Icebreaker
Share how John 3:16 has shaped your faith. What does born again mean to you?
Key Takeaways from Sermon
- Jesus presents the gospel to Nicodemus by emphasizing the need for spiritual rebirth.
- The human heart doesn’t just need reformation; it needs transformation.
- Being born again means having two birthdays: a physical birth and a spiritual birth.
- Salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through good works or heritage.
- As new creations in Christ, we have a new purpose, identity, and spiritual battle to fight.
Scripture-focused questions
Transformation Over Reformation – John 3:1–6 | 2 Corinthians 5:17
Why does Jesus say a person must be “born again”?
How does Jesus contrast physical birth and spiritual birth in these verses?
According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what happens when someone is “in Christ”?
What does it mean to be a new creation?
Why is transformation (not just reformation) necessary for salvation?
Receiving Life Through Christ – John 3:7–15
In verses 7–8, how does Jesus describe the mysterious nature of being born of the Spirit?
How does the reference to Moses and the bronze serpent (verse 14) point to Jesus?
Verse 15 emphasizes “life.” What kind of life is Jesus referring to here?
How is this life different from mere existence?
Living Out Your New Purpose – Colossians 3: 1–2
According to Paul in Colossians 3:1–2, where should our focus be as new creations in Christ?
What practical changes might occur in someone’s life when they “seek the things above”?
What does it look like day-to-day to live out your new purpose in Christ?
Resting in Your New Identity – Colossians 3:3–4
What does it mean that “your life is hidden with Christ in God”?
How does verse 4 give you hope for the future?
In what ways do believers struggle to rest in their new identity, and how can we overcome those struggles?
Taking Up Your New War – Colossians 3:5
What does Paul mean by “put to death what belongs to your earthly nature”?
How does recognizing the Christian life as a spiritual battle help us stay alert and engaged?
What are some practical steps you can take this week to “take up your new war” against sin?
Other Discussion Questions
Jesus tells Nicodemus he must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God. How does this concept challenge common beliefs about salvation?
How does the story of Moses lifting up the bronze serpent relate to Jesus’ crucifixion? What does this teach us about faith and salvation?
The sermon states that “our heart doesn’t just need to be reformed; it needs to be transformed.” What’s the difference between reformation and transformation in a spiritual context?
Discuss the three aspects of new life in Christ mentioned in Colossians 3: new purpose, new identity, and new war. How have you experienced these in your own life?
Practical Applications
Reflect on your own spiritual “second birthday.” If you’ve experienced this, share your testimony with the group. If not, what questions or obstacles do you have?
Choose one area of your life where you need to live out your new identity in Christ. Share this with the group and commit to taking a specific action this week.
The sermon mentions putting to death what belongs to our earthly nature (Colossians 3:5). Identify one specific area where you struggle with this and develop a plan to address it through prayer, accountability, and Scripture.
Practice explaining the concept of being “born again” to someone who isn’t familiar with Christian terminology. Role-play this explanation with a partner in the group.
Spend time in prayer, thanking God for the new life He offers and asking for His help in living out your new purpose, identity, and spiritual battle.
Closing Thought
Remember, as believers, we are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). How might this truth impact your daily life and perspective this week?