Struggling Nicodemus

Intro

1973, Lynyrd S… Doraviulle GA- 9:08 track - freebird

#3 guitar world’s greatest guitar solos

#5 of century- Recording Industry assoc of Am

2.1 M downloads in modern era (even alove when recordede?)

…it’s been sweet love, though this feeling i cant change, but please don’rt take it so badly, cause Lord knows im to blame...”

*** Did it have to end?

“this bird you cant change… Lord knows… Lord help me...”

great tune, awful predicament—whay can’t I make things work

STRUGGLE—get it right

think of things—good enough

*** realize, my good enough so often seems to not be good enough

*** for some of us—it’s people around— nagging; DISAPPROVAL

For most—our own

*** finally settle—this must be as good as I get

3 options--

1- you do better

2- good enough setles to where you are

3- a life of disillusionment that you just can’t make it to good enough, w/ spurts of happiness along the way

John 3:1–8 ESV

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 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.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 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?” 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. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 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.”

John 3:1–2 ESV

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 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.”

If asked—Nic successful

*** WHY come out there?

—sneaking susupcion—something else, something left

** Cf Matlock

Know his minset--

Philippians 3:4–7 ESV

4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

*** It’s what I’m count

CF racing my kids--”I was racing to here...” (only way I could win—change the goal…AHA!!!!

Get where Nic is- “my adequacy leaves me wondering—what if this isn’t what it’s all about

*** Frrstuation w/ God

Frustration w/ people

Cf Ephesians—LIST—then

Ephesians 5:7–10 ESV

7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.

“If i’m not oin the naughty list… but still doesn’t seem enough

Cf Loveless power vs powerless love

cooking w/ kids—better trainer

LOAD!

baby carrier

quasimodo

*** FIND OUT

“Lord, what makes you smile

SHAQ— 3 degress touch my cheese—car…, mercedes… “We’re not rich...”