Bible Study on Gospel of John: John 3.1-13

1.A. Read John 3.1-15. How would you describe Nicodemus as a person? What clues do you see in the text? If he lived today, what do you think he would have as a career?

B. Read John 3.2. Define Rabbi. When Nicodemus referred to Jesus as a Rabbi was he recognizing Christ as someone who was superior to him or someone who is equal? Is Jesus ever equal with any of us? In what ways do we either try to bring Jesus to our level or rise to the level of Jesus? What happens?

C. Why did Nicodemus come to Jesus at night?

2.A. Read John 3.2-3. What did Nicodemus say about Jesus in verse 2? Jesus’ reply to Nicodemus in verse 3 seems to have nothing to do with Nicodemus’s statement in verse 2. Why do you think Jesus bring up the subject of new birth.

B. Write down all the ways that you have heard that a person can enter in to heaven? Would you be able to refute someone’s wrong belief using the Scriptures as a guide?

C. As best you can explain what it means to be “born again”. Examine your heart. Have you ever been born again?

3.A.  How is being born again different from being an involved member of a religious group? Billy Graham once remarked that churches are filled with members, but not Christians. What do you think Mr. Graham meant by this? Do you agree?

B. Read John 3.4. How did Nicodemus respond to Jesus? How did you respond the very first time someone explained the plan of Salvation? Did you question the means of salvation as Nicodemus did?

4.A. Read John 3.5. What do you think it means when Jesus says, “unless one is born of water and the Spirit”? What is the significance of the “water” and the “Spirit” found in this verse?

B. Read John 3.6-8. Jesus continues to explain the need to be born again. What do you think Jesus means by verse 8? How does this verse relate to being born again?

5.A. Read John 3.9. What was the reaction of Nicodemus to what Jesus said?

B. Read John 3.10-12. Why is Jesus amazed at the ignorance of Nicodemus?

C. What are the challenges of talking with unbelievers about being “born again?” Can you overcome these challenges?

For Further Study:

1. How would you describe a Pharisee from Jesus’ perspective? (Matt. 23.1-36)
2. What does Jesus mean when he says that you must be born again? What is the difference between spiritual birth and physical birth? (Eph. 2.1; 2 Cor. 5.17; Titus 3.5; James 1.8; 1 Peter 1.3, 23; John 2.29; 3.9; 4.7; 5.1, 4,18). Now compare spiritual birth and physical birth with spiritual judgment and physical death. (Rev. 20.11-15)
3. How does Jesus challenge the religious person in regards to their salvation? (Phil. 3.8-9)
4. In what ways will legalistic religion have on a person’s spiritual perception?

As always comments are welcome.

John Warren & Ricky Le’Mons