John 3:34-36 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God: for God gives not the Spirit by measure to him.… I. CHRIST'S EXCELLENCY IN HIS PROPHETICAL OFFICE (ver. 34). 1. He is the sent of God. His mission is the measure of Divine love to the world. God sent other messengers, the prophets, John, ministers; but as there is but one sun in the firmament, though men have furnished themselves with many derived lights, so there is but one messenger from God — one great centre of illumination for the use of all who are beyond the limits of the unapproachable light. 2. They are the words of God which He speaketh. The same is true of every true minister, hut they are derived. Christ spoke the very oracles of God. 3. God giveth not the Spirit by measure to His Son. The prophets had the Spirit to discharge their commissions, but under such limitations as were necessary to their limited capacities and occasions. But there was no such limit in regard to Christ. II. CHRIST'S DIGNITY AS THE APPOINTED SOURCE OF ALL GOOD TO THE CHURCH (ver. 35). For the use of this language the Baptist had Old Testament warrant. 1. The Father loveth the Son. He loves the world — some with a love of good will, others with a love of delight, hut not even angels share such a love as this; and indeed they and men are loved for and in the Son. 2. All things have been given into Christ's hands. If God so loved the world that He gave His Son, He so loves the Son that He hath given Him all things — all government, all the economy of redemption. 3. What obedience then is due to the Son! If God hath withheld nothing, shall we? III. THE SAFETY OF THE SOUL IS DEPENDENT ON CHRIST (ver. 36). 1. Salvation is laid up in Christ as its fountain and dispensing author. 2. This salvation is to be sought in Christ by faith. 3. No salvation without faith. Unbelief refuses Christ's testimony, declines all personal alliance with Christ, opposes God's purpose, and is the fruit of an evil heart. 4. The unbeliever shall not see life. 5. Upon the unbeliever the wrath of God abides. (A. Beith, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.WEB: For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure. |
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