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The Subtle Tradegy of Nicodemus

https://app.sermonsend.com/sermon/minden-epc/the-tragedy-of-nicodemus

Clicking on the link will take you to the sermon page for Sunday (9.29.25)  Here is a discussion guide based on the sermon if you would like to go deeper in your faith.

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Keith explores the story of Nicodemus from John's Gospel, focusing on what he calls "The Subtle Tragedy of Nicodemus." Nicodemus was a respected Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin who sought Jesus at night, asking about the kingdom of God. Jesus told him he must be "born again" - a humbling concept for someone of Nicodemus's status. Throughout three appearances in John's Gospel, Nicodemus shows interest in Jesus but never fully commits to becoming a disciple. He represents many Christians today who intellectually understand faith but hesitate to fully surrender to the Holy Spirit's power and direction.

The pastor challenges the congregation to avoid being like Nicodemus - someone who stays on the periphery, unwilling to take off the "robes" of status, comfort, and control. He critiques what he calls "functional cessationism" - the belief that the supernatural gifts of the Spirit are no longer active, or the passive stance of waiting for God to act without actively seeking spiritual gifts. The sermon encourages believers to eagerly seek the gifts of the Spirit, embrace childlike humility, and be willing to risk feeling foolish in order to experience the full power and joy of walking with God.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You would open our hearts to receive what You want to teach us. Like Nicodemus, many of us have built identities and comfort zones that keep us from fully experiencing Your Spirit's power. Help us to recognize where we might be holding back from complete surrender. Give us the courage to be vulnerable, to become like children again in our faith, and to eagerly seek the gifts You want to give us. May our discussion today lead us closer to the abundant life You promised. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What's something you were fearless about doing as a child that you would hesitate to do now as an adult?

Key Verses

  • John 3:10-12
  • John 7:37-39
  • John 19:38-40
  • 1 Corinthians 14:1

Questions

  • Nicodemus was described as someone who couldn't stay away from Jesus but never fully committed. Have you ever found yourself in a similar position with your faith? What held you back?
  • The pastor mentioned that many people seeking Christ don't want answers but companionship. How might this change how we approach evangelism and discipleship?
  • Jesus told Nicodemus he needed to become like a child again. What aspects of childlikeness do you think are essential to spiritual growth?
  • The sermon suggests that many Christians are comfortable with a version of spirituality that's predictable and controlled. How might this limit our experience of God?
  • What does the pastor mean by "functional cessationism," and how might this manifest in our own spiritual lives?
  • The pastor asked, "If you can do what you're doing for Jesus without the Holy Spirit, you're missing something." How would you evaluate your own dependence on the Spirit?
  • What fears or concerns might prevent someone from fully surrendering to the Holy Spirit's leading?
  • The sermon mentions "taking off our robes" as a metaphor for surrendering our self-made identities. What "robes" might you need to remove to experience more of God's Spirit?

Life Application

This week, identify one area of your spiritual life where you've been maintaining control rather than surrendering to the Holy Spirit. It might be in your prayer life, your service to others, or how you approach Scripture. Commit to intentionally seeking the Spirit's guidance and power in this area. Begin each day by specifically asking God to fill you with His Spirit and to help you recognize and respond to His leading. At the end of each day, reflect on moments when you felt the Spirit's presence or prompting, and note how you responded. Be prepared to share with the group next week how this intentional surrender affected your experience of God's presence and power.

Key Takeaways

  • Like Nicodemus, many Christians intellectually understand faith but hesitate to fully surrender to the Holy Spirit's power and direction.
  • Experiencing the fullness of God's kingdom requires humility and a willingness to become like a child again - vulnerable, dependent, but also joyful and free.
  • A passive stance toward the supernatural ministry of Jesus stunts spiritual growth and vitality.
  • Scripture encourages us to "eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit" rather than waiting passively for God to act.
  • If we can do what we're doing for Jesus without the Holy Spirit, we're missing the power and joy that comes from true dependence on God.

 

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of Nicodemus that reminds us how easy it is to stay on the periphery of true discipleship. Forgive us for the times we've been content with knowledge about You rather than intimate experience with You. We confess our fear of surrendering control and our reluctance to become vulnerable like children again. Holy Spirit, we invite You to move powerfully in our lives. Help us to take off the robes of status, comfort, and self-sufficiency that we've wrapped around ourselves. Give us courage to eagerly seek Your gifts and to step out in faith when You call us to action. May we not be content with hearing stories of Your power but instead experience it firsthand in our own lives. Transform us into people who bring Your kingdom to earth through lives fully surrendered to Your will. In Jesus' name, amen.