John 3: 1-21

Jesus teaches Nicodemus

Overview

• Nicodemus: who was he and why did he want to speak to Jesus? (Verses 1-2)

• The importance of spiritual birth (Verses 3-8)

• The importance of faith (Verses 9-15)

• Jesus mission and the worlds response (Verses 16-21)

• So what?

Nicodemus: who was he and why did he want to speak to Jesus?

(Verses 1-2)

• Pharisee

• He was a member of the ruling council (Sanhedrin)

• Came to Jesus at night

• Called Jesus Rabbi– Teacher sent from God– Recognised miracles as signs

• He wanted to learn from Jesus

So what?

• Everyone needs Jesus– Jesus was there not only for the poor and

weak but also for the powerful and educated

• We need to humble ourselves before God

• We need to listen to what God is saying to us, regardless of who he uses to say it

• We need to test all things

The importance of spiritual birth (Verses 3-8)

• Jesus identifies Nicodemus’ need: – a relationship not more knowledge– Without the relationship, you can’t really see

things as they are

• Jesus meets Nicodemus “where he was”– Even so – Nicodemus didn’t get it

• Born of water and the spirit– Difficult phrase– Ezekiel 36:25

The importance of spiritual birth

(Verses 3-8)• You should not be surprised

– Nicodemus knew his scriptures but didn’t understand them

• The wind / spirit (Greek word pneuma)– God works where He chooses– We see what He is doing

So what?

• We need to meet people at their real point of need

• We need to really understand scripture thoroughly and accurately– It’s not enough just to be able to quote it

• Are we looking for where God is moving by His spirit– Are we being “carried along” by the

Spirit?

The importance of faith (Verses 9-15)

• We need life not religion• Who is the “we”?

– Jesus? Disciples? Prophets?

• Simple and deep truths – the need to build on sound foundations– The only sound foundation is God’s

revelation

• The importance of faith– Look and live

So what?

• Hold onto what God reveals not human tradition

• Discern the truth

• Lay good foundations then build on them

• Look only to Jesus and believe Him

Jesus mission and the worlds response

(Verses 16-21)

• Nicodemus the judge needs to understand God’s great love an mercy

• God has gone to great lengths to save us

• All who believe escape condemnation– All who refuse Him are condemned

• Evil men hate the light

• Those who live by truth confess

their sin and come into the light

So what?

• Are you trusting in Jesus alone as your Saviour?

• Are we rejoicing in God’s love and grace?

• Do we expect people to recoil from the light?

Today’s take away

• Are our lives rooted in a living relationship with Jesus as Saviour?

• Are we holding Jesus up for all to see so that they can “look and live”

• Are we praying that God will reveal this truth to those around us

• Are we looking for where God is working and doing the things He wants us to do