Discussion Questions:

Sermon Overview 

Everyone who believes in Jesus has been born of the Spirit and has eternal life.

Digging Deeper    

Read John 3:1-15

1. Ezekiel 36:25-27 reads as follows: “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”

How does this passage help us understand what Jesus is saying in John 3? 

2. What is spiritual birth according to this passage?

3. Jesus calls Nicodemus (as well as you and me) to believe in him. What are some of the reasons we should trust Jesus (from this passage)? 

4. In John 3:14-15, Jesus points us back to Numbers 21:4-9. How does the story in Numbers help us better grasp the gospel? 

5. How is it better that a relationship with God and eternal life are based on God’s initiating new birth rather than something else, like living a good life or being religious, etc?

6. If you follow Jesus, when you reflect on the fact that you didn’t cause your own spiritual birth, how does that affect your gratitude or humility before God?

7. How might we grow in awe, wonder, and gratitude for this unmerited gift of God’s grace? 

8. What fears or hesitations do you have about sharing your faith? How does this passage challenge or encourage you?

9. Pastor Brett reminded us that because new birth is something God does, he can save even those who seem hard and far from him! The salvation of others does not depend on our persuasiveness or others' perceived openness. Does this encourage you? Does this spur you in your witness to unbelieving family members, neighbors, or co-workers? Why or why not? Please share.

10. This passage calls those who have not yet placed their trust in Christ to see their need for what he has done, and trust him alone for entry into God’s kingdom. How might you use this story as you interact with those who don’t know Jesus?

11. If someone were to say, “I’m trying to live a good life to get into heaven,” how would you use this passage to respond?

Prayer