CONNECT
1. If new people have joined your group, take time to introduce yourselves to each other.
2. When you hear the phrase born again, what comes to mind?
3. How do you think most people in our culture understand that phrase?

PRAY
Spend a few minutes quieting your hearts and turning your attention toward God. Allow time for people to voice their prayers (open to anyone who wants to chime in), using these prayer prompts as a guide:

God, I thank You for…
God, we pray for Brookwood that…
God, we pray for our community that…
God, we pray that during our time together You would…

Add your own words of prayer and praise.

Regeneration is not a partial reform, but the transformation of the whole soul.
– John Calvin

SCRIPTURE MEMORY
Memorizing Scripture enables us to carry within us the life-giving, life-shaping words of God at all times in all places. Here’s a verse to memorize based on this week’s teaching:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 (NLT)

STUDY AND DISCUSSION
▶️ Don’t worry about getting to all the questions. That’s not the point. Be thoughtful and prayerful. Let the Holy Spirit guide your reflection and discussion.

▶️ If your group has eight or more people, it might be helpful to break into circles of four or five for greater participation and deeper discussion. When you come back together, invite each group to share a few takeaways from their conversation.

1. Who was Nicodemus, and why do you think he came to Jesus at night?

2. Why do you think Nicodemus sought out Jesus? What might he have been searching for?

3. Are there areas in your life where you’re seeking answers quietly or privately? Explain.

4. Why does Jesus say someone must be born again to see the kingdom? What does this tell you about the human condition?

5. Why does Nicodemus misunderstand Jesus’ statement about being born again?

6. What does the wind metaphor in verse 8 teach us about the work of the Spirit? What does this tell you about human effort versus God’s initiative?

7. What fears come up when you think about surrendering control of your life to God?

8. If you were Nicodemus, what question would you have asked next?

9. Verses 14-15 look back to the incident described in Numbers 21:5-8. How does that help you understand what it means that the Son of Man must be lifted up?

10. What’s the difference between religious knowledge and being born again?

11. How can someone know they’ve been born of the Spirit?

12. What feels impossible in your life that you wish Jesus would make new?

13. What part of this passage do you find most difficult or confusing? Why?

14. From this passage, being born again means…

15. Who have you been praying would be born again?

1. What words or phrases stand out to you?

2. Why did God send His Son?

3. Whoever is used four times in this passage (three more times in verses 33-36). Why is that significant?

4. How easy or difficult is it for you to believe you are deeply loved?

5. When have you longed to feel and know God’s love?

6. How does believing in Jesus free us from condemnation?

7. What do you think God sees and feels when He looks at you?

8. Have there been times when bringing something into the light led to healing?

9. What step toward the light feels possible this week?

THE BIG TAKEAWAY
After this week’s lesson, what’s one thought, question or takeaway you’re sitting with right now? Pause and ask God what He wants you to know or think about. Allow time for Him to speak, being sensitive to thoughts that come to mind. Growing often comes by simply making yourself available to God.

PRAY
Invite someone to close your time in prayer.

App and the Daily Devotional
Spend time with God with the Daily Devotionals available on the App. You can also find Sunday Message resources and videos, leave prayer requests, give and more.

Why Jesus?
If you’ve never experienced God’s forgiveness and grace, we’d love the opportunity to talk with you about a life-changing relationship with Jesus. Email thepastors@brookwoodchurch.org or call 864.688.8200.

Additional Study Tools
For additional Bible Study tools, guides and devotionals, check out bible.com, youversion.com, biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org.