:12:40,619 to learn 327 00:12:40,619 –> 00:12:43,580 from what Jesus teaches us here 328 00:12:43,580 –> 00:12:46,219 you do what you love 329 00:12:46,219 –> 00:12:48,859 and you love what you do 330 00:12:48,859 –> 00:12:50,619 that’s just a principle 331 00:12:50,619 –> 00:12:52,219 in relation to human life 332 00:12:52,219 –> 00:12:53,380 human behavior 333 00:12:53,380 –> 00:12:55,659 you will do what you love 334 00:12:55,659 –> 00:12:57,299 and you will love 335 00:12:57,299 –> 00:12:59,419 what you do 336 00:12:59,419 –> 00:13:00,739 now let me try and get this 337 00:13:00,739 –> 00:13:02,059 down to earth as it were 338 00:13:02,059 –> 00:13:03,659 with two 339 00:13:03,659 –> 00:13:05,460 specific illustrations 340 00:13:05,460 –> 00:13:06,940 of how this works out 341 00:13:06,940 –> 00:13:09,219 in practice 342 00:13:09,219 –> 00:13:10,739 think about how this works 343 00:13:10,739 –> 00:13:11,940 first 344 00:13:11,940 –> 00:13:13,659 in the life of a person 345 00:13:13,659 –> 00:13:17,099 who is an alcoholic 346 00:13:17,099 –> 00:13:18,140 now 347 00:13:18,140 –> 00:13:19,700 for anyone 348 00:13:19,700 –> 00:13:21,619 in the congregation today 349 00:13:21,619 –> 00:13:23,940 who struggles with alcoholism 350 00:13:23,940 –> 00:13:27,099 or with any other addiction 351 00:13:27,099 –> 00:13:28,979 we have a wonderful ministry 352 00:13:28,979 –> 00:13:30,099 in this church that is called 353 00:13:30,099 –> 00:13:31,059 Celebrate Recomvery 354 00:13:31,059 –> 00:13:33,700 and I warmly commend it to you 355 00:13:33,700 –> 00:13:34,979 it is a group of people 356 00:13:34,979 –> 00:13:36,539 who meet every week 357 00:13:36,539 –> 00:13:38,900 and they are trusting in Jesus Christ 358 00:13:38,900 –> 00:13:40,380 and they are 359 00:13:40,380 –> 00:13:41,979 helping one another 360 00:13:41,979 –> 00:13:43,700 as they seek to walk together 361 00:13:43,700 –> 00:13:45,659 through the many challenges 362 00:13:45,659 –> 00:13:47,059 and issues in relation 363 00:13:47,419 –> 00:13:48,900 and I commend this to you 364 00:13:48,900 –> 00:13:50,380 you will find it to be a great help 365 00:13:50,380 –> 00:13:51,739 you can check out details 366 00:13:51,739 –> 00:13:52,780 on the website 367 00:13:52,780 –> 00:13:54,219 and I do encourage you 368 00:13:54,219 –> 00:13:56,979 to make use of this great resource 369 00:13:57,500 –> 00:13:58,500 but let’s just ask this 370 00:13:58,500 –> 00:13:59,539 very simple question 371 00:13:59,539 –> 00:14:00,739 how does a person 372 00:14:00,739 –> 00:14:02,580 become an alcoholic? 373 00:14:03,820 –> 00:14:06,820 How does any addiction begin? 374 00:14:08,260 –> 00:14:08,820 Well, 375 00:14:09,500 –> 00:14:10,900 the person at some point 376 00:14:10,900 –> 00:14:11,940 for the very first time 377 00:14:11,940 –> 00:14:13,140 drinks alcohol 378 00:14:14,140 –> 00:14:17,219 and it produces an effect 379 00:14:17,219 –> 00:14:19,140 that is pleasing to them 380 00:14:19,859 –> 00:14:21,539 it maybe that it dulls some pain 381 00:14:21,539 –> 00:14:23,780 it maybe that it loosen some inhibitions 382 00:14:23,780 –> 00:14:25,780 it maybe that it steadies some nerves 383 00:14:25,780 –> 00:14:26,820 but it has some effect 384 00:14:26,820 –> 00:14:27,700 that is pleasing 385 00:14:27,700 –> 00:14:29,859 and the fact that it produced 386 00:14:29,859 –> 00:14:31,419 a pleasing effect 387 00:14:31,419 –> 00:14:34,219 leads them to drink alcohol again 388 00:14:35,419 –> 00:14:36,739 and over time 389 00:14:36,739 –> 00:14:38,059 there is a pattern 390 00:14:38,059 –> 00:14:40,380 that the deed produces 391 00:14:40,380 –> 00:14:41,700 a pleasing result 392 00:14:41,859 –> 00:14:43,780 which draws a person 393 00:14:43,780 –> 00:14:46,059 then to repeat the deed 394 00:14:46,059 –> 00:14:48,539 and the deed produces the love 395 00:14:48,539 –> 00:14:50,859 the love produces the deed 396 00:14:50,859 –> 00:14:52,340 and then what happens 397 00:14:52,340 –> 00:14:53,859 is that a pattern 398 00:14:53,859 –> 00:14:55,419 begins to emerge 399 00:14:55,419 –> 00:14:58,659 over a period of time 400 00:14:58,659 –> 00:15:02,700 and when that pattern accelerates 401 00:15:02,700 –> 00:15:06,940 it begins to produce a habit 402 00:15:06,940 –> 00:15:09,739 and when a habit accelerates 403 00:15:09,780 –> 00:15:12,340 it begins to produce a dependence 404 00:15:12,340 –> 00:15:14,380 and when a dependence accelerates 405 00:15:14,380 –> 00:15:16,820 it becomes a full-blown addiction 406 00:15:16,820 –> 00:15:19,820 now, the stories behind the circumstances 407 00:15:19,820 –> 00:15:22,859 the pain that led to this particular cycle 408 00:15:22,859 –> 00:15:25,659 will vary enormously 409 00:15:25,659 –> 00:15:27,179 but the basic pattern of 410 00:15:27,179 –> 00:15:28,539 the deed producing the love 411 00:15:28,539 –> 00:15:30,780 and the love reproducing the deed 412 00:15:30,780 –> 00:15:33,859 is always present in relation to these things 413 00:15:33,859 –> 00:15:36,140 and it actually remains so 414 00:15:36,140 –> 00:15:38,099 even when the person comes to a place 415 00:15:38,179 –> 00:15:40,219 of wishing it was no longer the case 416 00:15:40,219 –> 00:15:41,659 at some point the alcoholic 417 00:15:41,659 –> 00:15:43,140 comes into the place of saying 418 00:15:43,140 –> 00:15:45,460 I hate this thing 419 00:15:45,460 –> 00:15:48,140 I don’t wanna be like this 420 00:15:48,140 –> 00:15:50,059 but now, the experience of the person 421 00:15:50,059 –> 00:15:52,299 is that the deed has produced a love 422 00:15:52,299 –> 00:15:53,659 a drive within 423 00:15:53,659 –> 00:15:56,299 that is reproducing the deed again 424 00:15:56,299 –> 00:15:58,500 and therefore, there’s this great 425 00:15:58,500 –> 00:16:00,299 and this intense battle 426 00:16:00,299 –> 00:16:01,659 that is being set up in 427 00:16:01,659 –> 00:16:02,859 the soul of the person 428 00:16:02,859 –> 00:16:05,340 now, what I’m saying to you 429 00:16:05,340 –> 00:16:07,340 is that that actually is the pattern 430 00:16:07,419 –> 00:16:09,940 that is true of any sin 431 00:16:09,940 –> 00:16:11,500 that the deed produces a love 432 00:16:11,500 –> 00:16:15,059 and the love then reproduces the deed 433 00:16:15,059 –> 00:16:17,340 you will do what you love 434 00:16:17,340 –> 00:16:20,859 and in time you will love what you do 435 00:16:20,859 –> 00:16:22,820 by the way that’s a very helpful 436 00:16:22,820 –> 00:16:24,020 question to ask 437 00:16:24,020 –> 00:16:26,500 when you’re driven in some area of life 438 00:16:26,500 –> 00:16:28,099 ask this question 439 00:16:28,099 –> 00:16:29,700 what is the love 440 00:16:29,700 –> 00:16:34,140 that is driving what I’m doing right now 441 00:16:34,140 –> 00:16:35,739 you’ll find that a very helpful question 442 00:16:35,780 –> 00:16:37,859 what is the love 443 00:16:37,859 –> 00:16:39,979 that is driving 444 00:16:39,979 –> 00:16:42,059 what I’m doing 445 00:16:42,059 –> 00:16:44,219 right now 446 00:16:44,219 –> 00:16:45,140 now, that’s one example 447 00:16:45,140 –> 00:16:46,340 let me take another example 448 00:16:46,340 –> 00:16:49,219 from a completely different area of life 449 00:16:49,219 –> 00:16:50,619 Jesus ministered to people 450 00:16:50,619 –> 00:16:53,739 from every kind of experience of life 451 00:16:53,739 –> 00:16:56,099 and here in John chapter 3 452 00:16:56,099 –> 00:16:58,099 He is ministering to Nicodemus 453 00:16:58,099 –> 00:16:59,580 a man who as we saw before 454 00:16:59,580 –> 00:17:04,060 was a highly successful person 455 00:17:04,060 –> 00:17:08,699 now what happens when you have success in this life 456 00:17:08,699 –> 00:17:11,060 when you have success 457 00:17:11,060 –> 00:17:15,660 what happens is that people praise you 458 00:17:15,660 –> 00:17:18,020 that will be true in business 459 00:17:18,020 –> 00:17:19,540 it will be true in sports 460 00:17:19,540 –> 00:17:21,060 it’s true in arts 461 00:17:21,060 –> 00:17:23,459 it’s true in education 462 00:17:23,459 –> 00:17:25,619 it’s even true in the church 463 00:17:25,619 –> 00:17:29,300 something goes well, people praise you for it 464 00:17:29,380 –> 00:17:32,579 and Nicodemus was a highly successful person 465 00:17:32,579 –> 00:17:33,819 a ruler of the Jews 466 00:17:33,819 –> 00:17:36,819 I mean he was someone who was recognized in the street 467 00:17:36,819 –> 00:17:40,219 had attracted a lot of attention 468 00:17:40,219 –> 00:17:43,239 it was who he was 469 00:17:43,260 –> 00:17:45,540 now if you turn, there’s just one cross reference today 470 00:17:45,540 –> 00:17:49,339 over a page or so to John and chapter 5 471 00:17:49,339 –> 00:17:52,180 you will find that again Jesus is speaking to people 472 00:17:52,180 –> 00:17:54,819 who are just like Nicodemus 473 00:17:54,819 –> 00:17:59,979 and he says this in verse 39 474 00:18:18,900 –> 00:18:21,140 so you see again Jesus is describing 475 00:18:21,140 –> 00:18:22,819 unbelief and how it works 476 00:18:23,180 –> 00:18:26,060 how does he refuse to come to me that’s unbelief 477 00:18:26,060 –> 00:18:28,439 and notice that this is even among people 478 00:18:28,439 –> 00:18:31,040 who are studying the bible 479 00:18:31,040 –> 00:18:34,040 you diligently search the scriptures 480 00:18:34,040 –> 00:18:36,420 so understand this it is very possible 481 00:18:36,420 –> 00:18:40,099 to get into a situation where you’re in a bible study 482 00:18:40,099 –> 00:18:41,979 and you’re developing your knowledge of the bible 483 00:18:41,979 –> 00:18:43,859 and you’re still not coming to receive 484 00:18:43,859 –> 00:18:45,420 what Jesus Christ could give you 485 00:18:45,420 –> 00:18:47,260 now what is it that’s holding 486 00:18:47,260 –> 00:18:49,520 these two people who study the bible 487 00:18:49,760 –> 00:18:53,800 back from receiving what Jesus Christ could give them 488 00:18:53,800 –> 00:18:57,520 and he gives the answer in verse 44 489 00:18:57,520 –> 00:18:59,500 look at it 490 00:19:15,680 –> 00:19:17,119 so you see what what Jesus is saying 491 00:19:17,119 –> 00:19:19,479 what holds you back from believing 492 00:19:19,479 –> 00:19:22,359 what holds you back even while you’re studying the Bible 493 00:19:22,359 –> 00:19:26,739 what holds you back from receiving what I could give you right now 494 00:19:26,739 –> 00:19:29,060 is that you love the wrong things 495 00:19:29,060 –> 00:19:30,920 and in particular in this verse he says 496 00:19:30,920 –> 00:19:32,160 the wrong thing that you love 497 00:19:32,160 –> 00:19:33,339 what you’re really about 498 00:19:33,339 –> 00:19:34,479 and what you’re really driven by 499 00:19:34,479 –> 00:19:36,300 is the appreciation respect and praise 500 00:19:36,300 –> 00:19:37,640 that other people will give you 501 00:19:37,640 –> 00:19:40,400 you receive glory from one another 502 00:19:40,400 –> 00:19:41,680 the big rock in your life 503 00:19:41,680 –> 00:19:44,040 the big stumbling block for you 504 00:19:44,040 –> 00:19:47,020 is that you’re so taken up with making an impression 505 00:19:47,020 –> 00:19:48,719 there in your study of the Bible 506 00:19:48,819 –> 00:19:50,020 you’re doing it right there 507 00:19:50,020 –> 00:19:52,699 That’s what Jesus is saying to these people 508 00:19:52,699 –> 00:19:54,560 and so there you are studying the Bible 509 00:19:54,560 –> 00:19:55,500 and you’re not coming to me 510 00:19:55,500 –> 00:19:57,099 you’re not receiving from me 511 00:19:57,099 –> 00:19:59,699 you are receiving praise from one another 512 00:19:59,699 –> 00:20:01,819 and that holds you back from believing 513 00:20:01,819 –> 00:20:03,619 that holds you back from receiving 514 00:20:03,619 –> 00:20:07,400 what I could give to you 515 00:20:07,400 –> 00:20:10,199 do you see again how this works? 516 00:20:10,199 –> 00:20:13,500 you have some success in your career 517 00:20:13,500 –> 00:20:15,719 you have some success and blessing 518 00:20:15,719 –> 00:20:18,400 in regards to your family, ministry 519 00:20:18,439 –> 00:20:21,099 you have particular gifts in a special area 520 00:20:21,099 –> 00:20:23,780 and people praise you for it 521 00:20:23,780 –> 00:20:25,540 and God gives you some success 522 00:20:25,540 –> 00:20:28,699 and people praise you and you enjoy that 523 00:20:28,699 –> 00:20:30,140 it’s really wonderful what you did 524 00:20:30,140 –> 00:20:32,500 with that whatever it was people say 525 00:20:32,500 –> 00:20:36,540 and now what you did produced an effect 526 00:20:36,540 –> 00:20:39,500 and so what you do is you try to do more 527 00:20:39,500 –> 00:20:42,939 of what produced the effect of people praising you 528 00:20:42,939 –> 00:20:45,699 and so you push to do more of what you did 529 00:20:46,219 –> 00:20:48,599 to get more of what you liked 530 00:20:48,599 –> 00:20:52,680 and it can start awfully early 531 00:20:52,680 –> 00:20:57,319 you get an A in your exams 532 00:20:57,319 –> 00:21:01,459 and you’re praised for it 533 00:21:01,459 –> 00:21:06,439 and somehow because the praise feels so good 534 00:21:06,439 –> 00:21:10,319 to your starved soul 535 00:21:10,319 –> 00:21:15,300 you feel I must always get an A 536 00:21:15,380 –> 00:21:17,739 I must always get an A 537 00:21:17,739 –> 00:21:19,660 and you’re driven by this 538 00:21:19,660 –> 00:21:23,400 and what you do is produced by what you love 539 00:21:23,400 –> 00:21:26,300 and what you love produces what you do 540 00:21:26,300 –> 00:21:27,680 and on and on 541 00:21:27,680 –> 00:21:31,319 and you can translate that into the world of sports 542 00:21:31,319 –> 00:21:33,359 you can translate that into the world of business 543 00:21:33,359 –> 00:21:38,239 you can translate that into the whole world of raising a godly family 544 00:21:38,239 –> 00:21:42,180 you got to do this because people are seeing what we’re doing 545 00:21:42,260 –> 00:21:45,420 they esteem us for it 546 00:21:45,420 –> 00:21:49,079 you can translate it into the world of ministry 547 00:21:49,079 –> 00:21:51,739 and what happens 548 00:21:51,739 –> 00:21:55,420 is that your life gradually becomes more and more 549 00:21:55,420 –> 00:21:59,400 about producing an impression 550 00:21:59,400 –> 00:22:01,000 and you become like Nicodemus 551 00:22:01,000 –> 00:22:02,500 a successful person 552 00:22:02,500 –> 00:22:07,640 with an empty and a hungry soul 553 00:22:07,640 –> 00:22:08,560 and here is this man 554 00:22:08,560 –> 00:22:09,959 that’s exactly his condition 555 00:22:10,099 –> 00:22:12,180 Nicodemus and he comes to Jesus at night 556 00:22:12,180 –> 00:22:14,479 why does he come to Jesus at night? 557 00:22:14,479 –> 00:22:16,560 because he didn’t want people to recognize 558 00:22:16,560 –> 00:22:17,959 him coming during the day 559 00:22:17,959 –> 00:22:18,900 What would people think 560 00:22:18,900 –> 00:22:20,520 if they saw this great man 561 00:22:20,520 –> 00:22:22,680 sitting at the feet of Jesus 562 00:22:22,680 –> 00:22:23,900 he wants that to be secret 563 00:22:23,900 –> 00:22:25,099 he wants it to be private 564 00:22:25,099 –> 00:22:26,079 and so he comes 565 00:22:26,079 –> 00:22:30,719 and you see the message of John 5.44 566 00:22:30,719 –> 00:22:31,780 is simply this 567 00:22:31,780 –> 00:22:33,520 look, if you continue 568 00:22:33,520 –> 00:22:36,219 on this path of a life 569 00:22:36,219 –> 00:22:38,599 that is about impressing other people 570 00:22:38,920 –> 00:22:40,760 you will remain in unbelief 571 00:22:40,760 –> 00:22:43,060 and however much you study the Bible 572 00:22:43,060 –> 00:22:44,760 you will never receive 573 00:22:44,760 –> 00:22:50,140 what I am able to give to you 574 00:22:50,140 –> 00:22:52,359 How can you believe 575 00:22:52,359 –> 00:22:55,719 when you receive glory from one another 576 00:22:55,719 –> 00:22:57,400 that’s the great love of your life 577 00:22:57,400 –> 00:22:59,239 that’s what’s driving what you do 578 00:22:59,239 –> 00:23:01,060 that’s what’s holding you back from faith 579 00:23:01,060 –> 00:23:07,400 that’s the pathology of your unbelief 580 00:23:07,400 –> 00:23:09,040 The roots of unbelief 581 00:23:09,040 –> 00:23:14,959 they lie in loving the wrong things 582 00:23:14,959 –> 00:23:17,079 and the roots of loving the wrong things 583 00:23:17,079 –> 00:23:24,160 lie in doing the wrong things 584 00:23:24,160 –> 00:23:25,880 understanding unbelief 585 00:23:25,880 –> 00:23:27,199 that’s really important 586 00:23:27,199 –> 00:23:29,099 Shine the light into that dark place 587 00:23:29,099 –> 00:23:33,260 and to understand that underneath unbelief 588 00:23:33,260 –> 00:23:36,280 there is a substructure that holds it up 589 00:23:36,280 –> 00:23:38,339 that’s about what we love in the heart 590 00:23:38,339 –> 00:23:39,219 and what we do 591 00:23:39,219 –> 00:23:42,800 that is a reflection of what we love 592 00:23:42,800 –> 00:23:43,920 Now, having seen that 593 00:23:43,920 –> 00:23:45,119 we move on to the next thing 594 00:23:45,119 –> 00:23:46,540 which is really the important thing 595 00:23:46,540 –> 00:23:49,640 How then do we overcome unbelief? 596 00:23:49,640 –> 00:23:51,280 And answer in short is this 597 00:23:51,280 –> 00:23:53,560 that unbelief collapses 598 00:23:53,560 –> 00:23:56,619 when the substructure that holds it in place 599 00:23:56,619 –> 00:23:58,739 is dismantled 600 00:23:58,739 –> 00:24:00,459 In other words when something is done 601 00:24:00,459 –> 00:24:02,979 about the loves of the heart 602 00:24:02,979 –> 00:24:05,540 and the deeds that are producing 603 00:24:05,680 –> 00:24:06,880 these particular loves 604 00:24:06,880 –> 00:24:10,119 and that’s what I want us to focus in on here 605 00:24:10,119 –> 00:24:11,040 Think about it with me 606 00:24:11,040 –> 00:24:13,739 The roots of unbelief lie in what we love 607 00:24:13,739 –> 00:24:14,939 and in what we do 608 00:24:14,939 –> 00:24:17,520 Therefore, to overcome unbelief 609 00:24:17,520 –> 00:24:18,540 where do we start? 610 00:24:18,540 –> 00:24:22,079 Well it needs to be dismatled at both ends, as it were 611 00:24:22,079 –> 00:24:25,000 Both what we love and what we do 612 00:24:25,000 –> 00:24:27,859 And that happens in two ways 613 00:24:28,459 –> 00:24:31,260 First as you recognise 614 00:24:31,260 –> 00:24:35,599 what you need to receive from Jesus 615 00:24:36,619 –> 00:24:41,300 Unbelief is the fruit of loving and doing the wrong things 616 00:24:41,300 –> 00:24:45,400 You’ve got to break that pattern in both places 617 00:24:46,000 –> 00:24:48,359 A change in what you love 618 00:24:48,859 –> 00:24:50,839 and a change in what you do 619 00:24:50,839 –> 00:24:53,540 Take that support structure out 620 00:24:53,540 –> 00:24:56,719 and unbelief will fall to the ground 621 00:24:56,920 –> 00:24:59,079 And do you see that a change in what you love 622 00:24:59,079 –> 00:25:00,219 and a change in what you do 623 00:25:00,219 –> 00:25:05,040 is exactly what Jesus was speaking to Nicodemus about 624 00:25:05,040 –> 00:25:08,560 when he said you must be born again 625 00:25:09,819 –> 00:25:10,959 And here’s what that means 626 00:25:10,959 –> 00:25:13,420 Nicodemus, you’ve gotta be born of water 627 00:25:13,699 –> 00:25:15,479 and of the Spirit 628 00:25:15,920 –> 00:25:19,260 You need a new birth that cleanses you 629 00:25:19,420 –> 00:25:21,819 And a new birth that renews you 630 00:25:21,819 –> 00:25:24,579 You need a new birth that changes your heart 631 00:25:24,579 –> 00:25:27,439 And you need a new birth that washes your life 632 00:25:27,439 –> 00:25:28,660 That’s what he’s saying 633 00:25:29,979 –> 00:25:31,540 And of course as we saw earlier 634 00:25:31,540 –> 00:25:33,280 Nicodemus is right on when he says 635 00:25:33,280 –> 00:25:34,760 Well how in the world is that gonna happen? 636 00:25:34,760 –> 00:25:35,260 You know 637 00:25:35,260 –> 00:25:37,180 How can a man be born again when he’s old? 638 00:25:37,180 –> 00:25:38,500 I’m no spring chicken 639 00:25:38,500 –> 00:25:39,260 You know my life 640 00:25:39,260 –> 00:25:39,819 It 641 00:25:39,819 –> 00:25:41,880 There’s a lot of habit in here 642 00:25:41,880 –> 00:25:43,660 A lot of years have built up 643 00:25:43,660 –> 00:25:44,819 The way that I am 644 00:25:44,819 –> 00:25:46,560 And you’re talking to me about a new birth 645 00:25:46,560 –> 00:25:47,920 in which I’m cleansed 646 00:25:47,920 –> 00:25:49,560 And my heart is renewed 647 00:25:49,560 –> 00:25:51,099 How is that gonna happen? 648 00:25:52,400 –> 00:25:54,300 And you remember how Jesus answers that 649 00:25:54,300 –> 00:25:54,800 He says 650 00:25:54,800 –> 00:25:56,719 Nicodemus, I’m gonna be lifted up 651 00:25:57,219 –> 00:25:59,060 I’m gonna lay down my life 652 00:26:00,079 –> 00:26:01,859 And if you will put your trust in me 653 00:26:01,859 –> 00:26:03,260 I will do for you what you 654 00:26:03,260 –> 00:26:04,819 cannot do for yourself 655 00:26:06,119 –> 00:26:07,300 Here is the good news 656 00:26:07,300 –> 00:26:10,119 That Jesus promises to Nicodemus and to us 657 00:26:10,119 –> 00:26:13,880 Jesus Christ can re-incline your heart 658 00:26:13,880 –> 00:26:15,939 and move you in a new direction 659 00:26:16,739 –> 00:26:19,380 He can give you a new love 660 00:26:19,380 –> 00:26:22,500 That will be strong enough to squeeze out 661 00:26:22,500 –> 00:26:23,839 the other loves 662 00:26:23,839 –> 00:26:26,640 The wrong loves that have dominated your life 663 00:26:27,560 –> 00:26:29,020 He can wash your life 664 00:26:29,020 –> 00:26:33,540 He can deal with the effects of sin in your life 665 00:26:33,540 –> 00:26:37,459 That remain in your mind and in your heart 666 00:26:37,459 –> 00:26:39,800 And he can reorient you 667 00:26:39,800 –> 00:26:42,520 So that what you love the most is new 668 00:26:42,520 –> 00:26:43,520 And it is different 669 00:26:43,520 –> 00:26:45,880 And you can ask him to do this for you 670 00:26:45,880 –> 00:26:47,520 And I hope that there will be some 671 00:26:47,520 –> 00:26:48,459 Who will do that today 672 00:26:48,459 –> 00:26:50,680 For the very first time 673 00:26:50,680 –> 00:26:53,260 And you can use the words of David 674 00:26:53,260 –> 00:26:55,300 Who made this prayer to be washed 675 00:26:55,380 –> 00:26:57,439 And to be changed on the inside 676 00:26:57,439 –> 00:26:58,920 In terms of what he loves 677 00:26:58,920 –> 00:27:00,579 You’ll find it in Psalm 51 678 00:27:00,579 –> 00:27:02,680 It’s a wonderful prayer 679 00:27:02,680 –> 00:27:03,760 And he says these two things 680 00:27:03,760 –> 00:27:05,760 First, purge me with hyssop 681 00:27:05,760 –> 00:27:06,880 And I shall be clean 682 00:27:06,880 –> 00:27:10,319 Wash me and I shall be whiter than snow 683 00:27:10,319 –> 00:27:15,800 He’s saying, God, I see I have done wrong things 684 00:27:15,800 –> 00:27:17,560 And I need to be washed 685 00:27:17,560 –> 00:27:19,920 I need to be washed from the guilt of what I have done 686 00:27:19,920 –> 00:27:24,459 I need to be cleansed from the effect of what I have done 687 00:27:24,599 –> 00:27:26,099 The effect on me 688 00:27:27,160 –> 00:27:28,160 I need to be washed 689 00:27:28,160 –> 00:27:29,839 I need to be cleansed 690 00:27:30,260 –> 00:27:31,479 But I need more than that 691 00:27:31,479 –> 00:27:34,140 He says, create in me a clean heart, oh God 692 00:27:34,140 –> 00:27:37,060 And renew a right spirit within me 693 00:27:37,560 –> 00:27:38,939 The reason I did the wrong things 694 00:27:38,939 –> 00:27:40,560 Is because I loved the wrong things 695 00:27:40,560 –> 00:27:43,619 So I ask of you, God, change my heart 696 00:27:43,619 –> 00:27:44,780 Because if you don’t change my heart 697 00:27:44,780 –> 00:27:46,920 I’ll just go on doing the wrong things again and again 698 00:27:46,920 –> 00:27:48,760 It came from what I loved 699 00:27:48,760 –> 00:27:50,380 So please cleanse what I did 700 00:27:50,380 –> 00:27:53,760 And please change the heart that made me do it 701 00:27:53,800 –> 00:27:56,140 Break the cycles in both places 702 00:27:56,400 –> 00:27:57,540 That’s what he’s saying 703 00:27:59,099 –> 00:28:00,760 Deliver me from this heart 704 00:28:01,579 –> 00:28:03,119 That loves the wrong things 705 00:28:03,119 –> 00:28:05,260 Cleanse my life 706 00:28:06,180 –> 00:28:08,160 And change my heart 707 00:28:08,160 –> 00:28:10,060 Now, what David prayed for 708 00:28:10,060 –> 00:28:13,760 Is exactly what Jesus is speaking to Nicodemus about 709 00:28:13,760 –> 00:28:17,520 When he says, you must be born again 710 00:28:18,140 –> 00:28:21,060 And you will find that the power of unbelief 711 00:28:21,079 –> 00:28:23,859 That remember is held up by the substructure 712 00:28:23,859 –> 00:28:26,000 Of what you love and what you do 713 00:28:27,380 –> 00:28:30,500 You will find that it loses its grip on your soul 714 00:28:30,500 –> 00:28:37,520 As you recognize what you need to receive from Jesus 715 00:28:39,459 –> 00:28:41,400 And then there’s one more thing 716 00:28:42,160 –> 00:28:49,479 And it is that you openly take your stand with Jesus 717 00:28:49,479 –> 00:28:53,319 Now friends, this is where I had an aha moment this week 718 00:28:53,319 –> 00:28:56,680 Something I’d never thought about before or never really seen before 719 00:28:57,359 –> 00:28:59,439 But it’s in verses 19 to 21 720 00:29:00,640 –> 00:29:04,880 Notice there that Jesus introduces the theme of the light 721 00:29:05,520 –> 00:29:09,420 No less than five times in these three verses 722 00:29:10,359 –> 00:29:11,880 Verse 19 this is the judgment 723 00:29:12,880 –> 00:29:17,199 The light reflected in it is the judgment 724 00:29:17,560 –> 00:29:19,000 Verse 18 This is the judgment 725 00:29:19,680 –> 00:29:22,400 The light has come into the world 726 00:29:22,400 –> 00:29:24,439 And people love darkness rather than light 727 00:29:25,560 –> 00:29:28,880 Everyone who does wicked things hates the light 728 00:29:28,880 –> 00:29:30,239 And does not come into the light 729 00:29:31,099 –> 00:29:34,119 Whoever does what is true comes into the light 730 00:29:34,239 –> 00:29:37,800 Five times in three verses Jesus introduces the theme of the light 731 00:29:37,800 –> 00:29:42,520 Why does he do that in these last verses that are before us today? 732 00:29:43,500 –> 00:29:44,339 And 733 00:29:44,339 –> 00:29:46,000 I think 734 00:29:46,000 –> 00:29:50,459 that the answer to that question is that this is the end of the 735 00:29:51,680 –> 00:29:56,660 Conversation with Nicodemus who came to Jesus at night 736 00:29:59,380 –> 00:30:04,979 This man came secretly this man came under the cover of darkness and 737 00:30:05,880 –> 00:30:12,380 At the end of the conversation Jesus says you have to come into the light 738 00:30:13,500 –> 00:30:15,900 Now, I know that there is some 739 00:30:16,520 –> 00:30:22,500 Discussion about where the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus actually ends 740 00:30:22,739 –> 00:30:27,060 You should understand there’s not a punctuation the quotation marks in the original 741 00:30:27,219 –> 00:30:29,500 of the Bible and so it is a matter of 742 00:30:30,140 –> 00:30:37,400 interpretation as to where the specific words of Jesus and and when the continuing narrative of the 743 00:30:37,439 –> 00:30:42,459 Apostle John continues if you have the new International version of the Bible 744 00:30:42,459 –> 00:30:48,239 you may notice that their quotation marks end at the end of verse 15 and 745 00:30:48,439 –> 00:30:53,660 Do not continue from verse 16 onwards and on that 746 00:30:54,160 –> 00:30:57,119 understanding the last thing that Jesus actually said 747 00:30:57,599 –> 00:31:04,040 To Nicodemus was that the Son of man will be lifted up and whoever believes in him will have life in his name 748 00:31:04,719 –> 00:31:08,660 And on that understanding then it was the apostle John 749 00:31:09,140 –> 00:31:13,780 who then under the inspiration of the Spirit penned the words of verse 16 and 750 00:31:14,199 –> 00:31:18,900 Onwards for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son 751 00:31:19,800 –> 00:31:21,800 Where does the conversation? 752 00:31:22,400 –> 00:31:24,859 between Jesus and Nicodemus end 753 00:31:27,020 –> 00:31:29,219 By the way, it really does not make a terrible 754 00:31:30,140 –> 00:31:36,020 Difference as to whether our Lord spoke the words of John 3 16 or whether the apostle John 755 00:31:36,500 –> 00:31:40,099 wrote them under the inspiration of this the spirit all 756 00:31:40,880 –> 00:31:42,880 Scripture is breathed out by God 757 00:31:43,280 –> 00:31:47,160 If you have a red letter Bible, it’s a good thing 758 00:31:47,219 –> 00:31:54,000 some Bibles have the words of Jesus in red and all of the rest of the print in black to make the words of 759 00:31:54,000 –> 00:31:59,119 Jesus stand out if you have a red letter Bible, please always remember this 760 00:31:59,780 –> 00:32:05,000 that the letters in black the words in black are as much the Word of God as 761 00:32:05,339 –> 00:32:12,160 The words and the letters in red the whole of Scripture is given to us by the inspiration of God 762 00:32:13,219 –> 00:32:15,219 But I think having said all that 763 00:32:15,920 –> 00:32:19,500 That the English Standard Version the ESV translation of the Bible 764 00:32:19,560 –> 00:32:23,239 That is the one that we have in the pews and that we use here in this church 765 00:32:23,719 –> 00:32:28,680 I think the ESV translators have got it exactly right here and 766 00:32:29,300 –> 00:32:31,520 That Jesus was in fact 767 00:32:32,040 –> 00:32:37,359 continuing to speak to Nicodemus all the way down to verse 21 and 768 00:32:37,880 –> 00:32:42,439 For that reason you will see in the NIV if you look closely that the quotation marks 769 00:32:42,900 –> 00:32:44,900 indicating the words of Jesus 770 00:32:45,040 –> 00:32:46,619 continue in this 771 00:32:47,319 –> 00:32:50,459 from verse 16 all the way down to the end of 772 00:32:50,619 –> 00:32:56,780 Verse 21 and if you have a red-letter Bible you will most likely have these words printed in red 773 00:32:57,099 –> 00:32:59,760 Indicating that they were the very words of Jesus 774 00:32:59,760 –> 00:33:04,739 I believe that to be the case not least because the way in which the 775 00:33:05,339 –> 00:33:07,359 conversation ends 776 00:33:07,359 –> 00:33:10,880 Exactly speaks to the circumstance in which it begins 777 00:33:11,739 –> 00:33:17,079 So here then is the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus in summary 778 00:33:18,800 –> 00:33:20,800 Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night 779 00:33:22,760 –> 00:33:29,079 He’s a very successful person, but he has some emptiness in his soul he’s drawn to Jesus and he does have some questions 780 00:33:30,599 –> 00:33:31,959 He says rabbi 781 00:33:31,959 –> 00:33:34,839 we know that you are a teacher from God and 782 00:33:34,959 –> 00:33:40,400 Jesus jumps right in, almost stops him in his tracks and says Nicodemus, you must be born again 783 00:33:41,020 –> 00:33:43,199 And here’s what that means 784 00:33:44,099 –> 00:33:51,239 You must have a new birth that cleanses and renews that is born of water and born of the Spirit 785 00:33:52,560 –> 00:33:55,800 Well, Jesus how is that supposed to happen? How can I do that? 786 00:33:55,800 –> 00:34:00,739 I can’t cleanse myself at this stage of my life, and how am I supposed to change what my heart loves 787 00:34:01,619 –> 00:34:04,880 Jesus says Nicodemus 788 00:34:06,060 –> 00:34:08,060 believe in me 789 00:34:08,419 –> 00:34:12,479 but son of man is going to be lifted up, and here’s why 790 00:34:13,260 –> 00:34:19,659 God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in 791 00:34:19,659 –> 00:34:22,560 Him should not perish but have eternal life 792 00:34:23,340 –> 00:34:25,000 now 793 00:34:25,000 –> 00:34:26,340 Nicodemus 794 00:34:26,419 –> 00:34:30,260 You come to me and you say that you have questions 795 00:34:31,000 –> 00:34:35,260 You present yourself here today as a seeker after truth 796 00:34:35,979 –> 00:34:37,979 But look at you Nicodemus 797 00:34:38,679 –> 00:34:40,679 Scurrying around in the darkness 798 00:34:40,979 –> 00:34:45,360 Worrying about what the people who praise you are gonna think because you’re talking to me 799 00:34:45,699 –> 00:34:53,659 You need to stop this you need to come out into the open come into the light and Nicodemus verse 21 if you are true 800 00:34:54,219 –> 00:34:56,219 That is exactly what you will do 801 00:34:56,739 –> 00:34:58,020 and 802 00:34:58,020 –> 00:35:02,860 That’s where the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus end so that Nicodemus 803 00:35:03,300 –> 00:35:05,300 leaves knowing 804 00:35:05,959 –> 00:35:10,820 that Jesus told me he can change my heart and wash my life 805 00:35:12,260 –> 00:35:15,580 He called me to believe in him and 806 00:35:16,360 –> 00:35:17,739 now I 807 00:35:17,739 –> 00:35:19,620 must make a 808 00:35:19,620 –> 00:35:21,439 decision and 809 00:35:21,840 –> 00:35:26,919 Means either. I must do what he says and come out into the open as 810 00:35:27,620 –> 00:35:29,159 He committed 811 00:35:29,159 –> 00:35:32,080 follower of Jesus Christ and believer in the Lord 812 00:35:32,080 –> 00:35:33,379 Jesus Christ 813 00:35:33,379 –> 00:35:38,520 Whatever that’s going to mean with my professional colleagues who won’t think much of me doing that either 814 00:35:38,520 –> 00:35:45,100 I do that or I’m gonna have to remain where I am a successful man with an empty soul in many questions 815 00:35:46,379 –> 00:35:48,379 So what am I going to do? 816 00:35:48,419 –> 00:35:50,419 I’m not going to stay in the darkness 817 00:35:50,840 –> 00:35:54,540 Or am I going to come into the light? 818 00:35:55,540 –> 00:35:57,540 That’s where the story ends 819 00:35:59,040 –> 00:36:03,419 Except that the gospel tells us that that question was very wonderfully answered and 820 00:36:04,060 –> 00:36:08,139 It was answered on Good Friday the day that Jesus died on the cross 821 00:36:09,120 –> 00:36:16,040 You have that in John chapter 19 in verse 39 where we’re told that after Jesus committed his spirit into the hand of the father 822 00:36:16,040 –> 00:36:23,760 That a rich man by the name of Arimathea, Joseph of Arimathea, came to Pontius Pilate and asked for permission 823 00:36:23,760 –> 00:36:26,479 To take the body of Jesus to lay it in his tomb 824 00:36:26,479 –> 00:36:32,239 And then we’re told John 19 verse 39 that Nicodemus 825 00:36:32,239 –> 00:36:37,179 Who came to Jesus at night 826 00:36:37,179 –> 00:36:41,879 Came, and he was the one who brought the spices 827 00:36:42,879 –> 00:36:44,820 in other words 828 00:36:45,100 –> 00:36:48,800 He comes out into the open 829 00:36:48,800 –> 00:36:54,199 In the light of the cross of Jesus Christ 830 00:36:55,439 –> 00:37:01,040 Jesus said to me, the Son of man will be lifted up 831 00:37:01,040 –> 00:37:06,060 That whoever believes in Him may have eternal life 832 00:37:06,060 –> 00:37:12,199 And these I see were not just words, he sealed his words with his blood 833 00:37:12,280 –> 00:37:16,080 In the light of this, I can no longer be 834 00:37:16,080 –> 00:37:18,979 A lover of myself, or a lover of money 835 00:37:18,979 –> 00:37:23,899 Or a lover of pleasure, or a lover of other people’s praise 836 00:37:23,899 –> 00:37:27,439 In the light of this, I must become one who truly loves God 837 00:37:27,439 –> 00:37:29,679 And one who truly loves other people 838 00:37:29,679 –> 00:37:32,219 I see now that I must receive 839 00:37:32,219 –> 00:37:34,540 What he said he alone is able to give 840 00:37:34,540 –> 00:37:37,439 A change in what I love 841 00:37:37,439 –> 00:37:40,560 And a cleansing in regards to what I have done 842 00:37:40,659 –> 00:37:43,500 I must, therefore, come out of the shadows 843 00:37:43,500 –> 00:37:46,479 And, at last, take my stand with him 844 00:37:46,479 –> 00:37:49,439 I must ask that God will do in me 845 00:37:49,439 –> 00:37:51,560 What he has promised 846 00:37:51,560 –> 00:37:54,719 This change of heart, this washing of my life 847 00:37:54,719 –> 00:37:58,300 I must nail my colors to the mast, as it were 848 00:37:58,300 –> 00:38:00,919 For Jesus Christ, and I must do it 849 00:38:00,919 –> 00:38:02,679 Whatever my professional colleagues 850 00:38:02,679 –> 00:38:05,020 Or other members of my family may think 851 00:38:05,020 –> 00:38:07,500 And whatever it may cost 852 00:38:08,100 –> 00:38:14,080 Friends, that is what coming to faith in Jesus Christ looks like 853 00:38:14,080 –> 00:38:17,040 This is what believing in the Lord, Jesus Christ, looks like 854 00:38:17,040 –> 00:38:25,459 It happens as you recognize what you need to receive from Jesus 855 00:38:25,459 –> 00:38:32,979 And as you openly take your stand with Jesus 856 00:38:33,979 –> 00:38:37,360 And in this way, you see what supports unbelief 857 00:38:37,360 –> 00:38:41,419 is taken out from underneath it and the whole thing falls to the ground 858 00:38:41,419 –> 00:38:43,939 This is how a person comes to faith 859 00:38:43,939 –> 00:38:48,679 It’s what it looks like to come to believe 860 00:38:48,679 –> 00:38:53,919 Now, Jesus called Nicodemus to believe, and he calls all of us to believe 861 00:38:53,919 –> 00:38:57,699 and so, the question at the end is a question for all of us 862 00:38:57,699 –> 00:39:01,760 What are you going to do? Jesus can wash your life 863 00:39:02,399 –> 00:39:06,399 Jesus is able to change your heart, to give you a new love 864 00:39:06,399 –> 00:39:08,679 He says to you, believe in me 865 00:39:08,679 –> 00:39:09,580 Now, what are you going to do? 866 00:39:09,580 –> 00:39:11,639 You’re going to stay scurrying around in the darkness 867 00:39:11,639 –> 00:39:13,939 You’re going to come out in the light 868 00:39:13,939 –> 00:39:18,280 as an open, clear follower of Jesus Christ 869 00:39:18,280 –> 00:39:19,540 committed to him 870 00:39:19,540 –> 00:39:24,919 Listen, if you are a lover of darkness 871 00:39:24,919 –> 00:39:27,979 you will stay in the darkness 872 00:39:28,020 –> 00:39:31,199 And if you remain in the darkness 873 00:39:31,199 –> 00:39:36,739 God will give you the darkness that you choose forever and forever 874 00:39:36,739 –> 00:39:39,959 But if you are true 875 00:39:39,959 –> 00:39:43,360 you will come into the light 876 00:39:43,360 –> 00:39:49,199 you will recognize what you need to receive from Jesus 877 00:39:49,199 –> 00:39:56,219 and you will gladly and openly take your stand with Jesus 878 00:39:56,219 –> 00:40:03,000 And I hope that it is something that every person who hears this message will do 879 00:40:03,000 –> 00:40:06,399 Will you pray with me 880 00:40:06,399 –> 00:40:08,560 Father 881 00:40:08,560 –> 00:40:13,659 all over this sanctuary today may unbelief fall to the ground 882 00:40:13,659 –> 00:40:20,760 as what holds it in its place is knocked away 883 00:40:20,760 –> 00:40:24,419 Change what this heart loves 884 00:40:24,520 –> 00:40:29,139 cleanse what this life has been doing 885 00:40:29,139 –> 00:40:34,419 and grant that I may receive from your very hand 886 00:40:34,419 –> 00:40:37,340 all that you have promised 887 00:40:37,340 –> 00:40:39,639 as even now 888 00:40:39,639 –> 00:40:41,959 I look to you 889 00:40:41,959 –> 00:40:43,820 and believe in your name 890 00:40:43,820 –> 00:40:46,080 Hear our prayers, Lord Jesus 891 00:40:46,080 –> 00:40:51,639 and may there be miracles of grace as faith is born in many a life today 892 00:40:51,639 –> 00:40:54,379 for we ask it in Jesus’ name