Picture It’s much easier and seemingly more effective to adopt the world’s way instead of the unpredictable and messy ways of the Spirit. Child raising becomes simplier and straight forward if we get our children to conform instead of the uncertain outcomes in relating to their spirits and uniqueness. Marking things off our to-do list takes less thought than asking God what He wants me to do first. When we operate out of habit and default mode, we seek our own own agenda rather than letting the Spirit of God increase so His agenda predominates.  Christ challenged a  religious ruler and His disciples to operate out of a kingdom agenda.  

Understanding 
A Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came by night and said he knew Jesus (teacher) couldn’t do these signs unless God was with him. Jesus replied that unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saw only physical birth. Jesus answered that one must be born of both water and the Spirit to enter into the kingdom of God since flesh produces flesh and Spirit produces spirit. The Spirit is unpredictable like the wind since you don’t know its origin or direction. After asking Nicodemus as teacher of Israel why he didn’t understand these things, Jesus gave the illustration of Moses lifting the serpent in the wilderness. Israel looked at it for healing like believing in the lifted up Son of Man for eternal life (John 3:1-15). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man understand that outcomes are unpredictable in the kingdom of God.

Desire 
God loved the world by sending His Son. Whoever believes and is saved through Him has eternal life, not judgment. Men hated Christ and avoided having their evil deeds exposed to the light. Those who practice the truth come to Christ so their deeds are seen as birthed from God (John 3:16-21). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man desire that their works and words originate from God.

Attitude 
Jesus spent time with His disciples and they told John that all were coming to Him for baptizing. John answered that he was sent as a forerunner as the friend of the bridegroom. Because his joy was made full because of the bridegroom’s (Christ) voice, he must decrease so He could increase (John 3:22-30). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man allow His voice and will increase in them as their will and agenda decrease.

Actions
Earthly people speak earthly words and heavenly people true words that bear witness of Christ since He gives the Spirit without measure. God sent His beloved Son of Man to speak His words since He gave all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has eternal life but he who does not obey the Son does not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him (John 3:31-36). Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man speak and do God’s will as prompted by the Holy Spirit. 

Affirm the truth of the following statements: 
1. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man understand that outcomes are unpredictable in the kingdom of God. (understanding)
2. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man desire that their works and word originate from God. (desire)
3. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man allow  His voice and will increase in them as their will and agenda decrease. (attitude)
4. Those who believe in the resurrected Son of Man speak and do God’s will as prompted by the Holy Spirit? (actions)


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