Connect Group Discussion Week 7 — Nicodemus
Dr, Rick Stinton
Part of Encounters Series
November 1, 2021

Encounters: Nicodemus

October 31st, 2021
Dr. Rick Stinton

CONNECT:
What was the high point and low point of your week? How can we pray for you?

DIVE IN:
1 ) Read Nicodemus’ encounter with Jesus in John 3:1-21. Then watch the video.
Video: https://youtu.be/sLNsl4hz9b8

• Based on the biblical record, how would you describe Nicodemus?

• What’s your impression of the film maker’s version?



2 )Before this week’s study, how did you feel about the term “born again” as it has been used in our day? Does it carry positive or negative connotations? Mixed?



3 ) What did Jesus mean when he told Nicodemus he must be born again?



4 ) The Spirit is essential to being born again. Jesus says, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”
Read over the attached document listing ministries of the Holy Spirit. What two or three are most meaningful to you, personally? Can you share an experience where the Spirit served you in one of these ways?



5 ) Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to fill your lives together, with any special needs in mind.



REACH OUT:
Have any situations or needs emerged that your group can reach out and care for?



Ministries of the Holy Spirit

• He secures us in our relationship with God.

When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory. — Ephesians 1:13-14

• He gives us assurance of our identity as God’s children.

…the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. —Romans 8:15-16

• He teaches us.

But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. — John 16:13

• He guides us.

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. — Romans 8:14

• He prays for us.

…the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. …the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. — Romans 8:26-27

• He helps us.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. …you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. — John 14:16-17

• He sets us free from the power of sin.

…the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. — Romans 8:2

• He enables our spiritual growth.

…we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. — 2 Corinthians 3:18

• He gives us courage to tell people about Jesus.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8

• He pours out God’s love in our hearts and strengthens us to love others.

…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. — Romans 5:5

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge… —Ephesians 3:16-19

• He gives us spiritual gifts to serve others and build the church.

Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. …There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. — 1 Corinthians 12:1-5

• He assures us of our identity as heirs of King Jesus.

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ… — Romans 8:16-17

• He nurtures the beauty of Jesus in us.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. —Galatians 5:22