YOUTH STS LESSON 138 THE NEW BIRTH

TEXT: John 3:1-36.    

MEMORY VERSE: “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” (John 3:3).

Today’s study focuses on a prominent personality in the Jewish society called Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night. “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” (verses 1,2). It is amazing that Christ had time to meet the spiritual needs of individuals at night in spite of the multitudes that came to Him in the day. As large as the church may be, Christ still cares for the needs of every individual member, including youths. Those who seek Him sincerely will surely find Him. The phrase “Born again” otherwise called New Birth or salvation from sin is a spiritual transformation in the heart through the grace of God. From the discussion between Jesus and Nicodemus, we see the great difference between physical and spiritual birth. We also see the necessity of the spiritual birth irrespective of our religious activities. It is noteworthy, that despite the status of Nicodemus, he noticed something peculiar about Christ (verse 2). He therefore, took a bold step to reach out to him for salvation. Every youth must not allow peer groups to hinder them from coming to Christ. As Nicodemus obeyed the teachings of Christ, Christian youths must also submit to His word.

PASSION AND PRICE OF THE NEW BIRTH EXPERIENCE (John 3:1-17; Luke 19:1-10; Ecclesiastes 12:1; 2 Timothy 2:5; Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 10:9-13)

“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” (verse 2). Nicodemus came to Christ knowing fully well that in Him alone could he find rest for his soul (Matthew 11:28,29). Youths should understand that religious activities such as regular church attendance, singing in the choir, being an officer in the school fellowship and punctuality to the youth fellowship without the new birth experience is eternally dangerous. Many youths are passionate towards religious activities but are lukewarm towards the salvation of their souls. Nicodemus came to Jesus by night leaving every distraction to have an encounter with Christ. He was curious of his eternal state; thus, he expressed his passion for the new birth experience. The moment Jesus received him, He introduced the need to be born again.”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” (verse 3).

Question 1: What do you understand by being born again?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The new birth experience is a spiritual birth of believers through the Holy Spirit and God’s word (verse 5-7). It is the only means by which the unregenerated (unconverted) is transformed and made a citizen of the kingdom of God.

Question 2: What price did Jesus pay for our forgiveness from sins?

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (verse 14,15). Nothing but the blood of Jesus could atone for our sin. He paid the price for our regeneration. The new birth cost Him His precious blood, which was shed at Calvary. Youths need repentance and faith in the atonement of Christ to appropriate the new birth experience “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting Life” (verse16). Sinning youths can be saved today, whilst the guilty and condemned can rely on the Saviour because He paid it all. No matter how deep in sin you sink, His blood and grace can reach you. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (verse 17).

PARTAKERS AND PROOF OF NEW BIRTH EXPERIENCE (John 3:18-24; Romans 10:8-13; Jeremiah 3:13; 22:21; 26:13; Romans 12:9; 2 Corinthians 6:2; John 15:3-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:22)

“He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (John 3:18,19). The new birth experience is for all that are willing to receive the Lord today. Unfortunately, many youths take delight in committing sins and perpetrating evil in the society “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved” (John 3:20). They despise the new birth experience, which cost Christ His life and blood. They refuse to acknowledge the fact that Jesus was nailed on the cross for their sake. Are you among such ungrateful youths? Do you despise Jesus and ignore His invitation?

Question 3: What practical steps must a sinning youth take to partake of the new birth experience and to retain it?

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out” (John 6:37). Simple steps to be taken for a sinner to experience a new birth in Christ are:

One, acknowledge your past sinfulness (Jeremiah 3:13).

Two, accept Christ’s perfect offer of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Three, shun all youthful lusts and sensuality (Romans 12:9).

Four, abstain from sinful peers and influences (1 Thessalonians 5:22).

Five, acquaint yourself with the Saviour (Jeremiah 22:21).

Six, amend your past (Jeremiah 26:13).

Seven, abide in the Lord and His word (John 15:3-7).

Question 4: What are the proofs of the new birth experience?

“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:21). Every youth that has accepted Christ sincerely will:

(1) live a truthful life;

(2) unconditionally obey God’s word;

(3) fear God in his relationship;

(4) renounce every deed of darkness;

(5) stand for Christ everywhere;

(6) live a shining and respectful life;

(7) joyfully share the gospel to all. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

PREFERENCE AND PRE-EMINENCE OF CHRIST (John 3:25-36; Psalm 97:9; Acts 5:30-32; Philippians 2:9-11; 1:11, 12; 3:16-19; Deuteronomy 30:15, 19; Ecclesiastes 12:1,13,14)

“Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him” (John 3:25,26). John’s response to his disciples’ question and testimony concerning Christ exemplifies how faithful, truthful and qualitative service to Christ should be. Sincerity of motive makes our service to Christ of high value. Like John the Baptist, the service of a Christian youth will have eternal value and ultimate praise when he:

(1) Debases self but exalts the Saviour alone;

(2) Declares Christ’s sovereignty;

(3) Directs sinners to Christ alone and;

(4) Defends Christ before scoffers and scorners. “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). From John’s testimony, Christ alone is to be exalted and He remains incomparable with any of the greatest of men and prophets. “He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all” (verse 31). Christ is also above all angels in heaven for He is the Creator of all things and beings. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist” (Colossians 1:16, 17).

Question 5: Answer True or False with respect to the exalted position of Christ.

(i) Christ created all the angels including angels Michael and Gabriel.

(ii) Christ created all the prophets that ever lived including Moses and Elijah.

(iii) All the angels deserve equal worship as Christ.

(iv) All men and angels must worship Christ alone.

“And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony” (verse 32). Christ came to testify of the kingdom of God. He came to spread the good news of salvation and freedom from the bondage of sin and its eternal consequence. Man was created a free moral agent with the moral right and power to choose and decide for himself. However, he shall be responsible for his decisions. Therefore, youths should understand that today’s decision will determine tomorrow’s destiny. For every decision taken, there is a corresponding destiny. Youths may either experience God’s blessing or wrath depending on their choice now.

Question 6: What must sinning youths do to avoid God’s Judgment?

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (verse 36). He who receives Christ confirms that God is true. Those who believe in Christ receive eternal life. But youths who reject Christ are condemned already. “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (verse 18). They wilfully condemn themselves to the horror of eternal punishment which their sins deserve. Therefore, all youths should make the best use of Christ’ testimony today for their salvation and eternal life.