NEW BIRTH
John 3: 1-16 (KJV)
3
There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
Narrative - NICODEMUS
Who this Nicodemus was.
Not many mighty and noble are called; yet some are, and here certainly was one.
Not many of the rulers, or of the Pharisees; yet. Note:
a.)
. This was a man
of the Pharisees, bred to learning, a scholar. Let it not be said that all
Christ’s followers are unlearned and ignorant men. The principles of the
Pharisees, and the peculiarities of their sect, were directly contrary to the
spirit of Christianity; yet there were some in whom even those high thoughts
were cast down and brought into obedience to Christ. The grace of Christ is
able to subdue the greatest opposition.
b.)
He was a ruler of
the Jews, a member of the great Sanhedrim, a senator, a privy-counsellor, a man
of authority in Jerusalem. Bad as things were, there were some rulers well
inclined, who yet could do little good because the stream was so strong against
them; they were over-ruled by the majority, and yoked with those that were
corrupt, so that the good which they wished to do they could not do; yet
Nicodemus continued in his place, and did what he could, when he could not do
what he would.
KINGDOM DYNAMICS
3:1-5 New
Birth. THE MESSAGE OF HE
KINGDOM.
Upon repentance, a new order of life opens to the
believer in Jesus Christ. Jesus used the
figure of “new birth” to dramatically
indicate three things:
1)
Without New Birth,
there is no life and no relationship with God (14:6).
2)
In New Birth, new
perspective comes as we “see the kingdom of God (3:3). God’s Word becomes
clear, and the Holy Spirit’s works and wonders are believed and
experienced-faith is alive.
3)
Through New Birth
we are introduced-literally we “enter” (v.
5)-to a new realm, where God’s new kingdom order can be realized (2 Cor. 5:17). New Birth is more than simply being “saved.”
It is a prequalifying experience, opening up the possibilities of our
whole being to the supernatural dimension of life, and fitting us for a
beginning in god’s kingdom order.
(Matt. 3:1-2, 2:4-17/Mat. 13:1-52)
v 3:1 Nicodemus
(“Conqueror of the People”) was an influential and respected member of the Sanhedrin. As a Pharisee, Nicodemus was thoroughly
trained in Jewish law and theology; Jesus therefore called him “teacher of
Israel” (3:10)
v 3:2
Nicodemus may have come to Jesus at night because he was fearful of losing his
reputation and position. More likely he
was a particular example of those mentioned 2:23; if so, his night visit would
indicate a lack of certainty that Jesus was the Messiah Himself.
v 3:3,
4 The Greek word translated again can
also be rendered “from above.” Nicodemus
clearly understood it in the former sense, whereas Jesus had both meanings in
mind. To enter the kingdom of God, one
must be born again, not by experiencing a second biological birth, but by
spiritual birth from above.
v 3:5
Water may refer to physical
birth. The Hebrews used terms such as
‘water’ and ‘drop’ in describing natural birth, and such an explanation fits
the context. However, some see a
reference to the faith that is expressed in water baptism (not ‘for’ but
‘because of salvation). Spirit refers to the spiritual birth
brought about by the renewing and transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
v 3:14
The deliverance from sin described
in Num. 21:4-9 is a type of the
Crucifixion.
v 3:16
The theme of this summary of the gospel is God’s love made manifest in an
infinitely glorious manner.
God
Gave to Us First. He Is Our Role Mode
for Giving and Receiving. SEED FAITH. Do you find it difficult
to believe that you should expect to receive back from your giving? Then read again this most famous verse in all
the Bible and notice these things:
- God
so loved. God’s motivation for giving was
love. Ours must be, too.
- God
gave. God’s
love was turned into an act of giving.
- God
gave His only begotten Son. He gave His very best! So must we also give our best.
- God
gave for a specific reason-to get man back from
Satan. God’s deepest desire is to have man restored
to Himself. And to get that need
met, He gave. What is your
need? Our giving-as an act of our
deepest love, and strongest faith-is the key to our having that need met.
- God
gave sacrificially. Our salvation cost Jesus His
life (see John 12:24). It also cost us-full repentance and the
giving of our lives to God.
- God’s
plan works!
Souls are saved because god gave His best, gave first, and gave
expecting to receive! God Himself is our role model for giving…and
receiving!
Reflection:
|
U
|
nderstand
that
perceiving the kingdom of God and entering it are impossible without spiritual
rebirth.
In Christ,
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Screen Writer/Director
Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer
FOUNDER/CEO
Bible
Stories Theatre of
Fine
& Performing Arts
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