SERIES: The Great Adventure: Transformation (John)
TITLE: From Old To New
Scripture: John 3: 1 – 21
I. THE DISCUSSION
If there was any one group clinging to religion it was the (Pharisees). Steeped in (traditions and rules) they saw themselves as the last bastion of defense against the liberalism of the (Sadducees).
Pharisees were an off-shoot of Hasidim, which means (pious ones). They opposed (Hellenization) of Jewish culture.
Jesus went straight to the heart of the issue: the (transformation) of Nic’s heart by the new birth.
God’s salvation is not a matter of adding something to all his efforts, not topping off his religious devotion with whipped cream, but rather (cancelling) everything and (starting over).
Water and spirit are often referred symbolically in the OT to spiritual renewal and cleansing. [See Ezekiel 36:24-27 for an example]
II. THE DECLARATION
They were not told to fight the serpents…make an offering…pray…or even look to Moses. All that was required was a simple look of faith to the raised serpent.
The numbers of Hope: John 3:16. “If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here.” Max Lucado
Since he has no needs, you cannot tire Him. Since He is without age, you cannot lose Him. Since He has no sin, you cannot corrupt Him.
Scripture abounds in verses backing up John 3:16. Check out Deut.10:15: “The Lord chose your ancestors as the objects of His love.” (NLT)
NEXT WEEK: From Uncertainty to Assurance
Scripture: John 10:1-21