John 3:1-15 (Sermon) A Change Is Needed

Lental Sermon Series  •  Sermon  •  Submitted
0 ratings
· 108 views
Notes
Transcript

thanksgiving

God
pastor Brian
Minister Orwell Jacobs
​
pastor Quan

The Gospel of John was written to persuade people to believe in Jesus (20:30–31). The opening verses declare that Jesus is God, stressing his unique relationship with God the Father. The book focuses on seven of Jesus’ signs (miracles), to show his divinity. Jesus called people to believe in him, promising eternal life. He proved he could give life by raising Lazarus (ch. 11) and by his own death and resurrection. John features Christ’s seven “I am” statements, his encounters with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman, his Upper Room teachings and washing of the disciples’ feet (chs. 13–16), and his high priestly prayer (ch. 17). It includes the most well-known summary of the gospel (3:16). The author was probably the apostle John, writing about A.D. 85.

wife

Introduction

Historical Background
​
During our Lent season, we take a moment to focus all our attention on Jesus Christ, our Lord, and Savior. More specifically, we focus on Christ's journey to Jerusalem, where he would then die for the sins of the world and then live again for our salvation.
​
​
​

Historical Context - Scriptural Background 

John, the apostle, is credited for the writing of the book that bears his name. The Gospel of John was written to persuade people to believe in Jesus (20:30–31). The opening verses declare that Jesus is God, stressing his unique relationship with God the Father. The book focuses on seven of Jesus' signs\miracles to show his divinity. John's synoptic gospel teaches us how Jesus called people to believe in him, promising eternal life. How Jesus proved he could give life by raising Lazarus (ch. 11) and by his own death and resurrection. John features Christ's seven "I am" statements, his encounters with the Samaritan woman, his Upper Room teachings and washing of the disciples' feet (chs. 13–16), and his high priestly prayer (ch. 17). It includes the most well-known summary of the gospel (3:16). We pick up the conversation with Jesus' encounter with a Pharisees by the name of Nicodemus.
(ESV) — 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
(ESV) — 14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.
Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin. The Pharisees were a small but influential religious party who were known for their zealous adherence to the Mosaic Law. They were also quite skeptical and adversarial of Jesus. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus was one of the 70 most influential leaders in Israel. The Sanhedrin served as the legal system of Israel - which tells us Nicodemus was not just any Pharisee, but a highly respected leader in Israel. 
During our Lent season we take a moment to focus all our attention on Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. More specifically, we focus on Christ journey to Jerusalem where he would then die for the sins of world and then live again for our salvation.
I share this information because many people think of Nicodemus as a not so famous person. However, if we read ahead in this story, we will find that not to be the case. More importantly, we will find that even in Nicodemus' failings, we can see our need to be curious, courageous, and confident. This is important because I pray that the Spirit will teach us that Jesus is willing for all to come to Him no matter how important or unimportant they might be. 
​

Historical Context - Scriptural Background

John the apostle is credited for the writing of the book that bears his name. The Gospel of John was written to persuade people to believe in Jesus (20:30–31). The opening verses declare that Jesus is God, stressing his unique relationship with God the Father. The book focuses on seven of Jesus’ signs\miracles, to show his divinity. John’s synoptic gospel teaches us how Jesus called people to believe in him, promising eternal life. How Jesus proved he could give life by raising Lazarus (ch. 11) and by his own death and resurrection. John features Christ’s seven “I am” statements, his encounters with the Samaritan woman, his Upper Room teachings and washing of the disciples’ feet (chs. 13–16), and his high priestly prayer (ch. 17). It includes the most well-known summary of the gospel (3:16). We pick up the conversation with Jesus encounter with a Pharisees by the name of Nicodemus.
For today our journey takes a look at very profound discussion between Jesus and the establishment. Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ''Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.'' Jesus replied, ''Truly, truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.''
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, ''Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not w/ him.'' Jesus replied, ''Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.''
That's an excellent place to stop and praise His Holy name!
So we begin our discussion by first providing some background and clarity of the context. Nicodemus, the man who approached Jesus, was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. The Pharisees were a small but influential religious party who were known for their zealous adherence to the Mosaic Law. They were also quite skeptical and adversarial of Jesus.
So we begin our discussion by first providing some background and clarity of the context. Nicodemus, the man who approached Jesus, was a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin. The Pharisees were a small but influential religious party who were known for their zealous adherence to the Mosaic Law. They were also quite skeptical and adversarial of Jesus. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus was one of the 70 most influential leaders in Israel. The Sanhedrin basically served as the legal system of Israel - which tells us Nicodemus was no fool, but a highly respected leader/teacher in Israel.
The propositional outline of the text suggests that there a back and forth between Jesus and Nicodemus about this process of being born again. Nicodemus' argument focused on the temporal and physical aspects of the birthing process, whereas Jesus is trying to have a spiritual and eternal discussion. 
(ESV) — 9 All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame.
As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nicodemus was one of the 70 most influential leaders in Israel. The Sanhedrin basically served as the legal system of Israel - which tells us Nicodemus was no fool, but a highly respected leader/teacher in Israel.
As a member of the Sanhedrin, Nick was one of the 71 most influential leaders in Israel. The Sanhedrin basically served as the legal system of Israel - which tells us Nicodemus was no fool, but a highly respected leader/teacher in Israel.
​
This tussle, if you will, between flesh and Spirit is a reminder to us all to be careful with having spiritual conversations with non-spiritual people. 
​
I share this because too many people think of this story and Nicodemus as a buffoon of sort because of this very discussion with Jesus. However we will find that not to be the case. More importantly, we will find that even in Nicodemus failings we can see our need to be curious, courages and confident. This is important because I pray that the Spirit will teach us that Jesus is willing for all to come to Him no matter how important or unimportant they might be.

Conclusion

Non-spiritual people are blinded, and they cannot see. Paul, the apostle, reminds us in Corinthians that, "In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
Our text on today wrestles with that blindness that plagued the Pharisees and Sanhedrin, which is the same blindness that plagues the unbeliever. Its the same condition that sometimes even us mature Christians fall into when we times get hard.
Tell your neighbor we were all once blind!
​

Thesis and Discussion

The propositional outline of the text under review this morning suggest that there is this back and forth between Jesus and Nicodemus about this process of being born again. Nicodemus argument focused on the temporal and physical aspects of the birthing process where as Jesus is trying to have a spiritual and eternal discussion.
​
In typical Johannine fashion, Jesus engages Nicodemus in what seems like a non sequitur. Nicodemus praises Jesus as one who comes from God, and Jesus, in return, asserts that no one can see the kingdom without being born from anaothen, which can be translated as again, anew, or from above. Research might suggest that Nicodemus takes Jesus to mean the first of these three possibilities, and his confusion invites a discourse from Jesus about the difference between Spirit and flesh.
As we said earlier, Nicodemus is looking at the word form the earthly perspective, and Jesus is speaking from the divine perspective. 
​
This tussle, if you will, between flesh and spirit is a reminder to us all to be careful with having spiritual conversations with non-spiritual people.
Non-spiritual people are blinded, and they cannot see. Paul reminds us in Corinthians that, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Introduction

Brother and sisters, an eternal life which is the belief that the Christian holds so dear to that there is a continual existence after death. This eternal life is our hope for, and guarantee, in Christ Jesus. This eternal life is given to us upon the confession of our sins, belief in Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Or faith is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness. Because of our faith, we receive the Spirit.
You see their blinded, and they cannot see. Paul reminds us in Corinthians that, “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Our text on today wrestles with that blindness that plagued the Pharisees and Sanhedrin. The same blindness that plagues the unbeliever. Its the same condition that sometimes even us mature Christians fall into when we times get hard.

Thesis and Discussion

Our focus scripture takes us to a point of the discussion where Nicodemus begins his questioning of the Lord. Nicodemus says, no one can do these things unless God is with him. “Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.
In typical Johannine fashion, Jesus engages Nicodemus in what seems like a non sequitur: Nicodemus praises Jesus as one who comes from God and Jesus, in return, asserts that no one can see the kingdom without being born from anaothen, which can be translated as again, anew, or from above. Research might suggest that Nicodemus takes Jesus to mean the first of these three possibilities, and his confusion invites a discourse from Jesus about the difference between Spirit and flesh.
In typical Joha fashion, Jesus engages Nicodemus in what seems like a non-sequitur: Nicodemus praises Jesus as one who comes from God and Jesus, in return, asserts that no one can see the kingdom without being born from anaothen, which can be translated as again, anew, or from above. Nicodemus clearly takes Jesus to mean the first of these three possibilities, and his confusion invites a discourse from Jesus about the difference between Spirit and flesh.
The word "born" in most translations is used about seven times. The greek word for born again "yeeea noww" is used often in the text and i translates to "become a parent of" and it's significant to understanding between the difference of the argument of Nicodemus and Jesus.
Nicodemus is looking at the word form the earthly perspective and Jesus is speaking from the divine perspective.
Brother and sisters, an eternal life which is the belief that the Christian hold so dear to that there is an unending existence after death. This eternal life is our hope for and guarantee in Christ Jesus. This life is given to us upon the confession of our sins, belief in Christs death, burial and resurrection. Of faith is built on nothing less, then Jesus blood and righteousness. Because of our faith we receive the Spirit.
Indwelling of the Spirit is something we cannot overlook. Christ speaks of a transformation that occurs when you put down the old and pick up the new.
Indwelling of the Spirit is something we cannot overlook. Christ speaks of a transformation that must be occured when you put down the old and pick up the new. We express this change of death to self and life with Christ in our public baptism and subsequent walk in life.
Christ further explains that this newness in the Spirit brings about a guarantee that one has for reaching the kingdom of God. There needs to be a change in your life in order to see God (repeat). This change is what Paul speaks about in when defining justification by faith. With this justification comes peace with God through Christ Jesus.

​

​
Eternal life which is the belief we all hold so dear to that there is an unending existence after death.
​
Eternal life which is the belief we all hold so dear to that there is an unending existence after death.
Indwelling of the Spirit is something we cannot overlook. Christ speaks of a transformation that must be occured when you put down the old and pick up the new. We express this change of death to self and life with Christ in our public baptism and subsequent walk in life.
The word "born" in most translations is used about seven times. The greek word for born again "yeeea noww" is used often in the text. It translates to "become a parent of" and it's significant to understanding between the difference of the argument of Nicodemus and Jesus. Nicodemus is looking at the word form the earthly perspective and Jesus is speaking from the divine perspective.
Christ further explains that this newnest in Christ brings about a guarantee that one has to reaching the kingdom of God. There needs to be a change in your life in order to see god. This change is what Paul speaks about in when defining, or describing justification by faith. With this justification comes peace with God through Christ Jesus.

Historical Context - Scriptural Background

The indwelling of the Spirit is something we cannot overlook. Christ speaks of a transformation that occurs when you put down the old and pick up the new. Christ further explains that this newness in the Spirit brings about a guarantee that one has to reach the kingdom of God. There needs to be a change in your life in order to see God (repeat). This change is what Paul speaks about in when defining justification by faith. With this justification comes peace with God through Christ Jesus.
But you might be asking. What does this story teach us about being born again? What can one learn through this exchange with Christ and Nicodemus. Well I am glad you ask.
John the apostle is credited for the writing of the book that bears his name. The Gospel of John was written to persuade people to believe in Jesus (20:30–31). The opening verses declare that Jesus is God, stressing his unique relationship with God the Father. The book focuses on seven of Jesus’ signs or miracles, to show his divinity. John’s synoptic gospel teaches us how Jesus called people to believe in him, promising eternal life. How Jesus proved he could give life by raising Lazarus (ch. 11) and by his own death and resurrection. John features Christ’s seven “I am” statements, his encounters with the Samaritan woman, his Upper Room teachings and washing of the disciples’ feet (chs. 13–16), and his high priestly prayer (ch. 17). It includes the most well-known summary of the gospel (3:16). We pick up the conversation with Jesus encounter with a pharasis by the name of Nicodemus.
But you might be asking. What does this story teach us about being born again? What can one learn through this exchange with Christ and Nicodemus? Well, I am glad you ask.

Power Points

Points of Discussion

Point 1 - You must be curious and couragious
Many will look at this text and say that Nicodemus was afraid to approach Jesus in the day light. Some will have well defined explanations for why he did this at night and not during the celebration. I would say while they are all good ways of looking at the text would you for once take a step back and look at it from a different perspective. I would submit that Nicodemus, came out at night because thats where many of us started.
Many of us are in the darkness. We have spent more time in the dark then we have spent in the light. So it would make since that anything we do genuinely would start were we most comfortable.
But aren't you glad that even in the darkness Jesus can be found?
Even in our spaces of hiding we can find our savior waiting to be confronted?
Look closer at the text. The curiosity of the Nicodemus just might have saved his life. It surely will save someones life who is reading it now. Verse 2 of the text says, “This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.”
When was the last time you were curious about your faith and ask God to answer your question?
I have learned that the only silly questions is the one not asked. And if you never ask the questions the answer is almost always “no”.
​
Point 2 - You must experience true convergence
Point 3 - You must be confident
Point 3 - You must be confident

Point 1 - Be Curious and Courageous

Points of Discussion

The text teaches us that Nicodemus approached Jesus with these questions at night. Many will look at this text and say that Nicodemus was afraid to approach Jesus in the day light. Some will have well defined explanations for why he did this at night and not during the Passover celebration. Don’t get me wrong they are all good ways of looking at the text but for todays purpose take a step back and look at it from a different perspective.
I would submit that Nicodemus, came out to confront Jesus in the dark because thats where many of us are today. Many of us are in the darkness right now. I know its day time and the lights are on the facility but many of us are still in dark places. If we keep it honest we have spent more time in the dark then we have spent in the light. So it would make since that anything we do genuinely would start were we most are comfortable.
Many of us are in the darkness. We have spent more time in the dark then we have spent in the light. So it would make since that anything we do genuinely would start were we most comfortable.
But aren't you glad that even in the darkness Jesus can be found?
Even in our spaces of hiding we can find our Savior waiting to be confronted by us.
How curious are you to know more about Jesus?
When was the last time you were curious about your faith and ask God to answer your question?
I have learned that the only silly questions is the one not asked. And if you never ask the questions the answer is almost always “no”.
And if you never ask the questions the answer is almost always “no”.
This encounter with Jesus and Nicodemus led to a dialog that helped shaped our understanding of the difference between being born to the flesh and born to the spirit.
Nicodemus curiosity led him to having a significant encounter with Christ. This is the same Sanhedrin put Jesus on trial (). However, Nicodemus would later rebuked the Pharisees for condemning Jesus without hearing Him (), and he would also helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (19:39–40).
​
Today we ask the same of you. During this most holy time in our Christian calendar will you also have a curious encounter with Jesus? One that might change your tomorrow, forever. I would submit however, in order to have a curious encounter with Christ you need to be a a tad bit courages.

In order to have a curious encounter with Christ you need to be a bit courages.

Point 1 - You must be curious and courageous
Do I have a witness?
In order to have a curious encounter with Christ you need to be a bit courages.
Courage is defined as the ability to do something that frightens you. Courage requires in almost all cases for the individual to step out of their comfort zone and to take action. While Nicodemus actions are questionable we cannot mis out on the fact that he was willing to ask the questions in the first place.
The first step in learning to be born again is to be a little curious and courages. Enough to step out on faith and trust God with your future.
​

Point 2 - Be open to change

As the conversation continues Nicodemus is perplexed by Jesus response. He asks him “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” The response is clearly a response from the flesh and goes totally against his earlier claim that Jesus is a man of God. Take a closer look at the text in John 3:5. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
The text teaches us that whether we refer to the water of this verse to the bag of waters which breaks at a person's first birth, or to baptism, or to spiritual cleansing, the main point of the verse is the same. Being born once or being baptized is no guarantee of salvation; you must be born of the Spirit, you must experience a spiritual cleansing and re-creation.
The Bible speaks of this change in many different ways. We must cease from being slaves of sin and become slaves of God (). We must die with Christ and rise to newness of life (, ; ; ). We must put off the old man and put on the new man created in the likeness of God (; , ). We must repent, and experience a change of mind that causes us to turn from trusting the world to trusting God's mercy (; , ). 5) We must generate a new heart. Ezekial says, “I will give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them; I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. (; )”
This change requires us to become a new creation because"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (). Lastly, we must be born again ().
I will give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them; I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. (; )
From Genesis to Revelation the Bible declares that human beings must change. If we do not change, we will not be saved: no peace with God, no hope for eternal life, but only wrath and fury (). So there is nothing more important for any individual than that he experience this change, this new birth, as Jesus called it.
You must be curious and courageous
You must experience true convergence, a change must come over you.
My last point helps us to understand why this change is important.

Point 3 Embrace the Holy Spirit

I close with this final point. Jesus uses this analogy of the wind to drive home sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. To show how the Spirit would embrace man.
I close with this final point. Jesus uses this analogy of the wind to drive home sovereign work of the Holy Spirit.
“The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

This verse contains a wordplay which cannot be adequately expressed in English. The Greek word pneuma means both wind and Spirit. The work of the Spirit (pneuma) is invisible and mysterious like the blowing of the wind (pneuma). Man controls neither.

I agree with the authors John Walwood and Roy Zach as they suggest that this verse contains a wordplay which cannot be adequately expressed in English. The Greek word pneuma means both wind and Spirit. The work of the Spirit (pneuma) is invisible and mysterious like the blowing of the wind (pneuma). Man controls neither.
​
​
Jesus corrects the nations supposing spiritual leader by reminding him that the prophets of old, such as Isaiah, Ezekeil and Joel spoke of the new Age with its working of the spirit. For what ever reason Nicodemus was blinded by the work of Spirit. Just as we are first blinded by work of Spirit.
In our text Jesus pulls from to illustrate the work of the Lord.
​
Listen if something tells you not to go down the street that something is the Holy Spirit.
If you truly call on the Lord as your Savior then know that the Spirit is always with you.
He’s there in your good times and your bad always ready to make a new way.
In our text Jesus pulls from to illustrate the work of the work of the Spirit. Ecclesiastes contains reflections of an old man, the “Preacher,” as he considered the question of the meaning of life. The man who looked back and saw the futility or “vanity” of chasing after even the good things this life can offer (wisdom, work, pleasure, and wealth). What we learn from this connection of Old Testament and New Testament is that Christ is educating us all today that His wisdom surpasses all understanding.
He also stresses how these things happen in the background while their is still action going on in the foreground. I found it interesting that Christ would pull from the book of Ecclesiastes for this reference. You see the book of Ecclesiastes contains reflections of an old man, the “Preacher,” as he considered the question of the meaning in life. The man who looked back and saw the futility or “vanity” of chasing after even the good things this life can offer (wisdom, work, pleasure, and wealth). What we learn from this connection of Old Testament and New Testament is that Christ is educating Nicodemus, and the readers of today, that His wisdom surpasses all understanding.
What is this verse trying to teach you might say? I like the way John Piper describes it… he says, “Jesus was trying to drive home the freedom and sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in the act of regeneration. "The wind, that is, the Spirit, blows wherever it wills." The will of man is impotent at this point. We cannot start the wind blowing, and we cannot change the direction of the wind and make it blow when we want it to. The Spirit blows where he wills and, therefore, everyone born of the Spirit has been acted upon by the free Spirit and has been born anew, as says, "not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." The new birth is not a result of our decision or our act of will. It precedes and enables the heart's decision to trust Christ.”
Please believe me that God can be concerned with a flu outbreak in China, Europe and the US while also administering to your needs at your house. But will take the courage of a believer to help others understand that is possible. It will take that same courage and strength of a believer to fathom the difference between being born of the flesh and then reborn in the spirit.
in our text Jesus pulls from to illustrate the work of the Lord. He also stresses how these things happen in the background while their is still action going on in the foreground.
This means you don’t have to wait for me to open the doors of the church to receive Gods blessing.
Our curiosity will lead us to making some courages decisions. Decisions that might lead us to studying the text to see that Iasiah, Ezekial and Joel who all prophetically spoke of a new Age when we would do more working in the Spirit then ever could be accomplished in the flesh
No man can stand between you and your savior. Because while we were yet still sinners Christ died so that we all might live.
Point 2 - You must experience true convergence

Conclusion - In order to receive your Conversion

You must be confident.
Nicodemus didn’t approach Jesus in a confident manor. The text teaches us that while curious about Jesus he also remained true to his Pharisaic ways. There was a hidden alterier motive to his line of questioning. It is well documented that later his heart was pricked by the conversation he had with Jesus but in this moment his thoughts were not clear.
He was still blinded and couldn’t see.
Calling Jesus Rabbi but also stating that He comes from God was a way in trying to say were both on the same level. Thats not the type of approach God seeks from us.
In this moment, Nicodemus represented the nation’s unbelief and lack of knowledge.
To be born again or born from above is a step of confidence from the believer. To leave the old behind and to step into the new requires confidence that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.
Confident in your understand of regeneration.

Point 4 - In order to receive your Conversion

Point 3 - You must be confident
Jesus speaks of the win and of the water. Deep, dark water where God meets us by the lake of our fears and worries. Where God breathes new life into dry bones and commands our flesh to live again.
How can a man be born again? This is the ultimate question to be understood. This is the crux of the entire conversation. In this Christ is teaching Nicodemus something that is not understood in his learning as a Pharisee. Something that he was blinded from. What I find to be of importance is that we should recognize that the only we can see Jesus is by way of Spirit opening our eyes. Like Paul on the road to Damascus. Like Peter when Christ told him to get out the boat. Like John the Baptist when he stood in the gap baptizing by water but saw the light when Christ was upon him.
Jesus speaks of these things with clarity and intensity, while yet still recognizing that they are mysteries to infant understanding.  God has entered the world, has met us in darkness and create a new light.

Point 1 - Be Curious and Courageous

Scripture Summary

During these forty days, and in this story of Nicodemus, we are invited to encounter Jesus as one unknown, to embrace the mystery of God’s love – a reality unchanged by our knowledge of it. 
We are invited to slow down, to be silent, to listen to the One who speaks to us through simple, earthly things..  We are invited to slow down, to be silent, to listen as Jesus challenges our own disappointment at not knowing.
Even as he calls us, again and again, to this plane of repentance.  Where he encourages our faith, encourages our seeking, encourages us saying, “God did not send me to condemn; I came to save.”
​
John would conclude His narrative of this exchange with a very simple acknowledgement. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”
Not becaused we ask.
Not because we deserved it.
17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
But because he loved us.
The text teaches us that Nicodemus approached Jesus with these questions at night. Many will look at this text and say that Nicodemus was afraid to approach Jesus. They may go on to say that he decided to speak with Jesus at night due to his social status. Some will have clear explanations for why he did this at night and not during the Passover celebration. Don't get me wrong. They are all good ways of looking at the text, but for today's purpose, take a step back and look at it from a more in-depth perspective.

Benediction

Invitation to Christ

I would submit that Nicodemus, came out to confront Jesus in the dark because that's where many of us are today. Many of us are in the darkness right now. I know its day time, and the lights are on in the facility, but many of us are still in dark places. If we keep it honest, we have spent more time in the dark then we have spent in the light. So it would make sense that anything we do genuinely would start where most are comfortable. 
But aren't you glad that even in the darkness Jesus can be found?
Before you we leave today, we would like to invite you to become a member of the Body of Christ. Brother and sisters, God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life. God wants you not to only to know who God is, but God also wants to be in a loving relationship with you that is real and personal. That relationship is made possible when we accept the truth as revealed in the scriptures:“ – For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”“ – For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ”“ – but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” “ – because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” If that is your prayer today than the first call is for you. The call of baptism and salvation. The Lord is calling, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (). Will there be one!The second call is that of discipleship\restoration - “Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men'” (). We are saved to serve; we are redeemed to reproduce spiritually; we are fished out of the miry clay so that we, in turn, may become fishers of men. Will there be one!The last call is by letter or Christian experience. - Allow God to you use your gifts here in this place where the Word is fresh and the people are doing kingdom work. Will there be one!Amen!
Even in our spaces of hiding, we can find our Savior waiting to be confronted by us. 

Benediction

"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, Dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen (,)The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them. ().
How curious are you to know more about Jesus?
I have learned that the only silly questions are the one not asked. And if you never ask the questions, the answer is almost always "no."
This encounter with Jesus and Nicodemus led to a dialog that helped shaped our understanding of the difference between being born to the flesh and born to the Spirit. Nicodemus' curiosity led him to have a significant encounter with Christ. This is the same Sanhedrin who put Jesus on trial (). However, we can forget that Nicodemus would later rebuke the Pharisees for condemning Jesus without hearing Him (), and he would also help Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (19:39–40). 
), and he would also help Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus (19:39–40). 
Today we ask the same of you. During this holiest time in our Christian calendar, will you also have a curious encounter with Jesus; one that might change your tomorrow, forever. I would submit, however, to have a curious encounter with Christ. You need to be a tad bit courageous.
Do I have a witness?
Is there anyone out willing to go all-in for the Lord?
Courage is defined as the ability to do something that frightens you. I'm talking about the courage that requires an individual to step out of their comfort zone and to take action. While Nicodemus' actions are questionable, we cannot miss out on the fact that he was willing to ask the questions in the first place.
The first step in learning to be born again is to be a little curious and courageous for Jesus. Enough to step out on faith and trust God with your future. 

Point 2 - Be open to change

As the conversation continues, Nicodemus is perplexed by Jesus' response. He asks him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" The response is clearly a response from the flesh and goes totally against his earlier claim that Jesus is a man of God. Take a closer look at the text in . Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 
There are many speculations about what water is being referred too. Whether the text teaches us that the water of this verse is to be referrred to as the bag of waters which breaks at a person's first birth or to baptism, or spiritual cleansing, the main point of the verse is the same. Being born once or being baptized is no guarantee of salvation; you must be born of the Spirit, you must experience a spiritual cleansing and re-creation.
The Bible speaks of this change in many different ways. We must cease from being slaves of sin and become slaves of God (). We must die with Christ and rise to newness of life (, ; ; ). We must put off the old man and put on the new man created in the likeness of God (; , ). We must repent, and experience a change of mind that causes us to turn from trusting the world to trusting God's mercy (; , ). We must generate a new heart. Ezekial says, "I will give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them; I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh. (; )"
This change requires us to become a new creation because "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come" (). Lastly, we must be born again (). 
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible declares that human beings must change. If we do not change, we will not be saved: no peace with God, no hope for eternal life, but only wrath and fury (). So there is nothing more important for any individual than that he experience this change, this new birth, as Jesus called it.
You must be curious and courageous
You must experience true convergence. A change must come over you.
My last point helps us to understand why this change is essential. 

Point 3 Embrace the Holy Spirit

I close with this final point to embrace the Holy Spirit. Jesus uses this analogy of the wind to drive home a view of the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. To show how the Spirit would embrace man. To make it clear that the Spirit will choose and not man.
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." 
I agree with the authors John Walwood and Roy Zach, as they suggest that this verse contains a wordplay that cannot be adequately expressed in English. The Greek word pneuma means both wind and Spirit. The work of the Spirit (pneuma) is invisible and mysterious, like the blowing of the wind (pneuma). Man controls neither. 
Jesus corrects the nations supposing spiritual leader by reminding him that the prophets of old, such as Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Joel, spoke of the new Age working of the Spirit. For whatever reason, Nicodemus was blinded by this knowledge. Just as we are first blinded by work of Spirit. 
Listen if something tells you not to go down the street than that something is the Holy Spirit. 
If you sincerely call on the Lord as your Savior, then know that the Spirit is always with you. 
He's there in your good times and your bad times. He is always ready to make a new way.
In our text, Jesus pulls from to illustrate the work of the Spirit. Ecclesiastes contains reflections of an old man, the "Preacher," as he considered the question of the meaning of life. The man who looked back and saw the futility or "vanity" of chasing after even the good things this life can offer (wisdom, work, pleasure, and wealth). What we learn from this connection of the Old Testament and the New Testament is that Christ is educating us all today that His wisdom surpasses all understanding. 
What is this verse trying to teach you might say? I like the way John Piper describes it… he says, "Jesus was trying to drive home the freedom and sovereignty of the Holy Spirit in the act of regeneration. "The wind, that is, the Spirit blows wherever it wills." The will of man is impotent at this point. We cannot start the wind blowing, and we cannot change the direction of the wind and make it blow when we want it to. The Spirit blows where he wills and, therefore, everyone born of the Spirit has been acted upon by the free Spirit and has been born anew, as says, "not of blood nor the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but God." The new birth is not a result of our decision or our act of will. It precedes and enables the heart's decision to trust Christ."
This all means you don't have to wait for me to open the doors of the church to receive God's blessing. 
No man can stand between you and your Savior. Because while we were yet still sinners, Christ died so that we all might live. 

Conclusion - To receive your Conversion

Jesus speaks of the wind and the water. Deep, dark water where God meets us by the lake of our fears and worries; Where God breathes new life into dry bones and commands our flesh to live again.
Jesus speaks of these things with clarity and intensity, while yet still recognizing that they are mysteries to infant understanding. God has entered the world, has met us in darkness, and create a new light.
During these forty days, and in this story of Nicodemus, we are invited to encounter Jesus as one unknown, to embrace the mystery of God's love – a reality unchanged by our knowledge of it. 
We are invited to slow down, to be silent, to listen to the one who speaks to us through simple, earthly things. We are invited to slow down, to be calm, to listen as Jesus challenges our own disappointment at not knowing. 
Even as he calls us, again and again, to this place of repentance. Where he encourages our faith, promotes our seeking, encourages us, saying, "God did not send me to condemn; I came to save."
John would conclude His narrative of this exchange with a straightforward acknowledgment. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so that the world might be saved through him."
Not because we ask.
Not because we deserved it.
But because he loved us.

Benediction 

"Now unto Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, To God our Savior, Who alone is wise, Be glory and majesty, dominion and power, Both now and forever. Amen 
Copyright 2024 Logos Bible SoftwareFeatures|Pricing|Privacy|Terms of Use|Support