LESSON 6 *AUGUST 2–8 GROWING IN CHRIST Sabbath afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: John 3:1–15, 2 Cor. 5:17; John 15:4–10; Matt. 6:9–13; Luke 9:23, 24. Memory Text: “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God’ ” (John 3:3, NKJV). Nicodemus felt drawn to Christ but dared not visit Him openly. He greeted Jesus politely, acknowledging Him as a teacher from God. The Master knew that behind this courteous greeting was a seeker of truth; therefore, wasting no time, He told Nicodemus that he did not need theoretical knowledge as much as he needed spiritual regeneration, a new birth. This concept was hard for Nicodemus to grasp. Because of his descent from Abraham, he was sure he had a place in God’s kingdom; in addition, as a strict Pharisee, he surely deserved the favor of God, right? So, why did he need such a radical change? Patiently, Jesus explained that spiritual transformation is a super-natural work produced by the Holy Spirit. Though we cannot see or understand how it happens, we can perceive the results. We call it conversion, a new life in Christ. Though we should always remember how the Lord called us and converted us, our challenge is to steadfastly abide in Him daily so that He can transform us more and more into His image.
Posted on: Fri, 08 Aug 2014 11:23:37 +0000