Dig Deeper - Sunday 26th April
Sermon Reflection Questions - Baptism: Born Again
John 3:1-15
Link to service
Dig Deeper notes from Sunday 26th April service:
Summary
In John 3, Nicodemus, a highly educated Pharisee, comes to Jesus Christ at night after witnessing His miracles. He is searching for answers, but instead of giving a straightforward explanation, Jesus tells him that he must be “born again.” This response likely confuses Nicodemus, as he would have been thinking in physical terms, while Jesus is speaking about being born again by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus explains that being “born again” is not about a second physical birth but about rebirth through the Holy Spirit. It is an inward transformation rather than an outward change. The imagery used helps illustrate this: like a grey, lifeless picture suddenly filled with colour, or a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, being born again means becoming something entirely new from the inside.
This transformation has three key aspects.
First, it brings a new start - as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, the old life is gone and a new life begins in Christ.
Second, it gives a new identity - believers are no longer defined by rules or past mistakes but become children of God through faith, as seen in Galatians 3 and John 1:12–13.
Third, it leads to a new direction - those who follow Jesus begin to live differently, guided by His teaching and the Bible, trusting that He leads them.
Baptism is a public declaration of faith, showing that a person has chosen to follow Jesus. It symbolizes dying to the old life and being raised into a new life, reflecting Jesus’ own death and resurrection. The illustration of exchanging dirty clothes for clean ones helps capture this: the old life is left behind, and a new identity is given,
Ultimately, baptism is not the end but the beginning of a lifelong journey of following Jesus. It’s an ongoing relationship where believers grow, are guided, and experience transformation over time. Jesus does not force this decision but invites people to respond to Him, asking simply, “Will you follow me?”
Questions to pause for reflection/group discussion:
1. Why do you think Nicodemus struggled to understand what Jesus Christ meant by being “born again”? What might have challenged his assumptions?
2. What does “inward transformation” look like in real life? How is it different from simply trying to be a “better person”?
3. Which aspect of being born again: new start, new identity, or new direction—stands out most to you and why?
4. Baptism is described as a public declaration. Why do you think it’s important to express faith outwardly, not just privately?
A Short Prayer
Thank you for sending Jesus to save us
Thank you that we can have new life and be born again
Help us remember that every day
Thank you for your love
Amen
