Verse
Context
Sermons
Graham Harrison
John PiperJohn Piper
Michael KoulianosMichael Koulianos
G. Campbell MorganSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For God giveth not the Spirit by measure - He is the most perfect of all teachers, as having received the Holy Spirit as none before him ever did. Without measure - not for a particular time, people, purpose, etc., but for the whole compass of time, and in reference to all eternity. Former dispensations of the Holy Spirit made partial discoveries of infinite justice and mercy; but now the sum of justice, in requiring such a sacrifice, and the plenitude of mercy, in providing it, shall, by that Spirit with which he baptizes, be made manifest to all the children of men. It is worthy of remark that this was fully done after the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of pentecost, Act 2:1, etc., as may be clearly seen in all the apostolic epistles. The Jews observe, that the Holy Spirit was given only in certain measures to the prophets; some writing only one book, others two. So Rab. Acba.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
for God giveth not the Spirit by measure--Here, again, the sharpest conceivable line of distinction is drawn between Christ and all human-inspired teachers: "They have the Spirit in a limited degree; but God giveth not [to Him] the Spirit by measure." It means the entire fulness of divine life and divine power. The present tense "giveth," very aptly points out the permanent communication of the Spirit by the Father to the Son, so that a constant flow and reflow of living power is to be understood (Compare Joh 1:15) [OLSHAUSEN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Father loveth the Son,.... There is such a relation as that of Father and Son subsisting between the first and second persons in the Trinity; which is not by constitution and appointment: or arbitrary, arising from, and depending on the will of the first, but is natural and necessary; the second person being begotten by the first, and is of the same nature, and equally a divine person: and which relation is the foundation of the distinction of their persons; and which existed from all eternity, and co-existed with their being and essence; and is what no other stand in, angels or men, in such sense as the second person does; and is not to be conceived of, expressed and explained by us: and from this relation arises love; hence, the Son of the Father is his dear Son, the Son of his love; as he must needs be, since he is of the same nature, has the same perfections he has, and is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person: and hence he continues to love him in every form and appearance of his; in every office he sustains; in every state and condition into which he comes: he delighted in him as his elect, as chosen and appointed by him to be the Saviour of his people; he took pleasure in him as the surety of them, and when he saw him engaging as such, and declaring it was his heart to do his will, and work out their salvation; he loved him when he appeared in human nature, the form of a servant; and in his state of humiliation, more than once he declared, by a voice from heaven, that he was his beloved Son, and particularly at his baptism: and indeed, as in that, so in every thing else, he always did the things that pleased him; he loved him when he laid down his life for the sheep: when he was bruised, and his soul made an offering for sin; he loved him when on the cross, and even when he hid his face from him; when lay in the grave he left him not, nor would he suffer him to see corruption; he raised him front the dead, and gave him glory; exalted him, and received him into heaven with a welcome, and placed him at his right hand; and now looks with pleasure upon him, upon his person, his sacrifice, blood, and righteousness: and this love is a love of complacency and delight, and is from everlasting to everlasting; the evidence of which lows, and hath given all things into his hand; or "by his hand"; as the doctrines of the Gospel, the gifts of the Spirit, grace, and glory: or rather, "into his hand"; with which he, being the Son of God, a divine person, is fit to be entrusted, which otherwise he would not be: "all", includes "all persons"; all the angels, the good angels which are chosen in him, and he is the head of; and by whom they are confirmed in the state they are: and who are at his command and beck, and minister to him and his. The evil angels, though they have broke away from God, and rebelled against him, yet are, in some sense, in the hands of Christ, and under his power: as appears by his dispossessing them from the bodies of men on earth, his spoiling them on the cross, and triumphing over them in his ascension to heaven, and by his binding Satan a thousand years. All men are given to him; the elect in a special sense, as his bride and spouse, as his children, and as his sheep; hence, he died for them, and effectually calls them, and brings them to himself; and they shall never perish, or be plucked out of his hands, but shall have eternal life. And wicked men are, in a sense, given to him; their wrath he restrains, and makes it to praise him; he rules then with a rod of iron, and breaks them in pieces as a potter's vessel. And "all things" also are given into his hands; all temporal things, the things of nature and providence; the light of nature, and all the gifts and attainments of it; all the good things of the world, and which are wisdom's left hand blessings; and Christ disposes of them to his people in mercy, and as covenant ones: all spiritual things are in his hands; all the gifts of the Spirit, and the fulness of all grace, sanctifying, justifying, pardoning, adopting, and persevering grace; all the promises and blessings of the covenant; the government of the church, and the judgment of the world; all power, both in heaven and in earth; the salvation of the elect, and their eternal inheritance, happiness, and glory. For all which, creature, angels or men, are fit, only the Son of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:34-35 The Father gives the Son the Spirit without limit as a sign of his profound love (3:35). It also illustrates Jesus’ divinity. John presents the one God as three persons (cp. 1 Jn 5:5-12).
John’s Testimony about Jesus
33Whoever accepts His testimony has certified that God is truthful.34For the One whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Personal Revival
By Graham Harrison1.2K1:01:39Personal RevivalPSA 115:1ISA 61:1LUK 3:16JHN 3:34ACT 1:8ACT 2:1ROM 8:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses how God has used individuals throughout history to bring about significant changes. He references the example of John the Baptist, who preached repentance and baptism for the remission of sins. The speaker then highlights the impact of Martin Luther, who nailed 95 theses to a church door and began preaching and writing, leading to a transformation in Europe. He also mentions the influence of George Whitfield, Howell Harris, Daniel Rowland, Charles Wesley, and John Wesley in spreading the message of repentance and faith. Lastly, the speaker shares the story of three young men in the 18th century who were used by God to bring about a revival, resulting in countless people coming to know God and altering the course of history.
If My Words Abide in You
By John Piper63946:44PSA 1:2PSA 40:5PSA 103:2JHN 3:34JHN 6:63JHN 17:17ROM 10:171PE 1:231JN 2:14
This sermon emphasizes the importance of memorizing scripture to deepen understanding, strengthen faith, shape worldview, overcome temptation, guard the mind, and minister to others effectively. It highlights the transformative power of God's Word, the necessity of abiding in Jesus' words for sanctification, and the victory over the enemy through scripture. The speaker shares personal testimonies and insights on the significance of Bible memory in experiencing God's wondrous deeds and thoughts in daily life.
You Will Never Be Thirsty Again
By John Piper59346:15JHN 1:14JHN 3:16JHN 3:34JHN 4:10JHN 4:14JHN 4:23
This sermon focuses on the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting Jesus' gracious purposefulness, relational pursuit, and superior offer of eternal life. It emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize their spiritual thirst and accept Jesus as the ultimate satisfaction for their deepest needs, despite their woeful condition and initial misunderstandings.
The Working of the Holy Spirit
By Michael Koulianos2913:11Holy SpiritThe Role of the Holy SpiritTransformation into Christ's LikenessISA 11:2MAT 10:20LUK 4:1JHN 3:34JHN 14:26JHN 15:26ACT 15:28ROM 8:291CO 2:10GAL 5:22Michael Koulianos emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in revealing Jesus to believers and transforming them into His likeness. He explains that God's primary goal is not just to use us but to shape our character to reflect Christ, which often involves enduring trials and long suffering. The Holy Spirit is described as the Spirit of the Father and the Spirit of Jesus, guiding and teaching us in truth, and helping us navigate life's challenges. Koulianos encourages the congregation to rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and to foster a deep relationship with Him, as He is essential for understanding truth and living a Christ-like life.
The Person of the Holy Spirit (Pt. 2)
By Michael Koulianos2039:15Holy SpiritRelationship with the FatherThe Holiness of the Holy SpiritMAT 10:20JHN 3:34JHN 15:26ROM 8:14HEB 1:1Michael Koulianos emphasizes the holiness and extremity of the Holy Spirit's character, reminding us that He is not only the Holy Spirit but also the Spirit of the Father. He explains that understanding the Holy Spirit's holiness leads to a deeper relationship with God, who is more loving, gracious, and patient than we can comprehend. Koulianos highlights the importance of being led by the Holy Spirit as a sign of true sonship, and he encourages believers to approach God as their Father, emphasizing the need for a genuine relationship rather than a transactional one. He concludes by stressing that our connection to the Father is rooted in our relationship with Jesus, facilitated by the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Enlargement Unto the Maintaining of the Testimony of Jesus
By T. Austin-Sparks1Spiritual FullnessEnlargement of Vision2KI 2:152KI 4:2PSA 78:41LUK 4:16JHN 3:34ACT 2:4ACT 10:142CO 4:12CO 6:11EPH 5:18T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the theme of spiritual enlargement through the biblical account of Elisha succeeding Elijah, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to maintain the testimony of Jesus. He draws parallels between the Old Testament stories and the New Testament, illustrating how God's call for fullness and enlargement applies to the Church today. Sparks discusses three key incidents: the widow's oil, Naaman's healing, and the sons of the prophets, each demonstrating the necessity of being empty vessels for God's abundant work. He urges believers to embrace a broader vision and ministry, free from limitations and exclusivity, to fulfill their calling in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of spiritual fullness and the expansive nature of God's grace.
The Relation of the Spirit to the Trinity
By G. Campbell Morgan0The TrinityThe Holy SpiritGEN 1:26NUM 6:24ISA 6:3MAT 28:19JHN 1:3JHN 3:34JHN 14:26JHN 15:261CO 2:101JN 5:7G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound mystery of the Trinity, emphasizing that while the doctrine is a declared fact in Scripture, it remains beyond human comprehension. He discusses various analogies that attempt to illustrate the Trinity but ultimately concludes that they fall short of capturing its essence. Morgan highlights the roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in creation and revelation, asserting that the Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity, proceeding from the Father and revealing the divine consciousness. He stresses that the relationship among the Trinity is a mystery that cannot be fully explained but is essential for understanding God's nature and work in the world.
He Shall Baptise You With the Holy Ghost
By G.W. North0Jesus as the BaptizerBaptism Of The Holy SpiritMAT 3:11LUK 3:16JHN 1:29JHN 3:34ACT 1:5ACT 2:4ROM 8:91CO 12:13GAL 5:22EPH 4:30G.W. North emphasizes the significance of John the Baptist's proclamation that Jesus is the Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, noting that while John called people to his baptism for forgiveness, he did not direct them to Christ for it. This indicates John's understanding of Jesus' mission as far greater than mere forgiveness; He came to remove sin entirely. North highlights that the Gospel writers focused on this aspect of Jesus' ministry, suggesting a divine emphasis on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The absence of references to the cross in John's message points to a deeper spiritual reality that should not be overlooked. This sermon challenges believers to recognize the profound implications of being baptized with the Holy Spirit.
The Effects of the Redeemer's Sufferings and Death
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 11:1MAT 11:29JHN 3:34ROM 1:4PHP 3:10HEB 2:17HEB 4:15HEB 5:2HEB 5:81JN 1:2J.C. Philpot preaches on the sacred humanity of Jesus Christ, focusing on His suffering, death, and resurrection, which brought salvation, hope, and blessings to believers. Through His obedience and sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled the law, removed sin, and reconciled humanity with God, offering pardon, peace, and eternal salvation. Jesus, in His humanity, experienced temptation, suffering, and learned obedience, enabling Him to sympathize with and understand the struggles of His people. Believers are called to follow Jesus' example, embracing His suffering and crucifixion, and finding union and communion with God through His humanity.
John 3:22-36. John's Testimony About Jesus.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0JHN 3:29JHN 3:34JHN 3:36ROM 6:231CO 4:7EPH 1:11JAS 1:171PE 1:3Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the humility and love of John the Baptist towards Jesus, emphasizing John's desire for all to come to Christ for spiritual cleansing and baptism with the Holy Spirit. John's humility is evident in his acknowledgment that all he had was given from above, teaching us to be thankful and humble in God's sight. He joyfully compares Jesus to a bridegroom and himself to the bridegroom's friend, delighting in leading people to love Christ and praising Him. John highlights the contrasting happiness of believers who have everlasting life in Christ and the miserable state of unbelievers who face the wrath of God, urging reflection on one's spiritual condition and the immense debt owed to God by unbelievers.
The Mystery of Iniquity
By Reggie Kelly0GEN 3:15ISA 28:15DAN 8:25DAN 9:25JHN 3:34COL 1:192TH 2:71TI 3:16REV 10:7REV 11:7Reggie Kelly delves into the profound mysteries of Genesis 3:15, connecting it to the comprehensive plan of God revealed in the Bible, particularly focusing on the two seeds representing the lines of men leading to redemption. He explores the nature of Satan in fallen man versus the nature of God in His saints, culminating in the personal incarnations of the two princes in Daniel. Reggie discusses the revelation of the Man of Sin and the Antichrist, emphasizing the intricate events leading to their manifestation and the ultimate battle between good and evil.
Pray for the Spirit
By J.W. Alexander0PSA 81:10ISA 49:18ZEC 4:6MAT 21:28LUK 11:13JHN 3:34ACT 2:33ROM 8:131CO 6:11J.W. Alexander preaches about the necessity of the whole Church humbling themselves before God in prayer for a mighty revival. He emphasizes the importance of seeking the Holy Spirit through fervent supplication, as the Spirit is the key to all blessings and the source of revival and sanctification. Alexander urges believers to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the power, influence, and necessity of the Spirit in regeneration, sanctification, and successful ministry. He calls for unwavering faith in God's ability to bring about a great awakening, leading to the conversion of many, especially those in desperate need of salvation.
The Meaning of the Anointing
By T. Austin-Sparks0Lordship Of ChristHoly SpiritISA 61:1LUK 4:18JHN 3:34JHN 14:26ACT 10:38ROM 8:142CO 1:21GAL 5:16EPH 4:301JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that the anointing of the Holy Spirit signifies His absolute Lordship over our lives, requiring the relinquishment of all other influences and desires. This anointing is essential for experiencing the fullness of the Spirit's power and guidance, as demonstrated by Jesus' commitment to the Spirit's leading, even in the face of external pressures and temptations. Sparks illustrates that true anointing means surrendering our will and reputation to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to govern our actions and decisions. The sermon challenges believers to seek the anointing not for personal gain, but to align fully with God's will. Ultimately, the anointing is about being led by the Spirit in every aspect of life, just as Christ exemplified.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For God giveth not the Spirit by measure - He is the most perfect of all teachers, as having received the Holy Spirit as none before him ever did. Without measure - not for a particular time, people, purpose, etc., but for the whole compass of time, and in reference to all eternity. Former dispensations of the Holy Spirit made partial discoveries of infinite justice and mercy; but now the sum of justice, in requiring such a sacrifice, and the plenitude of mercy, in providing it, shall, by that Spirit with which he baptizes, be made manifest to all the children of men. It is worthy of remark that this was fully done after the outpouring of the Spirit on the day of pentecost, Act 2:1, etc., as may be clearly seen in all the apostolic epistles. The Jews observe, that the Holy Spirit was given only in certain measures to the prophets; some writing only one book, others two. So Rab. Acba.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
for God giveth not the Spirit by measure--Here, again, the sharpest conceivable line of distinction is drawn between Christ and all human-inspired teachers: "They have the Spirit in a limited degree; but God giveth not [to Him] the Spirit by measure." It means the entire fulness of divine life and divine power. The present tense "giveth," very aptly points out the permanent communication of the Spirit by the Father to the Son, so that a constant flow and reflow of living power is to be understood (Compare Joh 1:15) [OLSHAUSEN].
John Gill Bible Commentary
The Father loveth the Son,.... There is such a relation as that of Father and Son subsisting between the first and second persons in the Trinity; which is not by constitution and appointment: or arbitrary, arising from, and depending on the will of the first, but is natural and necessary; the second person being begotten by the first, and is of the same nature, and equally a divine person: and which relation is the foundation of the distinction of their persons; and which existed from all eternity, and co-existed with their being and essence; and is what no other stand in, angels or men, in such sense as the second person does; and is not to be conceived of, expressed and explained by us: and from this relation arises love; hence, the Son of the Father is his dear Son, the Son of his love; as he must needs be, since he is of the same nature, has the same perfections he has, and is the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person: and hence he continues to love him in every form and appearance of his; in every office he sustains; in every state and condition into which he comes: he delighted in him as his elect, as chosen and appointed by him to be the Saviour of his people; he took pleasure in him as the surety of them, and when he saw him engaging as such, and declaring it was his heart to do his will, and work out their salvation; he loved him when he appeared in human nature, the form of a servant; and in his state of humiliation, more than once he declared, by a voice from heaven, that he was his beloved Son, and particularly at his baptism: and indeed, as in that, so in every thing else, he always did the things that pleased him; he loved him when he laid down his life for the sheep: when he was bruised, and his soul made an offering for sin; he loved him when on the cross, and even when he hid his face from him; when lay in the grave he left him not, nor would he suffer him to see corruption; he raised him front the dead, and gave him glory; exalted him, and received him into heaven with a welcome, and placed him at his right hand; and now looks with pleasure upon him, upon his person, his sacrifice, blood, and righteousness: and this love is a love of complacency and delight, and is from everlasting to everlasting; the evidence of which lows, and hath given all things into his hand; or "by his hand"; as the doctrines of the Gospel, the gifts of the Spirit, grace, and glory: or rather, "into his hand"; with which he, being the Son of God, a divine person, is fit to be entrusted, which otherwise he would not be: "all", includes "all persons"; all the angels, the good angels which are chosen in him, and he is the head of; and by whom they are confirmed in the state they are: and who are at his command and beck, and minister to him and his. The evil angels, though they have broke away from God, and rebelled against him, yet are, in some sense, in the hands of Christ, and under his power: as appears by his dispossessing them from the bodies of men on earth, his spoiling them on the cross, and triumphing over them in his ascension to heaven, and by his binding Satan a thousand years. All men are given to him; the elect in a special sense, as his bride and spouse, as his children, and as his sheep; hence, he died for them, and effectually calls them, and brings them to himself; and they shall never perish, or be plucked out of his hands, but shall have eternal life. And wicked men are, in a sense, given to him; their wrath he restrains, and makes it to praise him; he rules then with a rod of iron, and breaks them in pieces as a potter's vessel. And "all things" also are given into his hands; all temporal things, the things of nature and providence; the light of nature, and all the gifts and attainments of it; all the good things of the world, and which are wisdom's left hand blessings; and Christ disposes of them to his people in mercy, and as covenant ones: all spiritual things are in his hands; all the gifts of the Spirit, and the fulness of all grace, sanctifying, justifying, pardoning, adopting, and persevering grace; all the promises and blessings of the covenant; the government of the church, and the judgment of the world; all power, both in heaven and in earth; the salvation of the elect, and their eternal inheritance, happiness, and glory. For all which, creature, angels or men, are fit, only the Son of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:34-35 The Father gives the Son the Spirit without limit as a sign of his profound love (3:35). It also illustrates Jesus’ divinity. John presents the one God as three persons (cp. 1 Jn 5:5-12).