There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a
ruler of the Jews:
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.
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.
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?
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.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which
is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto
thee, ye must be born again.
John 3:1-7
1. Nicodemus, like many important people, was religious
but he was not born again. Being religious does not
make you a Christian. Being religious will not get you
to Heaven. Nicodemus, an important man, came to
Jesus and important people need to come to Jesus too.
Religious people need to come to Jesus Christ.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter
into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of
my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21
2. Nicodemus, like many important people, did not want
to be publicly associated with Christ. It is necessary
to associate publicly with Christ. Nicodemus came to
Jesus at night. Why did he not come during the day?
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my
words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also
shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the
glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Mark 8:38
3. Nicodemus, like many important people, saw the
miracles and knew that God was speaking to him.
The miracles in your life are a sign of God’s mercy to
you. Nicodemus noticed the miracles in the ministry
of Jesus and recognized that they were signs from
God.
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth,
A MAN APPROVED OF GOD AMONG YOU BY
MIRACLES and wonders and signs, which God did by
him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
Acts 2:22
4. Nicodemus, like many important people, would not
be able to enter the kingdom of God unless he was
born again. Unless a man is born again he cannot
enter the kingdom of God.
And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted,
and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the
kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may
be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come
from the presence of the Lord;
Acts 3:19
5. Nicodemus, like many important people, would go
to hell if he were not born again. Unless a man is
born again he will not go to heaven; he will go to
hell. Chiefs, leaders, presidents, school prefects,
millionaires and students will go to hell if they are not
born again.
I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise
perish.
Luke 13:5
6. Nicodemus, like many important people, did not
understand that being born again was a spiritual
experience. Being born again is not a physical
experience like eating, drinking, bathing, cooking,
singing or dancing. Being born again is a totally
spiritual experience that you can only have through
your faith in God.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any
man should boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
7. Nicodemus, like all important people, had to be saved
and baptized.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:16
8. Nicodemus, like many important people, was
surprised at the simplicity and humility required
for salvation. Do not be surprised at God’s method
of saving the world through Jesus Christ. Do not
be surprised at the simplicity of Christ. You must
equally not be surprised if you go to hell because you
reject Christ. God is showing you the way of salvation
today.
How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation;
which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was
confirmed unto us by them that heard him.
Hebrews 2:3