If you really want a relationship with Jesus, you'll have to trust his perspective AND his power to get there.
Talking Points:
- Following Jesus starts with a willingness to change your mind. This is what it means to have a heart of repentance-turning from your perspective to God’s perspective.
- Jesus told Nicodemus that he had to be “born again”. He was like that newborn baby: totally powerless to save himself, and totally dependent on someone else to save him. John 3:2-3
- When you believe in Jesus, you are believing that his death on the cross was enough to pay for your sins. Placing your faith in Jesus saves you, not your good works. John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Read Luke 18:9-14. How would you describe the Pharisees’ “grid” for looking at life?
- What are some ways that Christians can act like Pharisees?
- Read John 3:1-4. How was Nicodemus’ attitude toward Jesus different than other Pharisees we see in the Bible?
- What is repentance? How does the story of Nicodemus help us understand repentance a little better?
- Do you ever feel like you have to do good things to please God? What does this look like in your life?
- Read John 3:16. What is your reaction to understanding that being saved means simply trusting Jesus’ work for you on the cross?
- Read Romans 10:9-10. If you’ve had your defining moment, share with the group how it happened. If you haven’t had your defining moment and want to, feel free to talk to your small group leader afterward or reach out to your mentor during the week to discuss this.
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
