The Gospel According to John Series (4)
6. THE NEW BIRTH
John 3:1–16
I. THE MAN—vv. 1–2
A. The character—v. 1. Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisees. He was a leader of the Jews. The Pharisees considered themselves as leading teachers and interpreters of the Scriptures.
B. The curiosity—v. 2. (1) Fear—he came to Jesus by night, (2) Faith—he knew Jesus was sent by God.
II. THE MUST—vv. 3–4
A. The command—v. 3. Ye must be born again! Born from above. Christ changes us. He gives us a new heart, mind, life, desires, and words.
B. The confusion—v. 4. Nicodemus could not understand the “spiritual language” which Jesus was using.
III. THE MESSAGE—vv. 5–13
A. The purging—v. 5. “Born of water” means “cleansed by the Spirit.”
B. The plan—v. 6.
1. Spirit—v. 6. Our earthly birth is flesh. The Spiritual birth (new birth) is supernatural, being of God!
2. Surprise—v. 7. Don’t be surprised at Christ’s words, “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”
3. Story—v. 8. Christ compared the new birth to the wind. You cannot see the wind, but you can feel it. So it is with the new birth. You can’t see it, but you can see the change of life.
C. The problem—vv. 9–10. Nicodemus was puzzled. Jesus was surprised that Nicodemus did not understand these simple teachings.
D. The proof—vv. 11–12.
1. Eternal things—v. 11. Nicodemus didn’t seem to understand.
2. Earthly things—v. 12. If he did not accept the earthly truths, then how could he accept heavenly things?
IV. THE METHOD—vv. 14–16
A. The allegory—vv. 14–15. The comparison of Moses and the serpent upon the pole—Numbers 21:8. Jesus had to be lifted up—John 12:32.
B. The affection—v. 16. The well-known LOVE VERSE OF THE BIBLE.
1. Person—“God.”
2. Practice—“So loved the world.”
3. Proof—“That he gave his only begotten Son.”
4. People—“That whosoever believeth in him.”
5. Promise—“Should not perish.”
6. Peace—“But have everlasting life.”
C. The acceptance—Before a person can be born again, he must accept Christ as his personal Savior—John 1:12; Romans 10:13; Revelation 3:20.
6. THE NEW BIRTH
John 3:1–16
I. THE MAN—vv. 1–2
A. The character—v. 1. Nicodemus, a member of the Pharisees. He was a leader of the Jews. The Pharisees considered themselves as leading teachers and interpreters of the Scriptures.
B. The curiosity—v. 2. (1) Fear—he came to Jesus by night, (2) Faith—he knew Jesus was sent by God.
II. THE MUST—vv. 3–4
A. The command—v. 3. Ye must be born again! Born from above. Christ changes us. He gives us a new heart, mind, life, desires, and words.
B. The confusion—v. 4. Nicodemus could not understand the “spiritual language” which Jesus was using.
III. THE MESSAGE—vv. 5–13
A. The purging—v. 5. “Born of water” means “cleansed by the Spirit.”
B. The plan—v. 6.
1. Spirit—v. 6. Our earthly birth is flesh. The Spiritual birth (new birth) is supernatural, being of God!
2. Surprise—v. 7. Don’t be surprised at Christ’s words, “YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN!”
3. Story—v. 8. Christ compared the new birth to the wind. You cannot see the wind, but you can feel it. So it is with the new birth. You can’t see it, but you can see the change of life.
C. The problem—vv. 9–10. Nicodemus was puzzled. Jesus was surprised that Nicodemus did not understand these simple teachings.
D. The proof—vv. 11–12.
1. Eternal things—v. 11. Nicodemus didn’t seem to understand.
2. Earthly things—v. 12. If he did not accept the earthly truths, then how could he accept heavenly things?
IV. THE METHOD—vv. 14–16
A. The allegory—vv. 14–15. The comparison of Moses and the serpent upon the pole—Numbers 21:8. Jesus had to be lifted up—John 12:32.
B. The affection—v. 16. The well-known LOVE VERSE OF THE BIBLE.
1. Person—“God.”
2. Practice—“So loved the world.”
3. Proof—“That he gave his only begotten Son.”
4. People—“That whosoever believeth in him.”
5. Promise—“Should not perish.”
6. Peace—“But have everlasting life.”
C. The acceptance—Before a person can be born again, he must accept Christ as his personal Savior—John 1:12; Romans 10:13; Revelation 3:20.