1. Re-read John 3:1-8. What stands out to you in this passage? What challenges you? What questions does it raise?
2. Why don't we celebrate our spiritual birthdays as extravagantly and joyfully as our natural birthdays? What difference would it make if we did?
3. Jesus' response to Nicodemus in verse 3 reminds us that every other major religion will tell you that salvation depends on something you do for God. Like following the rules. Or obeying the Law. Or fulfilling your duty. But Jesus insists salvation depends entirely on something God for you AND to you, specifically giving you a new birth, through Jesus. Why is this such a revolutionary idea for Nicodemus? For you?
4. The late R.C. Sproul once wrote: “To be regenerated does not mean that we are changed from a human being into a divine being. It does mean that we are changed from spiritually dead human beings into spiritually alive human beings.” Is this a new idea for you? If so, how does it challenge your idea about salvation? If not, how does it increase your gratitude to God for your salvation?
5. In your own words, what is Jesus saying about God the Holy Spirit in verse 8 and following? How does this metaphor explain spiritual birth?
2. Why don't we celebrate our spiritual birthdays as extravagantly and joyfully as our natural birthdays? What difference would it make if we did?
3. Jesus' response to Nicodemus in verse 3 reminds us that every other major religion will tell you that salvation depends on something you do for God. Like following the rules. Or obeying the Law. Or fulfilling your duty. But Jesus insists salvation depends entirely on something God for you AND to you, specifically giving you a new birth, through Jesus. Why is this such a revolutionary idea for Nicodemus? For you?
4. The late R.C. Sproul once wrote: “To be regenerated does not mean that we are changed from a human being into a divine being. It does mean that we are changed from spiritually dead human beings into spiritually alive human beings.” Is this a new idea for you? If so, how does it challenge your idea about salvation? If not, how does it increase your gratitude to God for your salvation?
5. In your own words, what is Jesus saying about God the Holy Spirit in verse 8 and following? How does this metaphor explain spiritual birth?
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