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November 14, 2004
The Morning Sermon Outline
“Look Who Grace Can Reach!”
John 4:1-42

I. There were seemingly great differences between Nicodemus and the woman at the well.

1. Nicodemus was a ruler of the Jews; this woman does not seem to rule her own life.
2. Nicodemus was Jewish; this woman was a despised Samaritan.
3. Nicodemus seemed right, this woman was wrong.
4. Nicodemus was a Pharisee; this woman seemed to have no religious commitment at all.
5. Nicodemus we know by name; this woman remains unnamed.
6. Nicodemus was well educated; this woman was uneducated.
7. Nicodemus seemed highly moral; this woman was immoral.
8. People respected Nicodemus; they most likely despised this woman.

Yet, what is important is what this contrast teaches us!

II. No matter how good a person seems, he still cannot reach up to God.

1. Nicodemus was most likely more wealthy (materially) than Jesus
2. He would have seemed to have had a better education, pedigree, style of dress, he had a better job
3. He definitely would seem to have great advantages over the Samaritan woman
4. Yet, his misunderstandings of the gospel seem glaringly similar to the Samaritan woman’s – compare John 3:4 to John 4:15
5. His need was exactly the same as the woman’s – John 3:3; 3:5; 3:7
6. In fact, his seeming goodness may have done more harm than good – Matthew 23:27 – his goodness was cosmetic, not real!

III. No matter how bad a person is they are not out of the reach of God!

1. This woman was a member of a despised people group
2. This woman was immoral herself
3. This seems devoid of religious understanding
4. Yet, Jesus seeks her out
5. Jesus presents the gospel to her, promising living water
6. She immediately awakes to a vibrant, gospel telling faith
7. She is used to win many to faith in Christ!

The main truth presented here is that it is by grace we are saved!

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

Pastor Arnold Brevick