John – Lesson Four Outline

John 3:1-36

The meeting after dark between Jesus & Nicodemus (3:1-21)

o The new birth (vv. 1-7)

The new birth is not some experience added to our old way of thinking or act. It comes not from “going through the motions of religion.” It comes not from just repeating the “right words” or being immersed in committee work. (The Preachers Commentary)

Just as there are two parents for physical birth, so there are two “parents” for spiritual birth: the Spirit of God (John 3:5) and the Word of God. The spirit of God takes the Word of God and when the sinner believes, imparts the life of God. (Warren Wiersbe)

o THE MYSTERY OF THE WIND (vv. 8-13)

There is a mystery about God’s working which can only anticipate and prepare for. God is the One who moves when He wills. (The Preacher’s Commentary)

o THE SERPENT ON THE POLE (vv. 14-18)

John’s use of the verb “lifted up” has a dual meaning: (1) to be crucified, (2) or, to be glorified and exalted. The cross of Jesus Christ was the way God showed us His means of salvation, and demonstrated His glory and power to give eternal life to ALL who simply gaze upon him, and believe.

o THE LOVE OF GOD (vv. 15:20)

The Love of God is the very nature of God, reaching out to all who are unlovely and sick, ….. like the dying Israelites…..like Nicodemus…..like all of us who are sinners.

That love is not selective or discriminating, it is universal with no limitations. In Jesus the Son, God comes to the whole world in love.

o LIGHT AND DARKNESS (vv. 19-21)

Nicodemus moved from the “midnight of CONFUSION, into the “SUNLIGHT of confession” when he identified with Christ at Calvary. (Warren Wiersbe)

The testimony of John the Baptist (3:22-35)

¨ The friend of the bridegroom

¨ The man from the earth giving witness to the One who comes from above and who is above all

Summary Statement: A Call to Decision – 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on that one. (3:36)

¨ Belief, or condemnation?

¨ The wrath of God