DMJ 101:2 Born Again – New Life Through the Cross

Lesson 2 - Born Again: New Life Through the Cross

This DMJ 101 discipleship lesson from Alicia Alliance Church helps us explore what it truly means to be born again and how new life in Christ moves us along the Disciple-Making Journey — from discovering who Jesus is, to maturing in Him, and then joining His mission in the world.

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SERIES: DMJ 101 — The Disciple-Making Journey
Lesson 2: Born Again — New Life Through the Cross
Main Scripture: John 3:1–16
Key Truth: Being born again is not merely becoming religious; it is receiving new spiritual life through faith in the crucified and risen Jesus Christ.

INTRODUCTION

Nicodemus was a respected religious leader — educated, devout, and sincere. Yet Jesus told him something stunning: “You must be born again.” This was not a call to try harder or become more religious. It was a call to a radical, supernatural transformation — a new birth from above.

In this lesson, we explore what it means to be born again, why it is necessary, and how it changes everything about who we are and how we live.

PART 1: THE ENCOUNTER — A RELIGIOUS MAN MEETS THE LIVING GOD
(John 3:1–3)

Nicodemus came to Jesus at night — perhaps cautiously, privately. But Jesus cut through all his religious credentials with one piercing statement:

“Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” — John 3:3

Key Observation:

Nicodemus was already religious — but religion alone cannot produce new life.
Jesus did not say “improve yourself.” He said “be born again.”
The new birth is not reformation; it is regeneration.

Discussion Question 1:

Why do you think Jesus told a religious man like Nicodemus that he needed to be born again? What does this say about the limits of religion?

PART 2: THE EXPLANATION — BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT
(John 3:4–8)

Nicodemus misunderstood. He thought Jesus was speaking literally. Jesus clarified:

“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” — John 3:6

What does it mean to be born of water and the Spirit?

Born of water — likely referring to physical birth (the natural life we are born into).
Born of the Spirit — the supernatural, inward work of the Holy Spirit that gives spiritual life.

The new birth is not something we can manufacture, earn, or achieve. It is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit in response to faith.

“The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” — John 3:8

Key Truth: You cannot see, control, or predict the Spirit’s movement — but you can experience His life-giving work.

Discussion Question 2:

In your own words, what is the difference between being religious and being born again? How does John 3:6 help clarify this?

PART 3: THE REASON — GOD’S LOVE AND THE LIFTED-UP SON
(John 3:9–16)

Nicodemus still struggled to understand. Jesus pointed him back to the Old Testament — to Moses lifting up the bronze serpent in the wilderness (Numbers 21:8–9):

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” — John 3:14–15

The Cross Is the Center:

Jesus was “lifted up” on the cross — taking the curse of sin in our place.
Just as those who looked at the bronze serpent were healed, those who look to the crucified Christ in faith receive eternal life.

Then comes the most well-known verse in all of Scripture:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

Unpacking John 3:16:

For God so loved — Love is the motive.
That he gave his one and only Son — The Cross is the means.
That whoever believes — Faith is the response.
Shall not perish but have eternal life — New life is the result.

Discussion Question 3:

How does the image of Moses lifting up the serpent help you understand what Jesus accomplished on the cross? What does it mean to “look to” Jesus in faith?

PART 4: WHAT THE NEW BIRTH PRODUCES
(2 Corinthians 5:17; Ezekiel 36:26–27)

Being born again is not just a one-time event — it is the beginning of a completely new life.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

What changes when we are born again?

A new identity — We are no longer defined by our past, our failures, or our sin.
A new heart — God replaces our hard, rebellious heart with a heart that desires Him (Ezekiel 36:26).
A new power — The Holy Spirit now lives within us, enabling us to obey and grow.
A new destination — We move from death to life, from condemnation to eternal belonging in God’s family.

The new birth does not make us perfect — but it sets us on the path of transformation.

Discussion Question 4:

Which of the four changes listed above feels most significant to you right now, and why?

PART 5: HOW TO BE BORN AGAIN
(Romans 10:9–10; John 1:12)

The new birth is received — not earned. Here is how:

Acknowledge your need — Recognize that you are separated from God by sin and cannot save yourself.
Believe in Jesus Christ — Trust that He died on the cross for your sins and rose again from the dead.
Receive Him by faith — Open your heart and invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
Confess Him openly — Let your faith be expressed in words, in baptism, and in a changed life.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” — John 1:12

REFLECTION & APPLICATION

Personal Reflection:

Have you experienced the new birth? How do you know?
If you are unsure, what is holding you back from trusting Jesus fully?

This Week’s Challenge:

Share the message of John 3:16 with one person in your life.
Write in your journal: “I am born again because…” — and describe what has changed in you since you began following Jesus.

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us so much that You gave Your Son. Thank You that the new birth is not something we earn — it is a gift received by faith. Lord, let the truth of John 3:16 sink deep into our hearts today. For those who have not yet been born again, may this be the moment they turn to You. For those who have, may we never take for granted the miracle of new life You have placed within us. Teach us to live as new creations — walking in Your Spirit, rooted in Your Word, and faithful on this Disciple-Making Journey.
In the name of Jesus, Amen.

DMJ 101 | Lesson 2 | Alicia Alliance Church
“Making disciples who make disciples.”