John 3:1-3 “There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: vs 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Vs 3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

It is amazing how Jesus answers Nicodemus’ statement. Nicodemus identifies the power of God upon Jesus by the miracles He has performed, and Jesus cuts to the chase regarding a very important factor. There was no beating around the bush with Jesus. If there was anything that would be so important in a person’s life it would be their current relationship with the Creator and their Eternal Destiny.

By the way, when Jesus demonstrated miracles, it was for the glory of God but also that the World would believe on Jesus for their soul’s salvation.

Jesus makes it very clear to Nicodemus that a person cannot see the “Kingdom of Heaven” without being “Born again.” In John 3:5-6, Jesus will explain what it means to be “Born again.” 

John 3:5-6 “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Vs 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

To be born again is to be born of God. We all have been born in the flesh (by our parents) and we need to be born again (by His Spirit) into God’s family.

Part of the reason we must be born again is because we have inherited the sinful nature from Adam and Eve.  

Romans 5:12 “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:”

God will not let a natural sinful man into His Kingdom. They must be born again from His Spirit. They must become a child of the Living God.

How does a person become a child of God, and born into God family?

There are many people that think being a good/religious person or keeping the Ten Commandments will get them to Heaven. This concept of being born again to Nicodemus would have been confusing to him, as good works and keeping the law is what Pharisees lived by to earn God’s favour.

I heard a story "In June of 2008 Phuljharia Kunwa, a rich 80-year old Indian widow, spent thousands of dollars on a feast for 100,000 people hoping it would please the gods and open the doors of heaven for her. She fed lunch to people from surrounding villages and towns for two consecutive days. She has no family or relatives to bequeath her property to. Mrs. Kunwar spent $37,500 on the feast."

Isaiah 64:6 says that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags in God's sight. No amount of benevolence can earn someone the right to dwell in Heaven or forgive their sin. 

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: vs9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

The only way a person can have their sin forgiven is through the Lord Jesus Christ. It is having faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Jesus died in our place, receiving judgment for our sin, giving us eternal life and God’s righteousness. This is the greatest gift ever given.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Proverbs 3:1-2 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: vs 2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

King Solomon once again is instructing his son to take heed unto Wisdom. This portion of Scripture among many is not only addressed to Solomon’s son but to us also, because the Wisdom given by Solomon is the Word of God.

Notice the first part of Verse 1.  “My son, forget not my law…” We are to:

A.   Remember the Word of God

The reason we are encouraged not to forget the Word of God is because we are forgetful people. We have the tendency to forget especially when it comes to God’s Word and the things of God. Here are some helpful ways which may help you remember the Word of God:

  1.    Purposely place yourself under the teaching of the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned…”

  2.    Understand that the teachings of the Bible are the very “WORD of GOD”

2 Timothy 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

When you hear the preaching and teachings of the Word of God, keep in mind that your are being taught the Wisdom and Word of God. This will help in remembering the Word of God. 1 Thess 2:13

  3.    Delight in God’s Word

Psalm 119:15-16 “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. Vs.16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

B.   Retain God’s Commandments

Proverbs 3:1 “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:”

The purpose of remembering the Word of God and keeping it in our hearts is for the vital purpose of keeping it! We are to keep God’s Word, not with our lips, but with our hearts. Warren Wiersbe has called the heart, “The master control unit of the body.” The heart controls our thoughts, emotions, and will.

C.    The Result of Obedience 

Proverbs 3:2 “For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.”

  1.    Length of day, and Long life.

It is God’s desire is to give quality of life here on earth - life and health to our families, marriages, churches, and relationships. But most importantly an abundant life through Jesus Christ.
John 10:9-11

  2.    Peace

True peace is found in Jesus Christ – John 14:27
True peace is found in God’s Word – Isaiah 26:3