"A

“UNFAIR EXCHANGE”

John 3:16-21 (KJV) 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

To appreciate this sermon, we must learn something about the main character who is coming to Jesus by night. I believe as we study this passage we will really appreciate the fact that we are privy to the conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus.

As we listen in to this conversation, we will appreciate the subject for this message better,

This is why in our introduction to this series “AN UNFAIR EXCHANGE”, we will better appreciate what it was like to hear that conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus that night.

Look with me at:

John 3:1-7 (KJV) 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into 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 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Our sermon subject this morning is:

“A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NICODEMUS” {part 1}

Introduction:

With all of the crazy stuff that is being said and done in our world today, I believe like many other Christians, that the Lord is shortly to come back for His Church. Are you ready? As I began to read this passage of scripture, that 16 & 17th verse just seem to punched me in my spiritual gut, with this thought,

· "God loved sinners so much that He sent the best of what was in Heaven, to pay a debt that he did not owe, to save a retch like me.

· He never sinned, but I did repeatedly

· He never was in danger of going to hell, just I was headed straight there.

· He came to die a horrendous death, to pay my bill owed in heaven,

· To satisfy God demand on my life as a sinner.

· The “JUST” dying for the ”UNJUST”,,,

· that truly is "AN UNFAIR EXCHANGE"

From St John 3:1, we will read that verse to get our text or subject for tonight:

John 3:1 (KJV) 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

Our sermon subject today is:

“A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NICODEMUS”

POINT #I. THE CREDENTIALS OF NICODEMUS -- (3:1)

POINT #II. THE CONFESSION OF NICODEMUS -- (3:2)

POINT #III. THE COMMAND TO NICODEMUS -- (3:3)

POINT #IV. THE CONFUSION OF NICODEMUS -- (3:4)

INTRODUCTION: In my Point #1. I dealt with:

Introduction: “JESUS WILL TELL YOUR SECRET”

We have been taught all our lives, that “Honey just take your secrets to the Lord and He won’t tell nobody. Am I right about that? Well, this morning I am going to shade a different color on that statement. Because, “Jesus will tell your secret”.

I can hear some of you saying within yourselves, “Pastor has flipped out, because my momma told me, tell it to Jesus and He won’t tell “NOBODY!!!!”.

· Jesus told the Prophet Nathan:

· 2 Samuel 12:1-13 (KJV) 1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: 3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. 5 And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: 6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. 7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORDGod of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; 8 And I gave thee thy master's house, and thy master's wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. 9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.

· Jesus told a disciple by the name of Ananias Paul went about killing God’s people:

· Acts 9:10-17 (KJV) 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

· Church members have said,,, “Pastor that sermon was for me. If no one else got anything out of it, I did.”

· The preacher if led by the Spirit of the Lord, will change the message when he get to the church because the Lord had put something else in his heart.

o The Lord heard your prayer (Church member) and The Lord led the preacher to preach a message to you.

o Because the Lord will tell the preacher, who might not have any idea why he is preaching the sermon his is preaching.

Today, the Lord is telling Nicodemus Secret,,, to everyone of us, because it is good for everyone of us in here.

o The Lord will reveal your secret, when He need too.

o The Lord will always reveal your secret that you tell Him, to God.

1. The reason we tell our secrets to the Lord, instead of a person,

· Maybe someone had wrong us so bad, and that thing is bothering us so much, we had to tell someone (JESUS).

2. Or maybe we have wrong someone bad, that we can’t live with the guilt of the wrong that we have done.

· When we tell it to Jesus, Jesus intercede for us to God,

· Asking God to forgive us of our sin.

·

Let’s examine that statement from the bible.

Romans 3:23 (KJV) 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

There are penalties that comes with our sins.

Romans 6:23 (KJV) 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin will lead us to Jesus, to confess our sins,

o or we should because: because according too:

1 John 1:8 (KJV) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Someone wrote:

“ The beginning of sin is to forsake God. The end result of sin is to be God-forsaken.[1]”

This is so beautifully described in”

Key verse

Isaiah 53:6 (KJV) 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

4. Key word / key phrase

Verse 6, “laid on him.”

5. Key event / key person / key theme

The Messiah’s atonement

6. Key thought

This Verse is one of the clearest pictures of atonement in the Bible.

There is a Foundational Concepts, and that is:

· God is seen as taking the initiative in man’s salvation;

· thus atonement is the work of God,

o who opens the possibility for sinful human beings to receive pardoning grace.

o For the sinner,

§ who cannot know God,

§ who cannot bridge the gap between himself and God,

§ a “new and living way” is opened up by God.[2]

7. Key thing to look out for is Isaiah 53th chapter is this:

· No other chapter in Isaiah speaks so much about Jesus’ crucifixion as this one.

o Without the crucifixion

o Which led to Jesus death

o Burial and resurrection

o You and I could not be eternally secured (Saved).

8. A Key Bible cross-reference

· Isaiah 53:1,, will come to life when Jesus come, John 12:38.

· What will be played out?

Isaiah 53:1 (KJV) 1 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORDrevealed?

· Who would believe?—

o The blessings of God,,, come to those who “Believed”

· The Report?—The report/ prophesy of Isaiah 53th chapter and:

Romans 10:16-17 (KJV) 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?

· Isaiah 52:10 (KJV) 10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.

How will the arm of the LORD be revealed?

· The arm of the Lord is made bare in the miracles that were done to confirm Christ’s doctrine, in the wonderful miracles done in His Ministry

John The Baptist was having some problems with his thoughts about Jesus,[3]

·

· Luke 7:22 (KJV) 22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

9. Key “by way of explanation”

Verse 6, “laid on him the iniquity.” This pictures the priest laying his hands on the scapegoat, as God’s people thought of their sins being taken away.[4]

1 John 1:9 (KJV) 9 If we confess our sins, he [Jesus] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

the title of my series is:

"AN UNFAIR EXCHANGE"

Our sermon is:

“A DAY IN THE LIFE OF NICODEMUS” part 2

POINT #I. THE CREDENTIALS OF NICODEMUS – (3:1)

John 3:1-2 (KJV) 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:

· Nicodemus was a real person.

The first thing I want you to remember is this:

NICODEMUS KNEW ALL OF THE THINGS THAT I JUST TAUGHT YOU, BEFORE HE CAME TO JESUS.

This is the reason that Jesus will say some of the things that he will be saying to Jesus.

· Nicodemus was a person chosen by God… and he was chosen for such a time as this.

· Nicodemus was chosen by God to give us a glimpse behind the scene, on how God uses people to work His plan in the earth.

o {yes God has a plan,

o God works his plan, --God does not wait until He need you before he put you in school

o God don’t deviate from his plan—

§ The reason don’t deviate from his plans

§ If because fulfill his promise, through his plans.

POINT #II.THE CONFESSION OF NICODEMUS -- (3:2)

John 3:2 (KJV) 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

This is something I need for everyone to remember

· Yes Nicodemus came to Jesus at night time.

· But, one thing we need to remember, Nicodemus came to Jesus.

o We have, friends, families & foes who never come to Jesus.

When did Nicodemus come to Jesus

· Probably after he had being in a meeting/conversation with the other Sanhedrin members who did not like Jesus and was talking bad about Jesus.

· Nicodemus piers are the ones who had Jesus taken Pilate.

o And we know what happen then.

POINT #III. THE COMMAND TO NICODEMUS -- (3:3)

John 3:3 (KJV) 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

We have to remember that Nicodemus was not on the same spiritual plane/ or level with Jesus. In this same chapter:

John 3:31-32 (KJV) 31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. 32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.

· Nicodemus could not understand Jesus statement about being born again because he was walking in the flesh;

· Jesus set Nicodemus up by using the word Kingdom of God

· You see, Nicodemus was expecting the kingdom of heaven, the kingdom of the Messiah to shortly appear.

o He was believing that day was near;

· According to the common teaching of the Jews,

o he expected the Kingdom of God would appear externally with a great spectacle as it came.

· Nicodemus was looking for the Messiah

o To come the way that Jesus came.

o Quite.

o Born in a stable

o By a virgin.

o No big parade or announcements, but appeared as it were out of nowhere.

Which brings us to our:

POINT #IV. THE CONFUSION OF NICODEMUS -- (3:4)

John 3:4 (KJV) 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

In spite of all his religious knowledge and living by the levitical code, he is locked in flesh. He can only understand from an earthly perspective.[5]

Nicodemus was puzzled by the words "born again."He did not know what Jesus meant. He understood Jesus to be saying that a man must be born a "second time."

Jesus can see the confusion on Nicodemus face and moved on with:

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

I ended the sermon there with the celebration, but with you this morning, we will pickup on where we left off over at First Mount Moriah.

Look with me at verse 6 again:

John 3:6 (KJV) 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Before we wrong accuse Nicodemus of his like of understanding on what Jesus is talking about, think about this:

That which is born, —Is a great universal “concept”; “That which is begotten carries within itself the nature of that which begat it”.

Nicodemus all of his life understood rebirth from the flesh stand point:

· that cow, produces cow and cannot produce anything else, but baby calves.

· That Eagles lay eggs that from that egg, comes little eaglets, and not sparrows.

· That Bears produces bears, and cannot produce anything else, but baby bears.

· Fish lay eggs, that when they hatch, produce whatever type fish their parents are.

Nicodemus is confused, because all his life, birth was simple, man seeds an egg of the woman and from that union come a baby,,, boy or girl. That’s how it works.

So then, Why would Jesus be upset with Nicodemus?

· The answer to that question is given to us by Jesus himself.

o 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? [6]

· Jesus found it inexcusable

o that this prominent scholar was not familiar with the foundational new covenant teaching from the Old Testament regarding the only way of salvation (cf. 2 Tim. 3:15)[7]

o Paul was instruction Timothy about “Salvation” from the Old Testament teachings, and here Nicodemus is a Master Teacher of the Old Testment which He/Nicodemus taught from.

2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV) 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Salvation

· God’s made known His plan for Salvation for the beginning :

· salvation

· Psalm 96:2 (KJV) 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless his name; shew forth his salvation from day to day. Psalm 71:15 (KJV) 15 My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof. Isaiah 52:10 (KJV) 10 The LORD hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Isaiah 49:6 (KJV) 6 And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. Psalm 78:22 (KJV) 22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:

· Jesus is saying “if a man could enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born,” he would be no nearer this “new birth” than before

· (Job 14:4 (KJV) 4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one. Psalm 51:5 (KJV) 5 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.).

Preacher by the name of George Whitefield was asked why he preached so often on “Ye must be “born-again”. He answered, “Because ye must be “born-again.” Have you been “born-again”? Without it you have no hope of escaping the terrors of hell or enjoying the glories of heaven. The Lord Jesus said, “Ye must be “born-again”(John 3:7).[8]

Nicodemus was taught that:

flesh—the human material body, comes into the world by birth,

· And we all say “AMEN”.

· That man which is born into this world, is born with that Adamic nature, which will become corrupted, depraved, in complete subjection to the law of the fall (Ro 8:1–9).

Romans 8:1-9 (KJV) 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

· So that though a man “could enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born,” he would be no nearer this “new birth” than before (Job 14:4; Ps 51:5).

is spirit—“partakes of and possesses His spiritual nature.”[9]

3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”[10]

Verse 4 ask a question,

“Surely a man cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born.

Verse 5-7 answers the question.

“I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again[11]

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.” [12]

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up,

15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.[13]

John 3:8 (KJV) ??? 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

Verse 9, Nicodemus ask for a clarification of being born again.

Verse 9, Jesus rebukes Nicodemus, WHY?

Paul told Timothy,,,, the scripture from your youth

I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. 12 I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things?[14]

Jesus keeps on shifting this conversation to where He want Nicodemus to be,,,, thinking spiritually.

13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man[15]

That was a setup statement,,, Jesus is letting Nicodemus know that I came all the way from heaven to do a work that no one else can do, and that is give man a chance to be saved. Jesus also let Nicodemus know the method that will be used to save man.

Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.

THE REQUIREMENT PUT IN PLACE BY GOD, SHOWS THE DEEP OF LOVE GOD HAS FOR MAN.

Nicodemus,,, “God so love the people He created, that He would not satisfy the requirement that He put in place for man to be saved,,,, except God would give Heaven best, so that man might know the deep of how much God love sinners.

AND THE SMALL REQUIREMENT EXPECTED FROM MAN.

· that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life[16]

Jesus is letting Nicodemus know God’s heart:

· 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.[17]

o To save sinners

§ No good people

§ Mean people

§ Could care less people

§ Robbers

§ Murders

§ Adulteress

§ Alcoholic

§ People who “tell stories”

· Not liar

At this point, Nicodemus must be thinking,

· My friends who suppose to know better, is telling what they know to be lies on Jesus.

o They are hiring people to lie on Jesus.

· Psalm 35:11 (KJV) 11 False witnesses did rise up; they laid to my charge things that I knew not.

o

[1]Hobbs, H. H. (1990). My favorite illustrations (p. 242). Nashville, TN: Broadman Press. [2]Lyon, R. W., & Toon, P. (1988). Atonement. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 1, p. 231). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House. . [8]Levin, P. (1979). What Do You Mean by Being Born Again? Golden Nuggets, 15. Jesus answer why? John 3:10 (KJV) 10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? . . [14] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jn 3:11–12). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. [15] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jn 3:13). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. [16] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jn 3:16). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. [17] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Jn 3:17). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.