God wants us to place our trust in Him, not ourselves, to experience true transformation. Our self-reliance, efforts, and striving will always fall short. Jesus invites us to surrender and trust Him fully. Is that an accurate description of your relationship with Jesus? Are you depending on your own strength or His?
REVIEW: Nicodemus Seeks Jesus
- READ: John 3:1-2 "There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. ‘Rabbi,’ he said, ‘we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.’”
- DISCUSS: What does Nicodemus' desire to meet with Jesus in this way reveal about his understanding of who Jesus is?
REVIEW: Jesus Calls for Transformation
- READ: John 3:3-7 “I assure you, unless you are born again, you can never see the Kingdom of God. The truth is, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”
- DISCUSS: How does the concept of spiritual rebirth change the way we think about our relationship with God?
REVIEW: True Belief is Entrusting Ourselves to Christ
- READ: John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who entrusts their spiritual well-being with Christ, who commits and puts their trust with Jesus and not themselves, will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.”
- DISCUSS: What are some ways people try to earn salvation rather than trusting in Jesus?
REVIEW: The Heart Must Be Transformed
- READ: Ezekiel 36:26-27 “And I will give you a new heart with new and right desires, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony heart of sin and give you a new obedient heart.”
- DISCUSS: Why does God focus on changing the heart rather than just behavior? How have you seen God give you new desires over time?
REVIEW: Trusting in Ourselves Leads to Failure
- READ: Galatians 2:18-20 “For when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God’s approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting (pisteuō) in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
- DISCUSS: Why is it impossible to earn God’s approval through our own efforts, and how does surrendering our self-reliance bring us closer to Jesus?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Father, we confess that we often rely on ourselves instead of fully trusting You. Transform our hearts and renew our minds so that we may walk in deeper faith and surrender. Help us to recognize Your presence in our lives, lean on Your wisdom, and seek You in all things. Give us the courage to release our control and embrace the abundant life You offer. May our trust in You grow each day, shaping our thoughts, actions, and relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
INVITATION TO RESPOND:
Take time this week to reflect on Jesus’ invitation. Ask yourself:
- Where do I need to invite Jesus into my life more intentionally?
- How can I deepen my dependence on Him?
- Where do I need transformation that only Jesus can bring?
- How can I establish a regular practice of prayer and surrender to grow in intimacy with Christ?