Nicodemus' Religious Blindness Lesson 8 Series

A. INTRODUCTION: JOHN 3:1-8

1. Positive things about Nicodemus:

a. Sanhedrin, “ruler of the Jews” (3:1).

b. Defended Jesus. “Does our law judge any man before it hears him” (John 7:51).

c. Secret believer. “Joseph of Arimathaea … disciple of Jesus but secretly … also Nicodemus” (19:38-39).

2. Private meeting “by night” (3:2):

a. Embarrassed.

b. Wanted time and privacy to discuss.

c. “We” could mean delegation.

3. Complimented Jesus:

a. Argument.

b. Introduction to discussion. “Thou art a teacher come from God … no man can do these miracles” (3:2).

4. Why must a person be born again:

a. Blinded by sin (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).

b. Lost and not know (Ephesians 2:12).

c. Hell, and punishment (Romans 1:18-20).

First Birth Second Birth

Physical to mental life Spiritual life

Flesh Spirit

From parents From God

Entrance to human race Entrance to family of God

Ends in death Eternal life

5. What happens to a born-again person?

a. “Sees the kingdom of God” (3:3).

b. “Enter the kingdom of God” (3:7).

6. What does it mean to be “born of water?”

a. Not baptism (Galatians 2:16, Philippians 3:9).

b. “The washing of water by the Word” (Ephesians 5:26).

7. What did Jesus mean, “The wind blows … you can hear … cannot tell where it comes from” (3:8):

a. Wind is Holy Spirit.

b. Wind in new birth.

Born once – die twice

Born twice – die once

8. Religious blinded people need to be confronted with truth. “Knowest not these things” (3:10). “You won’t believe our testimony” (3:11, NLT).

B. TEN PRACTICAL PRINCIPLES

1. Some are blinded by their religion and cannot see the real Jesus or their need of salvation.

2. Blinded religious people need to realize they are lost and need new life from Jesus.

3. Blinded people like to “talk about” religion and Christ, but they do not know Him.

4. A religious blinded person needs to be confronted with their blindness (3:10-11).

5. Religious blinded people are close to the kingdom, but they are not yet there.

6. Religious blinded people need the light of Jesus (3:19) to confront their darkness and show them the truth of John 3:16.

7. The loving approach of Jesus can win a religious blinded person to salvation, as Nicodemus became a follower of Jesus.

8. It may take time and attention to slowly win/lead a religious blinded person to salvation.

9. Give personal attention to the need and questions of those asking question about salvation, their hearts may be seeking salvation as was Nicodemus.

10. Sometimes a person with questions about salvation needs our time and attention because they may have question that are real to them.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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