The Secret of Genuine Faith: Nicodemus' Transformation from Legalism

About this sermon

Learn More | https://trbc.org/encountering-jesus-study/ Watch Week 2 | https://youtu.be/9ECWqX9woxw Watch the Trailer | https://youtu.be/MmHlDpkjWeI Giving | http://TRBC.org/GIVE Subscribe for weekly content | http://youtube.com/@ThomasRoadChurch?sub_confirmation=1 Week 1: Discussion Guide | https://cdn.trbc.org/wp-content/uploads/Encountering-Jesus-Digital.pdf DISCOVER: What does the passage say? Who is the author and what is the time period that the passage was written? ◊ The passage in John 3 was written by the apostle John, who was one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. It was composed during the first century, likely between 85 and 95 AD. What is the setting? When did it happen (look at the chapter before)? Where was it? Who is the audience? ◊ The setting of the passage is a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. It took place during Jesus’ earthly ministry, specifically at night, as stated in John 3:2. This conversation takes place in Jerusalem. The primary audience for this passage includes Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, and, by extension, all those who would later read this account in the Gospel of John. Are any key words or phrases repeated? Which ones are the most important? ◊ In this passage, key words and phrases that are repeated or emphasized include born again or new birth (John 3:3, 3:5, 3:7), Kingdom of God (John 3:3, 3:5), and believe (John 3:15, 3:16). These are essential because they emphasize the central theme of spiritual rebirth and faith in Christ’s role in salvation. LEARN: What is the passage teaching? What was the biggest lesson you learned from today’s teaching? ◊ The biggest lesson from John 3 is the necessity of spiritual rebirth or being born again to enter the Kingdom of God. This passage teaches that human efforts, good character, or religious credentials are insufficient for salvation; instead, one must have faith in Jesus Christ and experience a transformation of the heart. What do these verses teach about God (the Father, Son, and Spirit) and His character? ◊ These verses reveal that God, embodied in the person of Jesus Christ, extends the opportunity of redemption to mankind. It highlights God’s great love and His longing for individuals to foster a genuine relationship with Him. Furthermore, it emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God and the pathway to salvation, showcasing God’s boundless grace and willingness to provide a way for mankind’s reconciliation with Him. How do these verses reveal the nature of humanity to you? ◊ The passage highlights that, like Nicodemus, humans often rely on their own merits, achievements, and knowledge to secure their place with God. It portrays humanity’s need for a spiritual rebirth and emphasizes that, without faith in Jesus, humans are spiritually lost. This reveals the universal human condition of sin and the need for redemption. APPLY: What are you to do with the passage? 1. How is your perception of religion and rules impacting your relationship with God? Are you placing too much emphasis on external practices rather than seeking a genuine connection with Him? 2. In what ways have you been relying on your own credentials, character, or truth to save you? Are you truly placing your faith in Jesus and the new birth, or are you clinging to insufficient sources of salvation? 3. Are you content with simply knowing about Jesus, or have you genuinely placed your faith in Him? How can you ensure that your knowledge of Jesus is coupled with a heart of faith, rather than just head knowledge? 4. In what areas of your life can you demonstrate greater submission, obedience, and faith by looking up to the Son lifted high, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate source of truth and salvation? – Stay connected with our church. Instagram | http://instagram.com/ThomasRoad Facebook | http://facebook.com/ThomasRoad – Timeline 0:00 Intro to Encountering Jesus 1:48 The Beginning of the Story of Jesus' Encounter with Nicodemus 5:20 Your Character Can't Save You 6:50 Your Credentials Can't Save You 9:20 Your Experience Can't Save You 13:25 Jesus' Character Can Save You 14:00 Jesus' Credentials Can Save You 14:35 Jesus' Experience Can Save You 15:10 Where we have fallen short, Jesus has fulfilled 15:50 We need to look up!

Topics

• Faith
• Obedience