Here are some questions based on last Sunday’s sermon text (John 3:1-15), in case they’re helpful to you for personal growth or group discussion…

• [1-4] Nicodemus has put Jesus into a manageable category: “teacher.” A teacher is someone who helps you to do something; a savior is someone who does something for you. Have you placed Jesus “in a box” that he won’t stay in? In what ways has he made you feel uncomfortable by engaging with you on his own terms rather than yours? Do you recognize this as a good thing? Do you tend to diffuse tension with humor? Can you let down your guard with Jesus?

• [5-8] Read Genesis 2:4-7 and Ezekiel 37:1-14. What is spiritual regeneration or being “born again” of the Spirit? How does it happen to us? Why do you need it?

• [14-15] (See Numbers 21:4-9) Spiritual regeneration makes the proud to be humble in a new relationship with God. Does your need and passivity in your salvation bother you? Why or why not? Does God’s initiative and activity in your salvation comfort you? Why or why not? What kind of person do you think would celebrate (rather than resent) the idea of spiritual regeneration?