Theme: Jesus describes the miracle of the new birth in three ways: I. A Birth from Above. vv. 1-2 1) The man Nicodemus 2) Jesus confronts Nicodemus with his true need - The absolute necessity of the new birth - The power of the metaphor II. A Birth by the Spirit vv. 4-6 1) Nicodemus' good question 2) The answer- This birth involves: - An inward supernatural cleansing wrought by the Spirit - A new life supernaturally wrought by the Spirit III. A Birth that is Mysterious, and Sovereignly Brought About. vv. 7-8 1) Nicodemus stunned- and Jesus continues to press! 2) The New Birth - Invisible in its origin - Wrought sovereignly, irresistibly - Bearing unmistakable evidences and effects
