Ice Breaker: In what topic area do others come to you for advice or help?
Read John 3:1-18
What the text says.
- What information do we learn about Nicodemus in the passage? (John 3:1, 10)
- What does Nicodemus base his understanding of Jesus on? (John 3:2)
- What two ideas about birth are Jesus and Nicodemus thinking about?
- What point is Jesus making by comparing spiritual birth to the wind?
- What does Jesus claim about himself? (John 3:12-15)
- What does Jesus say about God? What is the result of belief? (John 3:16-17)
What does the text mean?
- What does it mean to be born again? (John 3:6, 16; 1 Peter 1:3, 23; Titus 3:5-7) Is it possible to know Scripture and attend church and still not have a saving faith? Why or why not?
- Why does the passage say that those who do not believe stand condemned already? (John 3:18; Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; 1 John 5:12)
This week’s sermon was focused on Nicodemus as an example of the Enneagram Type 5 – The Investigator. The following questions are to help us understand The Investigator, ourselves and God better.
- From Sermon Notes: The Investigator reflects God’s wisdom. The Investigator wants to gain knowledge. They want to uncover truth. The Investigator wants to avoid incompetence. How do you need to be real with God? You need to get out of your head and in touch with your feelings.
- In what ways does Nicodemus show the characteristics of the Investigator?
- Describe the wisdom of God. How is it different than secular wisdom? (Job 28:28; Prov 2:6; Col 2:8,20; James 1:5; 3:13-17)
- How does Jesus challenge what Nicodemus thinks he knows versus believes? (John 3:3,11-12)
- What is the difference between knowledge and belief? (2 Tim 3:7; Heb 11:1; 1 Corinthians 1:20-21) How can the desire for knowledge and truth keep people from their need for faith?
- When did you first believe in your heart rather than just know in your head that Jesus saved you from condemnation to have eternal life?
- From Sermon Notes: When Healthy, Investigators: Remain calm and focused when making decisions and processing. Very thoughtful and their knowledge in multiple areas makes them incredibly perceptive. Insightful and observant, they want the world to be less chaotic and a more organized
- How does Nicodemus try to use his knowledge and reason to keep the Pharisees from making a mistake? Does it work? (John 7:50-53)
- Why are Investigators important to the church and the Body of Christ? (Ephesians 4:14-16; 1 Peter 3:15)
- From Sermon Notes: When Unhealthy: Shifts from being observant to detached. Does not engage emotionally or socially in healthy ways. Avoiding incompetence can cause them to withdraw completely from the world around them.
- If you are a Five, what can you do to make yourself engage both physically and emotionally with others? If you are not a Five, how can you engage those you know who would rather retreat into themselves, cell phones or their home?
- From Sermon Notes: The underlying fear of the Investigator is being insufficient. The Investigator’s core sin: Greed or stinginess – with their time, their knowledge, their emotions and their money. The healthy Five is always in pursuit of generosity.
- What is the result of stinginess? (Proverbs 28:27; 1 John 3:17; James 2:14-16)
- What is God’s response to our generosity? (Psalm 41:1; 2 Cor 9:7; Hebrews 6:10; 13:16; 2 Corinthians 8:7)
- How does what Nicodemus did in John 19:38-42 demonstrate his generosity of time, knowledge, emotion and money?
- What is at least one way you can give of your time, talents, and treasure to bless others this week?
From the Sermon: How do I love an INVESTIGATOR?
- Acknowledge their need for personal space and time.
- Express how much it means to you when they engage.
- Don’t criticize how they have fun.
- Utilize their knowledge and wisdom.
Praise God for Fives because: You provide knowledge and wisdom to the body of Christ. You learn deeply and provide teaching that keeps us grounded to the Word of God. You are prepared to give an answer to your faith. You are a resource for various activities and ministries and will do the necessary research to find the best answers. Thank God for you!