What Do You Do to Enter the Kingdom of God?

Icebreakers:• Many people talk about “second life”. What do you know about it?• What would you change in your life if you could start all over again?

Introduction:The Bible also talks about something similar to “second life”. Everyone needs this “second life” in order to enter the Kingdom of God. This second life is called the “born again” experience.

What is born again experience?

John 3:3 (NIV) - In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.

Jesus said this to a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. Sufficient knowledge concerning the Pharisees is of great importance so that one could clearly understand the deep spiritual need of Nicodemus. Who were these Pharisees in the time of Christ? The Pharisees were the strictest sect of Judaism (Acts 22:3; 26:4-5; Php 3:5). A brief examination of to their religious practices, traditions and teachings will enable you to comprehend Jesus’ bitter antagonistic attack and condemnation against them (Matt 15:1-9; 23:5-7, 13-15, 23-29; Mark 7:6-7; Luke 11:42-44).

The Greek word translated again can mean either “from above” or “anew.” The new birth, or regeneration (Titus 3:4-7), is the act by which God imparts spiritual life to one who trusts Christ. Without this spiritual birth, a person cannot perceive spiritual things (1Cor. 2:10, 13–16), nor can he or she enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

What does it mean to be born of water or of Spirit?

John 3:5-6 (NIV) – 5 Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. 6 Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.

“Of water and the Spirit” could refer to (1) the contrast between physical birth (water) and spiritual birth (Spirit), or (2) being regenerated by the Spirit and

signifying that rebirth by Christian baptism. The water may also represent the cleansing action of God’s Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Nicodemus undoubtedly would have been familiar with God’s promise in Ezekiel 36:25-26. Jesus was explaining the importance of a spiritual rebirth, saying that people don’t enter the Kingdom by living a better life, but by being spiritually reborn.

When does born again experience begin?

John 1:12-13 NLT) – 12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. 13 They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

To belong to God’s redeemed family requires more than natural birth. All who welcome Jesus Christ as Lord of their lives are reborn spiritually, receiving new life from God. Only God can give the spiritual power to become God’s children. All who receive Christ by repentance and faith (Acts 2:38) become children of God. Through faith in Christ, this new birth changes us from the inside out—rearranging our attitudes, desires, and motives. Being born makes you physically alive and places you in your parents’ family (John 1:13). Being born of God makes you spiritually alive and puts you in God’s family (John 1:12). Have you asked Christ to make you a new person? This fresh start in life is available to all who believe in Christ.

Why born again experience is important?

John 3:3 (NIV) - In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.

What did Nicodemus know about the Kingdom? From the Bible he knew it would be ruled by God, it would be restored on earth, and it would incorporate God’s people. Jesus revealed to this devout Pharisee that the Kingdom would come to the whole world (John 3:16), not just the Jews, and that Nicodemus wouldn’t be a part of it unless he was personally born again (John 3:5).This was a revolutionary concept: The Kingdom is personal, not national or ethnic, and its entrance requirements are repentance and spiritual rebirth. Jesus later taught that God’s Kingdom has already begun in the hearts of believers (Luke 17:21). It will be fully realized when Jesus returns again to judge the world and abolish evil forever (Rev 21–22).

Being religious is not a guarantee for entrance in heaven. Like Nicodemus, you and I need a personal relationship with Christ, repent of all our sins and allow the Spirit of God and the Living Word to transform us to the likeness of Jesus Christ.

This is being born again is all about! Jesus said, we must be born again in order to enter/see the kingdom of God.

Application:• What did you learn from this lesson?• According to this lesson, how could anyone enter/see the kingdom of

heaven?• Do you want to receive this spiritual birth?