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Chapter One

“For God” – The Provider

John 3:16 begins with just two three-letter words: “For God…”
These two words are the foundation on which the entire verse depends. Without God, there is no love, no begotten Son, no everlasting life—and therefore, no hope for mankind.

The Word of God commences in the same way: “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The very God of heaven spoke the universe into existence. He stood on nothing, created something from nothing, hung that something on nothing, and by His word commanded that it remain there—and it has and will forever remain there until He says otherwise.

This is the same God who created light with His voice before He ever created the sun, moon, or stars. As Hebrews 11:3 reminds us:
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”

The same God of John 3:16 is the Creator of all things. John 1:3 affirms: “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

Throughout Scripture, the phrase “For God” introduces His identity as the Creator, Sustainer, and Provider of all mankind. Let’s consider Him as the Great Provider in four ways:

1. God’s Perfection

Psalm 18:30 declares:
“As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him.”

A god who can fail brings no comfort to a man who already knows failure. But a God who has never failed, never miscalculated, and never made a mistake is a God we can fully trust. He has never attempted anything and failed. He has never begun a work for good that ended in disaster. Our God is perfect, and as Mark 7:37 says, “He hath done all things well.”

2. God’s Praise-Worthiness

Psalm 47:7 says, “For God is the King of all the earth; sing ye praises with understanding.”

God is not simply worthy of our casual consideration; He is worthy of our adoration, exaltation, and praise. Psalm 150 calls all creation to lift Him up:

“Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.”

The chief end of man is to glorify and enjoy God. His highest aim is to make Himself known and glorified among His creation. Everything good, holy, loving, and true is found in Him. He is not only the Giver of every good and perfect gift; He Himself is the sum and substance of all blessing.

3. God’s Power

Scripture often reminds us that God is not only powerful—He is all-powerful.

2 Chronicles 25:8 declares: “For God hath power to help, and to cast down.”
1 Chronicles 29:11 adds:
“Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty… and thou art exalted as head above all.”

Every earthly authority must answer to someone else, but God answers to no one. He alone is exalted as “head above all.” The word omnipotent belongs only to Him. One of His Hebrew names, El Shaddai, literally means “God Almighty.”

When God appeared to Abraham at ninety-nine years old, He introduced Himself this way: “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect” (Genesis 17:1). Though God expects perfection, He also provides it through Christ. Our perfection comes not from ourselves but from the One who gave His only begotten Son.

A.W. Tozer beautifully described this truth:

“Since He has at His command all the power in the universe, the Lord God omnipotent can do anything as easily as anything else… All the power required to do all that He wills to do lies in undiminished fullness in His own infinite being.”

Indeed, His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

4. God’s Protection

David testified of God’s protection in Psalm 59:9:
“Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.”

He wrote this when Saul had sent men to kill him, yet he could sing of God’s defense and refuge. God does not create mankind and abandon him; He desires a personal, daily relationship, protecting him from the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).

Jesus gives us peace in the midst of tribulation: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Commentator William Hendriksen once compared this to a mountain guide who reaches the summit and shouts down to the climber: “Do not be afraid, for I have made it!” So also, Christ has overcome, ensuring our victory.

Even the unbeliever experiences God’s protection daily, spared long enough to receive salvation. Romans 5:8 declares:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

And Romans 8:31 reminds us: “If God be for us, who can be against us?”

Conclusion

In His perfection, praise-worthiness, power, and protection, God has revealed Himself as the ultimate Provider. From the very opening phrase, “For God…” John 3:16 points us to the only One who can give hope, salvation, and everlasting life.

The greatest verse begins with the greatest Provider.