Jesus confronted Nicodemus, a good and religious man, with this life changing truth: unless one is born again, born from above, born of the Spirit, he cannot see or enter the kingdom of God. This spiritual truth and hope continues to challenge and invite us today. Eternal life is given to all who believe in the name of Jesus, but what does it mean to believe? What does it mean to be born again?
The following sermon was preached at the First Baptist Church of Benbrook on Sunday morning, August 4, 2024.
Sermon Summary
In today’s sermon, we delved into the transformative power of being “born again” as illustrated in John 3, where Jesus has a profound conversation with Nicodemus. We began by reflecting on the prophecy from Ezekiel, where God promises to cleanse us, give us a new heart, and put His Spirit within us. This sets the stage for understanding the necessity of spiritual rebirth. I shared my personal testimony, emphasizing how growing up in a Christian environment and being a “good” person wasn’t enough until I came under “new management”—a metaphor for being born again.
Nicodemus, a Pharisee, teacher of the law, and member of the Sanhedrin, approached Jesus with respect but lacked understanding of what it truly means to be part of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ response was direct: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This concept of being born again or from above was revolutionary and perplexing to Nicodemus, who believed his religious status and moral life were sufficient.
Jesus explained that being born of water and the Spirit is essential, drawing parallels to the prophecy in Ezekiel and the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers. Just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be healed, we must look to Jesus on the cross to be saved. This act of looking and believing signifies a deep acknowledgment of our sin, acceptance of God’s provision for salvation, and a transformative faith that leads to eternal life.
The conversation culminates in the famous verse, John 3:16, which encapsulates God’s love and the promise of eternal life through belief in His Son. Jesus emphasized that the world is already under condemnation, and His mission was to save, not to condemn. The challenge lies in stepping out of darkness into the light, allowing God’s works to be evident in our lives.
The key question we must ask ourselves is whether we are merely good and religious or truly born again and under new management. This new birth is marked by a life transformed by God’s Spirit, where the works in our lives are clearly worked by God.
Five Day Devotional Guide Based Upon the Sermon
Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Rebirth
To be “born again” is not merely a religious term but a profound transformation that involves receiving a new heart and spirit from God. This rebirth is essential to see and enter the kingdom of God, transcending mere moral and religious observance. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and teacher of the law, approached Jesus with respect but lacked understanding of what it truly means to be part of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ response was direct: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This concept was revolutionary and perplexing to Nicodemus, who believed his religious status and moral life were sufficient. Jesus explained that being born of water and the Spirit is essential, drawing parallels to the prophecy in Ezekiel and the story of the bronze serpent in Numbers. This sets the stage for understanding the necessity of spiritual rebirth.
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”
Reflection: Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced this transformative rebirth? If not, what steps can you take today to seek this new heart and spirit from God?
Day 2: Understanding True Belief
True belief in Jesus involves more than acknowledging His miracles or teachings. It requires a deep, personal faith that recognizes our sin, accepts God’s provision through Jesus’ sacrifice, and results in a transformed life. Nicodemus, despite his religious knowledge, struggled to understand this. Jesus emphasized that just as the Israelites had to look at the bronze serpent to be healed, we must look to Jesus on the cross to be saved. This act of looking and believing signifies a deep acknowledgment of our sin, acceptance of God’s provision for salvation, and a transformative faith that leads to eternal life.
James 2:19-20 (ESV): “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?”
Reflection: Examine your faith. Is it merely intellectual acknowledgment, or does it involve a deep, personal trust in Jesus that transforms your life? What changes can you make today to deepen your faith?
Day 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual rebirth. Just as the wind is unseen but its effects are visible, the Spirit’s work in our lives is evident through the transformation and new life it brings. Jesus used the analogy of the wind to explain the mysterious yet powerful work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit’s presence in our lives is not always visible, but the changes it brings—such as new desires, attitudes, and behaviors—are unmistakable. This transformation is a key indicator of being born again.
John 14:26 (ESV): “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Reflection: Reflect on the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life. What changes have you noticed? How can you be more open to the Spirit’s guidance and transformation today?
Day 4: God’s Provision and Our Response
Like the Israelites who had to look at the bronze serpent to be healed, we must look to Jesus on the cross for our salvation. This act of faith involves recognizing our sin, believing in God’s provision, and acting upon that belief. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. This highlights the necessity of a personal response to God’s provision for salvation.
Numbers 21:8-9 (ESV): “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.’ So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.”
Reflection: Consider how you have responded to God’s provision for your salvation. Have you truly looked to Jesus and believed in His sacrifice for you? What steps can you take today to deepen your trust in Him?
Day 5: Living Under New Management
Being born again means coming under new management—God’s management. This involves a complete transformation where our actions and lives reflect the works of God rather than our own efforts. It is a shift from self-reliance to reliance on God’s Spirit. The key question we must ask ourselves is whether we are merely good and religious or truly born again and under new management. This new birth is marked by a life transformed by God’s Spirit, where the works in our lives are clearly worked by God.
Galatians 2:20 (ESV): “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Reflection: Reflect on your life. Are you living under God’s management, or are you still relying on your own efforts? What changes can you make today to fully surrender to God’s Spirit and allow Him to work through you?