Archive Weekly Study January 25, 2004

Week of January 25, 2004

NEW BIRTH

Purpose Of This Study
The purpose of this lesson is to understand what it means to be born again.

Personal Reflection And Meditation
How much did you contribute to your own natural conception and birth?

Scripture Memorization (read, write and repeat):
Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.' - John 3:5

Bible Study
According to Romans 8:29 what is God's ultimate purpose for his children?

Read John 3:3-10 and answer the following questions:
What does Jesus say is a prerequisite for entering the Kingdom of God?

Nicomdemus was Israel's teacher, he had the promises of God at his fingertips, he was a student and professor of theology, a religious devotee and as a Pharisee he lived close to the law. Yet, what did Jesus say about him in verse 10?

According to verse 6 who gives birth to flesh? Who gives birth to spirit?

Read Ephesians 1:5 and 2:4-5. Whose decision is it that we are born again into God's family?

Read John 20:17. What does Jesus say to Mary Magdalene when He sees her after the resurrection?

If we have the same Father, what does that make believers in relationship to Jesus (Romans 8:29b)?

Read 2 Corinthians 5:17-18. What happens to you when you place your faith in Christ?

According to verse 18a what has God done for us?

Read Read Matthew 19:28, Romans 8:20-23 and Phil 3:20-21. Is our regeneration complete when we put our faith in Jesus and experience rebirth? What more is there?

To be born again is to enter into a vital relationship with Jesus:.
Read Romans 6:5. According to this verse what defines our new relationship with Christ?

Read Ephesians 1:18-20, 3:20, and Phil 4:13. What else characterizes our relationship with Christ?

Read 2 Cor. 3:18. What is God doing for each one of His children regardless of how dramatic their conversion was?

Regeneration takes place not by something we do, but by an act of God's will. Just as Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, when He called his name, so Jesus gives us new life when He breathes His breath of life on us and calls to us to place our faith in Him. When we respond, He fills us up with His Holy Spirit by which we cry Abba Father. Sinclair Ferguson says "This perhaps more than anything else, is the sign that we have been born again."

Personal Application
What did you learn about the character, plans or purposes of God through this study?

How do you believe the Lord is speaking to you through this study?

What adjustment in attitudes, beliefs or actions is God calling you to make?

Take these things to God in prayer.

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