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.
21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
A. God does not have any grandchildren.
1.) God is a gentleman and respects our wishes. Revelation 3:20 (KJV) Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
2.) We have to want Him. He will not force Himself on us.
B. There is no in-between, no fence riding. We either choose to believe, or we do not.
C. Believe means to be fully persuaded and to put our trust in Him.
1.) It means to hang our life on what He says.
4. Trust God to arrange your path as you follow Him.
A. We can only receive what God allows. John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven
B. Jesus taught us to pray that God's will be done. Matthew 6:10 (KJV) Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
1.) We must forsake our personal agendas and pursue God's agendas.
2.) The secret to being blessed is that we be poor in spirit, humble to God's ways. Matthew 5:3 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
5. Live to glorify Jesus Christ. John 3:29-36
A. The focus of the Kingdom is the King. Jesus is the King and we are His voluntary subjects. He is to have all the preeminence. Colossians 1:13-18 (KJV) 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: 15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
In Jesus we are lifted up as His bride when we believe in Him. He made it possible by coming to earth, dying for our sins in our place, raising from the dead, and then sending the Spirit to give us Spiritual life. All He asks is that we receive His invitation for marriage by believing in Him. When we trust His Word and accept His invitation, He makes us His bride and we share His throne with Him forever. This is God's great and loving invitation to all who will believe. Ephesians 1:15-23
Let me encourage you to use these keys to unlock God's treasures in His Kingdom which are laid up for you. You can begin by receiving Jesus Christ as your Savior. John 1:12 (KJV) But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Romans 10:9-10 (KJV) 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Romans 10:13 (KJV) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
TODAY IS THE DAY TO CALL ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST!
