series: Reflecting His Light #
verse: John 3:1-15 #
Introduction: #
In the past, faith was pivotal for survival. It was something to place your hope on, and also a source of community and identity. First generation immigrants especially struggled immensely financially. And as a result, their faith grew stronger. But now we have the children of these first generation immigrants who are relishing in the produce that their parents have worked tirelessly to generate. Wealthier, more educated. The people move from a stance of, “I need God”, to “Why do we need God”. And with another generation comes, “Who is God”.
People struggle and are desperate for more financial stability. But the result of this desire is the diminished relationship with God.
Main Idea: #
People chase for stability and affluence. But even after obtaining their worldly goals, they still feel empty and dissatisfied. So we must ask ourselves, “Why do we chase for stability?”. Many of us are doing it for our children. But we must really change our lens and prioritize bringing our children closer to God, to know God.
Nicodemus in our text has influence, education, spirtual knowledge, the works. But Jesus tells him bluntly, “You must be born again”. And the purpose of this text is to emphasize that the worldly security has no effect on our salvation.
What kind of life are you depending on? #
The life we naturally build cannot give the life that we truly need. Nicodemus is the modern day equivalent of Elon Musk (PJ’s words not mine). He’s rich, stable, secure, powerful, influential. He’s someone that we admire because he has the success that the secular world has defined.
I personally have been depending my life on
- physical appearance
- intellectual appearance
- how many friends
- my own ambitions (And whether or not they succeed).
What does this new life look like? #
The new life changes how we carry life itself. Verse 5. “Unless one is born of water and the spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God”. Our rebirth begins with our recognition of our sinfulness. We need to cleanse our heart, and have the spirit dwell within us. And this new spiritual life is characterized by a life of new dependance. A dependance on God. No longer being anxious about life, school, jobs, projects, etc. It doesn’t mean that we’re allowed to be lazy. But it means that we prioritize being loyal and faithful to God, and depending on his strength and confidence instead of our own. It’s no longer about self reliance, but about leaning on a God that loves us. Prayer, surrender, humility, and trust in God. This is new kind of life we must live.
And just because we are reborn, doesn’t mean that our life will immediately change. The situation may not change, but our outlook and perspective on it will change. This new life does not mean you will be successful, wealthy, etc. But it means that you will be joyful and humble. You are not in control or responsible for your own life and results. But you allow God to be the captain of this ship. You no longer base your life on results that have yet to be achieved. But instead, you get to base your life on the promise that was already fulfilled with Jesus’ action 2000 years ago.
Where do we look to get this new life #
We get this new life by looking to Christ.
So ask yourself this, “Where do you look in times of struggle?”. Generally we look to the world for answers, reddit, instagram, other people, etc. We feed our mind with garbage constantly. We grow jealous, lustful, etc. Reject social media, stop making these comparisons. Look to Jesus instead. Base your stance and be transformed by what he’s already accomplished on the cross.
You cannot have a joyful life just by trying harder. It’s simply be dedicating your life to Chris. Don’t try harder to be more christ like. To be more generous, more servant, more kind, more gentle, etc. It’s not that. It’s that in our brokenness and failures, that we look to Christ. And feel an invigoration that you cannot find anywhere else. And with this change of heart, will come an automatic change in our character.