What is the difference between a fan and follower of Jesus?

Are you a follower of Jesus? Why?

What is the difference between a fan and a follower of something?

D.T.R. (Define The Relationship)

We need to define our relationship with God.

Romantic relationships have different tiers

Talking

Dating

Relationship

Same with God

Fan

Follower

John 2:23–3:8 ESV

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man. Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 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.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to 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?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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.”

In this passage we see Nicodemus starting to define his relationship with Jesus

All of the Jewish people would have been there for the Passover Feast and Jesus performed miracles for the people

After all of the day’s festivities were over, we see Nicodemus coming to see Jesus

Why is this?

Nicodemus was a Pharisee which meant that he would have been devoted to ensuring exact observance of the Jewish laws as prescribed by Moses to maintain their purity and identity as Jewish people

Nicodemus was interested in the power of Jesus and what he could do but he didn’t to be seen with Jesus and for it to interrupt his life

Do you have moments like this in your life? What are they?

Nicodemus wanted to be a fan of Jesus but Jesus is looking for those who are born again

Nicodemus was confused by this so Jesus explains it to him

Born of water

Born of the Spirit

Do you know the difference between being born of water and being born of the Spirit? What is it?

Born of water refers to water baptism which is full immersion in water

Acts 2:38 ESV

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Water baptism is an outward action to show the internal commitment you have made to Christ to follow Him

Born of the Spirit refers to baptism in the Holy Spirit which is full immersion in the Spirit

Acts 2:1–4 ESV

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 10:45–47 “And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?””

Acts 19:6 “And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.”

Questions?