Unit one Study 5

october 2, 2016

Study Scriptures for this week's Lesson: john 3:1-21

Key Verse: john 3:16 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 (kjv).

Central Truth: jesus is god's provision for our salvation.

Our Focus: to study nicodemus's encounter with jesus and affirm that salvation comes onlt through jesus christ.

nicodemus and jesus

Introducing the study

The term "born again Christian" is often misunderstood. Some people believe that it is a phrase coined by Christians and applied to a certain portion of Christians and applied to certain portion of Christianity. However, these wods first came from the phrase while speaking to a man name Nicodemus, who had a difficult time understanding it. Being born again---experiencing spiritual rebirth--is in essence the definition of Christianity. Nicodemus, like many today, knew about Jesus but had not come to know Him personally. Through the Savior's interaction with this Pharisee, we can learn much about what it means to be born again. At the end of this study, you will be able to: 1. Observe the principles Jesus used in sharing the good news of salvation to Nicodemus. 2. Consider the significance of the gospel message as the only means for people to be saved. 3. Pray for wisdom and direction from the Holy Spirit in reaching the lost for Christ.

seeking jesus ( john 3:1-6)

While we often inclined to have overwhelmingly negative views of the Pharisees, we quickly note from this story that Nicodemus appears to have been a genuine seeker of truth (John 3:1-2). Later, Nicodemus publicy supported Jesus before the other Jewish leaders (John 7:45-52). And after Jesus' crucifixion, Nicodemus helped Joseph of Arimathaea care for the body of Jesus, doing so at considerable personal expense, and perhaps even risk (John 19:38-42). Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was a great teacher and had most certainly come from God. He was interested in who Jesus is as well as His miracles. Jesus' initial response to Nicodemus forms one of the most familiar declarations in Christianity: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of heaven" (John 3:3). These significant words help us understand what happens when we become followers of Christ. We experience profound transformation, salvation from sin, and the promise of eternal life. In answering Nicodemus, Jesus emphasized the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit (verses 5-6). Many believe this refer to the activity of the Holy Spirit, as verse 5 could be translated "born of water, even the Spirit." Taking a clue from verse 6, "that which is born of the Spirit is spirit," others believe that "water" refers to natural birth, while "spirit" refers to being born again. These are important words to us, just as they were to Nicodemus. Christianity involves more than just learning about Jesus. We must be born of the Spirit.

[For Personal Reflection] How would you reply if someone asked you what it means to be born again?

CONFRONTED BY JESUS ( JOHN 3:7-13)

Jesus responded to Nicodemus's confusion with an illustration that again emphasised the necessity of new birth (John 3;4,7). By telling Nicodemus to "marvel not," we see that Jesus knew He was saying something amazing yet challenging. It is a good reminder that spiritual truths are are not always easy grasp, especially for unbelievers. We must be willing to dig into the Word and ask the Spirit to help us understand what Jesus teaches us. Note as well that verse 7 was the third time Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born again. Even as a Pharisee who endeavored to follow God' Law, he was not exempt just because of his standing in life. Jesus' messaage to Nicdemus was clear: Salvation isn't granted as a result of lineage, status, or heredity. It comes only through the action of God. Rebirth is unexplainable by human reasoning, yet its impact on human lives cannot be denied. This is because salvation is a work of God the Father, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Still today, we must continue to rely on the work of the Spirit, praying that He will draw unbelievers to Christ. Only by this mysterious yet critical work will people experience new birth. John 3:9 records the difficulty Nicodemus had in understanding Jesus' words. His question does not express a lack of belief but a desire to understand. He did not grasp what was being said about the Messiah. This section ends with a challenge (verses 12-13). If Nicodemus could not comprehend things he could see, how could he comprehend spiritual realities? He needed to recognize Jesus for who He is. Even today this is a fundamental goal of evangelism: tell people who Jeus is and what He came to do.

[For Personal Reflection] How can you be prepared to answer spiritual questions from others?

THE WAY OF SALVATION EXPLAINED ( JOHN 3:14-21)

To clarify His teaching in heavenly things, Jesus noted the story of the bronze serpent from Numbers 21:4-9). There the Israelites faced judgment for rebellion and lack of faith. The serpent, while symbolizing God's judgment through the snakes, also pointed to Giod's grace. In the same way, Jesus would point to the grace of the Father through His coming crucifixion. He would bring deliverance from sin (John 3:14-15). Then, Jesus spoke His famous words (verse 16). While they are familiar, we must not lose sight of their significance. Notice the focus on belief. Belief involves more than just affirming God's exists. It means denying self and following Him. Verse 17-18 build on the truth of verse 16, defining what was--and was not--the reason for Christ's coming. It defines what God did to bring us redemption, as well as what it means to be saved. Salvation is a matter of believing, of choosing whether or not to follow Christ. Note that the difference between believers and unbelievers is how they respond to Jesus (verses 19-21). For the believer, Jesus is the Light, the source of life (see John 1:1-4). But for the unbeliever, Jesus, through His teachings, exposes sinfulness. This is not to say that the believer is perfect. Rather, the believer is in relationship with Jesus, while the unbeliever has rejected Him (see 1 John 1:8-9). Those who choose darkness face condemnation because they have rejected Christ. But those who follow Christ are God's children (see John 3:7-10). They can rest in His promise of eternal life in God's presence.

[For Personal reflection] What are some evidences that a person is a genuine believer?

Discipleship in Action

In response to John 3, we must be sure that we have been born again. Jesus said spiritual rebirth is necessary to see and enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3,5). There is nothing more important than being born again. So the question you must answer is, "Have you been born aain?" No question you could ever answer will be more important than this. If you have been born again, are you sharing the message of salvation with as many people as you possibly can? This includes praying for them and telling them what it means to be born again. It also means living in such a way that others can see that you are a follower of Christ. It is critical that you spread the good news to as many people as you can. And pray that they too will be born again and have eternal life.

salvation is a free gift, receive it!

Monday The Blessing of Forgiveness. Psalm 32:1-7

Tuesday The Gift of Salvation. Isaiah 55:1-7

Wednesday Promise of the New Covenant. Jeremiah 31:31-34

Thursday The Great Invitation. Matthew 11:28-30

Friday Jesus is the Only Way. John 14:6-14

Saturday The Assurance of Salvation. Romans 10:5-13

See You In Sunday School Next Week!!!!

Copyright Reference: Radiant Life, Volume 98 Number 1 Sep. Oct. Nov. 2016 by Gospel Publishing House, 1445 N. Boonville Ave, Springfield, Mo 65802.

Dr. June Normil