Living In The Kingdom Of God

Living in the Kingdom of God

John 3:1-8 (KJV) 1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.

1. Be born again to see the kingdom of God

A. We are born naturally – or we would not be here.

1.) In natural birth we are born "children of wrath" -

Ephesians 2:1-2 We are separated from God by our sinful nature. Ephesians 2:1-2 (KJV) 1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

2.) The flesh resists the Spirit. Galatians 5:17 - The natural man does not know and understand God. The natural man resists God. Galatians 5:17 (KJV) For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

3.) The human spirit is dead to God. It is a shell that is not functioning as God created it. The human spirit is that part of us that is made in the image of God to bring us to faith in God and reverence for God. Since it does not know God, we crave other things to worship and put our faith in. The natural man, that is void of God and His plan for our lives, dictates those things. So, we go our own way, separated from God.

B. Born Supernaturally -

1.) Just as Jesus was born by the Holy Spirit coming on Mary.

2.) When we open our Spirit to the Holy Spirit, He gives us Spiritual Life. We cry out "Abba Father" which means "Dear, Dear Daddy". Romans 8:15 Romans 8:15 (KJV) For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

3.) The Spirit bears witness with our human spirit that we have become children of God. Romans 8:16 Romans 8:16 (KJV) The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

C. The Holy Spirit becomes the unseen force in our lives, leading us and teaching us our Father's ways. Romans 8:14 (KJV) For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

2. Believe in Jesus Christ as your Savior to be born again. John 3:10-21

A. Believe that Jesus is God who became a man, died as your substitute sacrifice for your sins, and rose again. John 3:15-16 (KJV) 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

1.) Just as when rebellious Israel looked on the brazen serpent hanging on a cross in obedience to God's Word, they were healed of the snake bites. Numbers 21:9, so when we look to Jesus as our Sacrifice to pay for our sins, we are healed of our sinful nature (the natural man) and its eternal death. All of our sins were laid on Him. He took our place in death to give us Spiritual and Eternal Life.

2.) This offer is universal. It is for all people of all races, religions, and social status.

B. Believe that God loves you and wants you live with Him forever. John 3:16-17

3. Make a decision for yourself about Jesus. John 3:20-2120 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.