8/12/09 Regeneration

For those of you who missed this past week or whould like to spend some more time stuying this in more detail here are the notes of what we discussed.  The topic of discussion was regeneration.

Intro:
1. Prov 25:2, Is 55:8-9 – These are tough things to comprehend but we need to delve into them

REGENERATION

1. Read John 16:5-11 – What is the Holy Spirit doing in the world?
   1. Convicts of Sin
      1. Who can describe how this happened in their life?
      2. What is our role in conviction? (show them the scripture)
      3. We let the Spirit convict
      4. If not it becomes about their horizontal relationship with us and not their vertical relationship with God
   2. Shows righteousness of Jesus in contrast with our righteousness
      1. Is 64:6
   3. Speaks about the coming judgment (warns of pending doom)
2. What does “regeneration” mean? – idea of being born again
3. Read John 3:3-8
   1. What is meant by being born of water and spirit?
   2. What is Jesus talking about when he talks about the wind blowing where it wishes?
   3. Who is responsible for you “deciding” to trust Christ?
   4. Eph 2:1-18 – To whom does v5 assign the action of our generation?
   5. What clarification does v8 make on our faith in God?
   6. 2 Pet 1:3-4 – Who called?
   7. John 6:44 – No man can come without the father drawing him
   8. Rom 2:29 – circumcision of heart by spirit
   9. John 1:10-13 – not of human decision
4. Read Rom 8:1-17
   1. What does v5 say has happened to our minds?
   2. This is the first thing that happens with regeneration – think differently.
   3. What does 1 Cor 2:16 mean?
   4. Do you need a list of rules to be a Christian? Why?
   5. Our desires change. (v9)
   6. Are all of us going to be the same in the things we feel are good for us to do or not do? (Rom 14)
   7. What do we need to ask ourselves about the things we do?
      1. How is this glorifying Jesus (every single action of our lives) (1 Cor 10:31)
      2. Are my desires changing? Is there progress? (1 Tim 4:15)
   8. In regeneration, what changes in regard to who we desire to please? (yourself changes to God)
      1. Do you find yourself wanting to draw near to God for what He will give you or do for you?
      2. Do you think that is a popular message today?
      3. Do you increasingly see in your life a desire to sacrifice and give up things for other or so that God will be glorified?
   9. If these are not your desires what does v9 say about you?
   10. What are most of your prayers for, yourself or for God’s will to be done and other people?
5. If the Holy Spirit is the one who regenerates, what role do we have it the process?
   1. Only God can birth this in us
   2. We can assist God in the process
   3. What is an assist in basketball?
   4. John 15:26-27 – you must also testify
   5. Rom 10:9 – must confess with mouth
   6. God works through us – only 1% of Christian share gospel.
   7. Why? – We fear man more than we fear God
   8. Results aren’t up to you, remember God regenerates
      1. Exponentially multiply effect by prayer (Jam 5)
      2. Pray, share, pray!
      3. Pray earnestly, fast, pray more

We also watched this short video of Paul Washer talking about regeneration.  I think he does a great job of giving us a mental piucture of what it is. . .