SUNDAY SERMON

Sermon Title: “Born to Rise” 

Read Text Before Sermon: John 3:3–14 

Theme: Spiritual rebirth is not a second chance at life—it’s a supernatural beginning that transforms our identity, purpose, and destiny.  

Introduction: A Man’s Search for More Nicodemus was no amateur. A Pharisee, a teacher, a respected man. He had status, intellect, and discipline—but he still felt something was missing. So he came to Jesus at night, not because he was sneaky, but because he was desperate. 

Many men today live like Nicodemus—successful but spiritually starving. Quietly asking, “Is this all there is?” Echoes through the hearts of many men today, just as it did for Nicodemus centuries ago. 

Here's how it resonates in our modern era: Success Without Soul Many men achieve career milestones, financial stability, and social respect, yet still feel a quiet emptiness. Like Nicodemus, they may be admired publicly but wrestle privately with spiritual hunger. The question reflects a yearning for meaning beyond material success. 

Private Search for Truth: Nicodemus came to Jesus at night—symbolizing a hidden search for answers. Today, men often explore spirituality in solitude, hesitant to voice their doubts or longings. They may read, meditate, or pray in secret, hoping to find something deeper than routine. 

Distraction vs. Depth: Modern life bombards us with noise—social media, deadlines, entertainment. But beneath the surface, many men feel a tug toward something more eternal. That question—“Is this all there is?”—is a spiritual interruption, a call to pause and reflect. 

Intellect Meets Mystery: Nicodemus was a scholar, yet he struggled to grasp spiritual rebirth. Likewise, modern men may be educated and analytical, but still find themselves mystified by faith, grace, and the idea of transformation. The question invites them to move from head knowledge to heart awakening.  

Jesus didn’t offer encouragement—He dropped a revelation: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (v.3)  This wasn’t a motivational pep talk. It was a divine ultimatum. Spiritual rebirth isn’t optional—it’s essential.  

Point 1: 

Rebirth Is Radical, Not Cosmetic (vv.3–6) Nicodemus thought Jesus was talking about moral upgrades or religious performance. But Jesus said: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (v.6) Being born again isn’t about behavior—it’s about nature. You don’t slap faith on top of brokenness; you let God resurrect what’s dead inside of you!  

Application: 
Many men try to fix their lives with discipline, success, or religion. But the kingdom isn’t seen with better habits—it’s entered through surrender. The Spirit births new desires, new identity, and new power. Hence, being born again!  

Point 2: 

You Don’t Control the Wind, But You Can Catch It (v.8) Jesus compares the Spirit’s work to the wind: “You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes…” You can’t manipulate God’s movement, but you can be open to it. Like a sailboat that moves when it lifts its sail, the reborn life begins when we stop rowing and start surrendering.  

Application:

Let go of your need to control everything. Faith isn’t achieved—it’s received. Lift your sail.  

Point 3: 

The Bronze Serpent & the Cross (vv.13–14) Jesus reminds Nicodemus of the time Moses lifted up a bronze serpent in the wilderness so that the bitten could be healed (Num. 21:9). It was a symbol of judgment, healing, and surrender. “So must the Son of Man be lifted up…” That serpent was raised on a pole. Christ would be lifted on a cross. Healing didn’t come by understanding—it came by looking. The snake-bitten Israelites didn’t earn salvation—they looked in faith. So do we!  

Application: 
Some men feel too guilty, too broken, too far gone. But Jesus was lifted up so that you wouldn’t have to live spiritually bitten. Don’t analyze the cure—look at Him.  Conclusion: Born to Rise Nicodemus came seeking truth. He left with a call to transformation. 

The message of John 3:3–14 isn’t that you need to try harder, be better, or act spiritual It’s that you need to be reborn. And when you are, you rise into a new kind of man—forgiven, empowered, alive. 

Call to Action: 
If you’ve been stuck in cycles of performance, guilt, or emptiness—come to Jesus not just for advice, but for resurrection. You were born to rise!!!