1. As John began his Gospel he recorded some important information about Christ. a. In vs.1-2 he introduced Christ as a member of the eternal Godhead. b. He continued in vs.3 by identifying Christ as the Creator. c. Later in vs.14 he stated that Christ came in the flesh. 2. In the early part of his Gospel John also showed how people responded to Christ when He came in the flesh. a. John first presented some unpleasant news. 1) (vs.10) The world did not know Christ, even though He had made it. 2) (vs.11) His own did not receive Him. 3) John showed how people rejected Jesus in 5:16; 6:66; 7:5; 8:59. b. John presented some pleasant news in vs.12-13. 1) Christ gave certain people "power to become the 'sons' [children] of God." 2) These people received Christ, believed on His name, and were born of God. 3. In our lesson we are concentrating on 3 additional passages that explain how we become God's children.
Discussion:
I. JOHN 3:1-7
A. (vs.1-2) Nicodemus recognized the Lord's authority. B. (vs.3) Jesus stated that a person must be born again to see God's kingdom. C. (vs.4) Nicodemus was confused about the new birth -- he thought Jesus was talking about a second physical birth. D. (vs.5-6) Jesus explained that the new birth is a spiritual birth that consists of being born of water and of the Spirit. E. (vs.7) Jesus said that the new birth is essential. F. To receive power from Christ to become children of God, we must be "born of God."
II.GALATIANS 3:26-28
A. (vs.26) We are God's children "by faith in Christ Jesus." B. (vs.27) We get into Christ and put Christ on when we are baptized into Him [the new birth]. C. (vs.28) The Lord's plan applies to everyone. D. To receive power from Christ to become children of God, we must "believe on His name" and be "born of God."
III.ACTS 8:26-39
A. (vs.26) An angel directed Philip to go to a certain area that was deserted. B. (vs.27-28) We are introduced to the eunuch. 1. He was a man with authority, and he was a religious man. 2. However, he was not a child of God. C. When Philip came in contact with the eunuch he was reading from Isaiah. 1. He was reading Isaiah's prophecy about the suffering of Christ (ch.53). 2. He did not understand Isaiah's message, and he needed some guidance. 3. He demonstrated his humility by admitting his need of assistance. D. (vs.35) Philip began at that Scripture and preached Jesus to the eunuch. E. As they traveled they came to a body of water. 1. The eunuch wanted to know if anything prevented him from being baptized. 2. There was no hindrance because he believed that Jesus is God's Son. 3. (vs.38) Philip baptized the eunuch. F. (vs.39) The eunuch went on his way rejoicing -- he had become a child of God. G. To receive power from Christ to become children of God, we must receive the Lord as this man did -- he believed on the Lord's name and was born of God.
Conclusion:
1. Jesus gives power to certain people to become God's children. 2. Have you complied with His requirements?
