Firm Foundations Lesson 36: You Must be Born Again Memory verse: John 3:16

Introduction

Nicodemus came to Jesus John 3:1-2 Nicodemus… –was an important leader –Believed in Jesus Visited at night –Most Pharisees hated Jesus –Didn’t want to be seen

You must be born again John 3:3 Jews (especially Pharisees) were very proud –Descendants of Abraham –Thought this made them safe Every person is born condemned –We are not born into God’s family Must be born all over again –Only way a person can escape Satan’s rule Can you “born yourself”? –Only God can do that

How can a person be born again? John 3:4 -- Jesus’ answer surprised Nicodemus –Probably thought his first birth was fine –How can a person’s body be born again? John 3:5 – Water and the Spirit –Not baptism, “pouring of the Spirit” John 3:6-7 –2 types of people in the world Born once: condemned Born twice: in God’s family

Jesus must be lifted up John 3:14,15 –Nicodemus didn’t understand faith –Jesus pointed to the faith of the Israelites Numbers 2:8-9 –Whoever trusts in Jesus will be born into the family of God And only in Jesus (John 14:6) John 3:16 –God didn’t want any one of us to go to destruction –God sent His only son to save the world –What must sinners do to be saved? Whosoever believes in Him… –Belief in Jesus makes you a child of God

The way of life and death All who believe on Jesus “should not perish” –What will those who believe on Jesus receive? John 3:17 – promise of salvation John 3:18 – unbelievers are condemned John 3:19-20 – Evildoers hate light John 8:12 – Believers will walk in light –Luke 1:79 – What Zacharias prophesied about the Deliverer

Conclusion What category are you in? –Light –Darkness God sent His son to bring His elect from darkness to light –II Peter 3:9