Sermon Discussion Guide 6-8-25

Sermon Discussion Guide
The Gospel of John | John 3:1-21

Gathering Question:
What is one way you’ve experienced God in your life this week?

Gathering Prayer
Father, by Your Spirit, would you guide us into all truth. Help us to hear and be attentive to Your voice as we work through this study. In the name of Jesus, Your Son, we pray, Amen.

Opening Questions

• What stood out to you in the sermon? 
• What insights did you gain? 
• What questions did it raise?

Read John 3:1-21

• When you hear the phrase “born again,” what thoughts, feelings, or images come to mind?
• What do you notice about Nicodemus—his position, his approach to Jesus, and his assumptions?
• What role does the Spirit play in the new birth, according to Jesus (vv. 5–8)?
• Reflect on the reference to the bronze serpent (If you would like to read the reference, it is from Numbers 21:4-9). What does this teach us about how the new birth happens? 

Teacher or Savior

• In your own words, how would you define the difference between moral reformation and spiritual transformation?
• Why do you think people are often more comfortable with self-improvement than with surrendering to transformation by the Spirit?
• Can someone pursue moral reformation without truly experiencing the new birth? What might that look like?
• Where do you see signs in your life that you may be relying on effort and discipline rather than dependence on the Spirit?
• Have you ever experienced a season of striving to “be better” spiritually, but felt exhausted or unchanged? What happened?
• What are some subtle ways moralism can creep into our Christian life or church culture?
• What are some fruits of transformation that go beyond just “being good” or “following the rules”?
• How might a person’s spiritual journey look different when it’s driven by transformation rather than reformation?

Closing Prayer