THIS MAN NICODEMUS,

John 3:3-21

 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily verily, I say unto you, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”

1.     Who was Nicodemus?

The name Nicodemus means victory of the people from Greek, (nike), victory” and (demos), people

The power behind his name made him approach Jesus seeking answers not for himself but for the people whom he served as a Rabbi, teacher of the law

a. He Was A Ruler - Probably a member of the Sanhedrin, John 7:51. As such, he was among the most powerful of men in that day. He was a judge, much like a member of the Supreme Court.

b. He Was Religious - He was called a Pharisee. Therefore, he adhered to the strictest of religious and ethical standards. (Ill. Not all Pharisees were hypocrites. Some actually did their best to live before the Lord in true holiness. It appears that Nicodemus was of this caliber.) Does this describe any of us today?

c. He Was Real - His approach to Jesus indicates that He was sincere in his search for the truth. Here was a man who wanted to find true peace for his soul. He probably came by night, not out of fear, but so that he could have an uninterrupted conversation with Jesus.(Ill. I do not mind someone who is asking questions when they are sincere and are searching for the truth. Neither does the Lord!)

Whom am I talking to?

Today Christians are always pulling towards themselves. There is no room for growth let alone expression of the mind of others,

Ever heard it, if Christianity is the caliber of so and so, I better face the wrath of God squarely.

Like the Pharisees who stood at the door and never allowed anyone in so are the exalted Christians of today.

They are the know it all. Will hear no differing opinion and have preferences of who m to lend their ears.

The lord would speak to us this morning stop being and acting Nicodemus, except you be born again my friend huendi mbali!

Ever heard the Swahili saying “Malipo ya hapa duniani ni hapa hapa”. You better looked into the meaning of those words with a critical mind.

2.      Nicodemus’ approach to Jesus-

a. He Addressed Jesus With Respect - Nicodemus calls Jesus "Rabbi." He refers to Him as a teacher, and appears to hold Jesus in high regard.

b. He Addresses Jesus With A Realization - It appears that Nicodemus at least understood that Jesus had been sent from God to the world. Nicodemus, it seems, has at least a vague understanding of just who Jesus really is.

c. He Addresses Jesus With Human Reasoning - Nicodemus is giving Christ Honour and is displaying respect for the power of Christ that he has seen, (Ill. The miracles). However, He stops too short in his estimation of just who Jesus really is. To Nicodemus, Jesus is nothing more than a teacher, or some prophet whom God has sent. Kindly take note that as much as we are supposed to respect those over us it is prudent to understand that this does not translate to servitude. “Tunza punda naye atakutunza”

     3.   Jesus’ reaction to Nicodemus

Jesus ignores the compliments and the pious platitudes and addresses the need of Nicodemus's heart. Jesus tells Nicodemus that his religion isn't sufficient to save his soul. He tells Nicodemus that he must experience the "New Birth."

(Being the Divine Teacher, Jesus used a common illustration to clarify His thought. Birth is a universal experience. Everyone has been through it. After all, that's how we all got here. However, there is something different about this birth to which Jesus refers

1. The Nature Of The New Birth -. The word "again" means "from a higher place." It refers to things which come from God alone. That is the nature of the new birth. Man cannot accomplish it. It is a work of God and of none other!

2. The Necessity Of The New Birth - the word "except" is an imperative. It literally means that a person has no other choices in the realm of salvation. You either come God's way or you do not experience His salvation. In other words, it's Jesus or nothing! (Acts 4:12).

 V. 4 The Confusion Of Nicodemus - Nicodemus, like so many others, confused the things of God with those of the flesh. He thought that Jesus was referring to a return to his mother's womb. A thing that would be an absolute impossibility.

(Ill. There are many around who do not understand the plan of salvation. When someone tries to think about it in human terms, it makes absolutely no sense at all. It is a thing that is spiritually discerned and unless the Spirit of God awakens the mind to the truth of God's plan, then there can be no understanding and, ultimately, no salvation. That is why Jesus stresses the need for the Father to draw men to the truth - John 6:44; John 6:65; Eph. 2:1.)

E. V. 5-13 The Clarification Of Jesus - In an effort to clear things up for this seeking man, Jesus proceeds to explain the manner of this "new birth".

1. V. 5 The Instruments Of The New Birth

a. Born Of Water - There is some confusion among Bible readers as to what the water here refers to.

1. Baptism - Impossible, for this would add works to grace.

2. The Natural Birth - This is a possibility. However, if a man had never been born, then he would not need salvation in the first place. It makes it an almost moot point.

3. The Word Of God - This, to me, is the best answer. It is the Word of God that regenerates and quickens the heart of the sinner. It is the Word of God that makes him acutely aware of His need for Christ. It is the Word of God that brings about the conviction of sin and the possibility of faith, Rom. 10:17; (Ill. That is why Bible centered, Gospel preaching is so necessary - 1 Cor. 1:21.)

b. Born Of The Spirit - This refers to the second stage of salvation. After conviction comes and the heart of the sinner is quickened by the Spirit of the Lord, the sinner has a decision to make. When the sinner turns to Jesus for salvation, the Spirit of God baptizes the sinner into the body of Christ, 1 Cor. 12:13, and gives him the everlasting life of God.

2. V. 6-7 The Imperative Of The New Birth - Verse 6 makes it clear that there is a difference in what is produces by the action of the new birth. When a sinner is redeemed, he literally becomes a "New Creation" in the Lord Jesus, 2 Cor. 5:17. It is this "New Creature" that is fitted for Heaven. The redeemed life has been readied for glory, while the natural man is suited only for this world. 

(When Jesus comes in, He makes all the difference in a life. The redeemed sinner is forever changed by the power of the Almighty.

 Notice this truth illustrated in the following story.

 A medical missionary was leaving by ship for a foreign field. The famous Andrew Bonar of Scotland came to the pier to bid farewell to his friend, only to discover that the doctor was to be accompanied by his sister. Turning to her, he said, "My dear, I don't believe I've ever had the privilege of making your acquaintance. I'm pleased that you are going as your brother's assistant, and I'd like to remember you in my prayers. What is your first name?" "Christine," was the reply. "I like that!" said the aged servant of the Lord, "for you have Christ in your name. I trust you also have Him in your heart!" The woman looked away and was silent for a moment. Before she could think of an answer, the last call to board the ocean liner was given. Convicted by Bonar's words, she began to think about her relationship to the Lord. Although she went to church regularly, she suddenly realized that she was not truly saved and had never actually become a "new creature" in Christ. That night she knelt and asked the Savior to pardon her sins and make her His child. Much later an article appeared in the Moody Monthly relating this incident. It concluded by saying that her years of consistent living and faithful service showed the reality of Christine's decision.)

(Only Jesus can make the kinds of changes in the heart and life of a person. Some people will make an attempt at "turning over a new leaf." However, only Jesus can effect eternal change in hearts and lives. How wonderful that everyone who comes to Jesus is forever made new!")

(How miserable would a person be if they were taken to Heaven in their natural state.)

(According to Jesus, the new birth is not an option! He plainly says, "ye must be born again!", verse 7. There is no other option, no plan B. It is either Jesus or it is nothing! Without Him, you will never get to Heaven, you will never miss Hell. Jesus is the only way to the Father - John 14:6; 1 John 5:12.)

3. V. 8-13 The Imagery Of The New Birth - Jesus uses the image of the wind to describe the action of the Spirit. His movements, like those of the wind, cannot be predicted or anticipated. Like the wind, the movement of the Spirit is invisible, but powerful! When He passes by, He touches whom He will and His presence is easily seen!

(The dry bones of Ezekiel 37:1-14. When the wind of God moved over that which was dead. It became alive! This is what happens to the dead sinner. The Holy Ghost comes by and awakens the heart to the truths of God's Word, then the sinner is drawn to Jesus. When the sinner responds in faith, he is saved and given the new birth from God. The new birth is a necessity, but it is also a mystery! Just as the movement of the wind cannot be fully explained, so the child of God is a mystery to the world.)

(Ill. Even with his vast knowledge of the Old Testament, Nicodemus was still in the dark spiritually. He, like so many in our day, could not seem to grasp the simple truth that it is faith in Jesus that produces salvation for the soul!)

Why did Nicodemus go to Jesus at night?

Even most of us have our night moments

As a minister of the gospel I am priviledged to listen to confidential things and I can tell you night is not only when darkness strikes.

Some of us night is our place of work no wonder some of us are not motivated or scythed to do our work

To others is when the woman of the house returns from work, it is quarrel after quarrel and no compliment no rest.

To others it is when the man of the house is the last person to leave home, the house girl desires, the wife came back through the other door and the examples are endless

The word of God would counsel us, “Cursed is the man who depends upon man but blessed is he who trust in the lord”

The man who is your umbrella and cloud would one day leave that station, what will you do?

Nicodemus realized this state and that is why at night when no one could trace his steps, he went to Jesus.

Nicodemus was fighting a lot of battles within himself, his high education, intelligence and the privileged position.

What is that could be the pharisaical stumbling block to kingdom entry?

Some of us without knowing are fighting God thinking we are making it hard for others. As much as you are threatening me and making my life difficult allow me to sound an alarm. You could be fighting God. Let us beware with some of the battles we engage in, they add no value. The bible says that whosever touches the child of God touches the apple of his eye. Remember touch ye not the anointed of God. The anointed are not just the clergy we tend to revere and live lives of pretense with.

It is high time we took the bold Nicodemus step, approach Jesus and ask those none-sensical questions. The night is the best moment, use it

This morning when all heads are bowed down as we reflect on Jesus, were he to come today, would you go with him?

Use this night moment to come to terms with the words of Jesus, except a man be born again (individual) no companies here. No deceptions. It is you and you alone

Come to Jesus now.

Now is the day of salvation

Blessings in Jesus’ name!

Pastor Geoffrey Douglas Otuko

Tuesday 10^th February 2015

20.15hrs.