Lesson - John 3:1-15 (NIV based)

THEME - Born Again
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v.2 Why did Nicodemus come at night?  A: probably because he didn't want to be seen talking to Jesus

    Who is the 'we' in v.2?  A: probably (most?) other Pharisees - they 
    knew Jesus was from God

    What is the essence of Nicodemus' remarks in v.2?  A: that Jesus has
    come from God - that God is with Jesus

v.3 What is the essence of Jesus' reply?  A: a person must be born again (spiritually) to have God with him - to enter the kingdom

    From Nicodemus' response in v.4, what did he think 'born again'
    meant?  A: to be physically born a second time out of the womb

v.5 What did Jesus mean by 'born again'?  A: also born spiritually - born a second time but spiritually

v.6 Mean?  What is Jesus contrasting in v.6?  A: physical birth with spiritual birth - He is making a distinction

    Does v.6 explain v.5 and what 'born of water' means? A: yes 'born of 
    water' = physical birth

v.8 What is Jesus saying here?  A: we cannot predict who will become born again - it is directed by God

    What does Jesus equate 'born again' with?  A: 'born of the Spirit'

v.7 Why should Nicodemus not be surprised?  A: he is Israel's teacher - he should know;  it is directed by God

v.12 mean?  A: that Nicodemus was thinking only in terms of the physical and not in terms of the spiritual

v.13 Does this mean that no one has ever gone to heaven after death?  A: no - those alive on earth have never gone to heaven yet except Jesus who came from heaven

v.14 What is Jesus referring to here?  A: his crucifixion - see Numbers 21:4-9 = snake in the desert
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BIG IDEA - Jesus came from God - from heaven.  He testifies that we must be born again spiritually - by the Spirit.  He then links himself to the Spirit as the source of the spiritual re-birth and the means of receiving the re-birth through faith in Christ's death, etc. for salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God.

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File name: John3_1-15-Lesson.___ (.htm, .doc, .pdf)
Translation used: NIV
Source: www.BelieverAssist.com
Updated: 1-21-15