2. The New Birth
Lesson 5-1
John 3:1-21

4. When a person is born spiritually, he is beginning a life in Christ.
Theme
When a person is born spiritually, he is beginning a life in Christ.

6. I. The Need for Spiritual Birth
A. Regardless of personal status, all men need spiritual birth (v.1)
1. Nicodemus was a Pharisee
a. zealous for the law
2. “a ruler of the Jews”
a. member of the Sanhedrin
b. ruled on religious affairs

8. I. The Need for Spiritual Birth
B. Nicodemus sensed a need (v.2)
1. He came at night
a. no chance during the day
b. wanted uninterrupted conversation
c. feared criticism
2. Nicodemus had concluded that Jesus was a teacher sent from God
3. Christ boldly addressed his need (v.3)

10. II. Characteristics of S. Birth
A. Nicodemus had a problem understanding (4-6)
1. Nicodemus, “A 2nd physical birth?!?!”
2. An inner birth caused by the Holy Spirit
3. Lord explained that it was 2 births

12. II. Characteristics of S. Birth
B. It is not physically discernible (7-8)
C. N. should have known this already (9-10)
D. Because of who Jesus was N. should accept salvation (11-13)

14. III. The Source of S. Birth
A. Trusting in Christ is the basis of salvation
1. Knowing how the process works is not really the issue
2. The issue is personal faith in Christ
B. Serpent in the wilderness
C. Faith is our response to God’s love