Revitalized by Grace: The Power of Spiritual Renewal
Summary
### Summary
Grace, mercy, and peace to you from God our Father in heaven and from his Son our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Spring is an exciting time of year. After enduring the long, harsh winter, the arrival of spring brings a sense of physical renewal. The birds chirp, the plants bloom, and it feels as though we are blooming with them. This physical renewal mirrors the spiritual renewal that God works in our lives. While the change in weather uplifts our minds and bodies, Jesus explains to Nicodemus in today's Gospel reading that our souls need God not only to uplift them but to revive them completely. Spiritually, our need is not just for refreshment but for a complete revitalization, to be brought from death to life.
Jesus says in John 3:5-6, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." This highlights the necessity of Christian rebirth for salvation. Scripture continually testifies that we are spiritually dead and unable to help ourselves. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2 that before knowing Jesus, we were dead in our trespasses and sins, following the course of this world. Paul consistently follows Jesus' example by comparing the Spirit and the flesh, describing them as opposites. We are born from below, trapped in sin, and unable to produce any spiritual life on our own.
In nature, dead things do not produce life. However, God, as our soul's caretaker, sees our deadness and, instead of casting us off, calls us His good creation. He gives us heavenly water that we cannot supply ourselves, water that has the power to resurrect and enliven. No human soul is beyond His reach. The Spirit stirred Nicodemus to go to Jesus, who directed him to the promise of the Holy Spirit in the waters of baptism. Jesus promises in Mark 16:16 that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. Baptism saves because it is connected to Jesus' death and resurrection, which gives it its saving power.
Through the word of Christ and the gift of faith imparted by the Holy Spirit, God has remade us in a genuine and spiritual way. When the Spirit came to us at our baptism, we experienced a second birth, a rebirth from above. This new birth is not based on our feelings or experiences but on God's declaration. His word accomplishes exactly what He intends. We are His plants living in His garden, and He gives us His water to enliven us so that we might bear fruit pleasing to Him.
Even though we may not always feel new, our rebirth has produced fruit. This fruit manifests when we trust God's promises, thank and praise Him, seek wisdom from His word, and show love to our neighbors. By the power of the Spirit, there is evidence of new life in all who seek healing in Christ. The wind of the Holy Spirit blew into our hearts at baptism and continues to come to us through the word of Christ. We have received forgiveness and will someday receive ultimate healing and restoration. The newness of life that God has given us will culminate in its full, final, and eternal bloom. God will work the fullness of the renewal of life in us because He loves us. Jesus tells us in John 3:16-17 that God's motivation for the cross was His love for us, to give us eternal life and not to condemn us. By the power of Jesus and His Spirit, we are immersed in the grace-filled water of life to make us new.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Necessity of Spiritual Renewal: Just as spring brings physical renewal, our souls need God's spiritual renewal. Jesus explains to Nicodemus that our need is not just for refreshment but for complete revitalization, to be brought from death to life. This renewal is essential for entering the kingdom of God. [00:57]
2. The Reality of Spiritual Deadness: Scripture testifies that we are spiritually dead and unable to help ourselves. The Apostle Paul writes that before knowing Jesus, we were dead in our trespasses and sins. This spiritual deadness means we are fundamentally opposed to God and cannot produce any spiritual life on our own. [02:20]
3. God's Transformative Power: Despite our spiritual deadness, God, as our soul's caretaker, sees our deadness and calls us His good creation. He gives us heavenly water that has the power to resurrect and enliven us. No human soul is beyond His reach, and His Spirit works in us through baptism to bring about new life. [05:32]
4. The Significance of Baptism: Baptism saves because it is connected to Jesus' death and resurrection. Through the word of Christ and the gift of faith imparted by the Holy Spirit, God has remade us in a genuine and spiritual way. This new birth is not based on our feelings or experiences but on God's declaration. [07:19]
5. Evidence of New Life: Our rebirth produces fruit that manifests in various ways, such as trusting God's promises, thanking and praising Him, seeking wisdom from His word, and showing love to our neighbors. By the power of the Spirit, there is evidence of new life in all who seek healing in Christ. The wind of the Holy Spirit continues to come to us through the word of Christ, bringing forgiveness and the promise of ultimate healing and restoration. [11:57]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:57] - The Necessity of Spiritual Renewal
[02:20] - The Reality of Spiritual Deadness
[05:32] - God's Transformative Power
[07:19] - The Significance of Baptism
[11:57] - Evidence of New Life
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:5-6 (ESV) - "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'"
2. Ephesians 2:1-2 (ESV) - "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience."
3. Mark 16:16 (ESV) - "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 3:5-6, what are the two essential elements for entering the kingdom of God? ([00:57])
2. How does Ephesians 2:1-2 describe our spiritual state before knowing Jesus? ([02:20])
3. What promise does Jesus give in Mark 16:16 regarding belief and baptism? ([07:19])
4. In the sermon, what analogy is used to describe our spiritual deadness and God's transformative power? ([05:32])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the necessity of being "born of water and the Spirit" in John 3:5-6? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual rebirth? ([00:57])
2. What does it mean to be "dead in trespasses and sins" as described in Ephesians 2:1-2? How does this spiritual deadness affect our relationship with God? ([02:20])
3. How does the act of baptism connect us to Jesus' death and resurrection according to the sermon? ([07:19])
4. What evidence of new life should be visible in a believer's life according to the sermon? ([11:57])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Can you identify a moment when you felt spiritually renewed or reborn? How did this experience impact your faith? ([00:57])
2. Ephesians 2:1-2 speaks of being "dead in trespasses and sins." How have you experienced this spiritual deadness in your own life, and what steps have you taken to seek God's renewal? ([02:20])
3. Baptism is described as a transformative act connected to Jesus' death and resurrection. If you have been baptized, how has this sacrament influenced your spiritual life? If not, what questions or thoughts do you have about baptism? ([07:19])
4. The sermon mentions that our rebirth produces fruit such as trusting God's promises and showing love to our neighbors. Can you share a recent example where you have seen this fruit in your life? ([11:57])
5. Sometimes we may not feel new or spiritually alive. What practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily life to remind yourself of God's renewal and presence? ([09:00])
6. The sermon highlights the importance of seeking wisdom from God's word. How can you make Bible reading and study a more consistent part of your routine? ([11:19])
7. Think of a person in your life who may be spiritually dead or struggling. How can you be a source of God's love and renewal for them this week? ([11:57])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Necessity of Spiritual Renewal
Just as spring brings physical renewal, our souls need God's spiritual renewal. Jesus explains to Nicodemus that our need is not just for refreshment but for complete revitalization, to be brought from death to life. This renewal is essential for entering the kingdom of God. Jesus says in John 3:5-6, "Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." This highlights the necessity of Christian rebirth for salvation. Scripture continually testifies that we are spiritually dead and unable to help ourselves. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 2 that before knowing Jesus, we were dead in our trespasses and sins, following the course of this world. Paul consistently follows Jesus' example by comparing the Spirit and the flesh, describing them as opposites. We are born from below, trapped in sin, and unable to produce any spiritual life on our own. [00:57]
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: In what areas of your life do you feel spiritually dead or stagnant? How can you invite God's Spirit to bring renewal and revitalization to those areas today?
### Day 2: The Reality of Spiritual Deadness
Scripture testifies that we are spiritually dead and unable to help ourselves. The Apostle Paul writes that before knowing Jesus, we were dead in our trespasses and sins. This spiritual deadness means we are fundamentally opposed to God and cannot produce any spiritual life on our own. In nature, dead things do not produce life. However, God, as our soul's caretaker, sees our deadness and, instead of casting us off, calls us His good creation. He gives us heavenly water that we cannot supply ourselves, water that has the power to resurrect and enliven. No human soul is beyond His reach. The Spirit stirred Nicodemus to go to Jesus, who directed him to the promise of the Holy Spirit in the waters of baptism. [02:20]
Romans 5:6-8 (ESV): "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt completely helpless or spiritually dead. How did God show His love and bring life to you in that situation?
### Day 3: God's Transformative Power
Despite our spiritual deadness, God, as our soul's caretaker, sees our deadness and calls us His good creation. He gives us heavenly water that has the power to resurrect and enliven us. No human soul is beyond His reach, and His Spirit works in us through baptism to bring about new life. Jesus promises in Mark 16:16 that whoever believes and is baptized will be saved. Baptism saves because it is connected to Jesus' death and resurrection, which gives it its saving power. Through the word of Christ and the gift of faith imparted by the Holy Spirit, God has remade us in a genuine and spiritual way. [05:32]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: Think about the transformative power of God in your life. How has He taken areas of deadness and brought them to life? How can you share this testimony with someone who needs to hear it?
### Day 4: The Significance of Baptism
Baptism saves because it is connected to Jesus' death and resurrection. Through the word of Christ and the gift of faith imparted by the Holy Spirit, God has remade us in a genuine and spiritual way. This new birth is not based on our feelings or experiences but on God's declaration. His word accomplishes exactly what He intends. We are His plants living in His garden, and He gives us His water to enliven us so that we might bear fruit pleasing to Him. Even though we may not always feel new, our rebirth has produced fruit. [07:19]
1 Peter 3:21 (ESV): "Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism if you haven't been baptized. How does understanding the significance of baptism deepen your relationship with God and your commitment to live a life that bears fruit?
### Day 5: Evidence of New Life
Our rebirth produces fruit that manifests in various ways, such as trusting God's promises, thanking and praising Him, seeking wisdom from His word, and showing love to our neighbors. By the power of the Spirit, there is evidence of new life in all who seek healing in Christ. The wind of the Holy Spirit continues to come to us through the word of Christ, bringing forgiveness and the promise of ultimate healing and restoration. The newness of life that God has given us will culminate in its full, final, and eternal bloom. God will work the fullness of the renewal of life in us because He loves us. [11:57]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you see the fruit of the Spirit. How can you nurture this fruit and allow it to grow even more? How can you encourage others to see and cultivate the evidence of new life in their own lives?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Spring is an exciting time of year. After we Michiganders have made it through what can sometimes feel like six months of winter and maybe a little bit of seasonal trickery, we're finally ready to enjoy the mood-lifting, vitamin-D-bestowing, shining sun. The birds chirp, the plants bloom, and it really can sometimes feel like we're blooming with them. That sense of physical renewal of life that God ordains the spring to bring reminds us of his work of spiritual renewal in our own lives." [00:57]
2. "In nature, you don't see dead things producing other dead things. You see resurrection plants that seem to be dead, but although they might look at it, are truthfully deeply rooted and are able to survive harsh conditions. That's not the case with human spirituality. Rather, we begin life not only seemingly spiritually dead, but completely and utterly so, without hidden bulbs or deep roots that might allow us to survive and rejuvenate." [03:55]
3. "God sends His Spirit to us as the spring rains that water the earth. The Spirit stirred Nicodemus to go to Jesus, who directed the inquiring Pharisee, and by extension also you and I, to our promised reception of the Holy Spirit in the waters of baptism." [05:32]
4. "The wind blows where it wishes and the wind of the Holy Spirit blew into your heart at your baptism just as he now comes to you when you hear the word of Christ. He still blows into your heart with his truth and with all of the blessings that he comes to bestow on you." [12:29]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Spiritually, then, the key issue in our lives is not merely about our desire for refreshment or for change, but of our need for complete revitalization and to be brought from death to life. Jesus says in John 3, verses 5 and 6, Unless one is born of water in the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is... flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit." [00:57]
2. "Scripture continually testifies to the fact that we are spiritually dead and unable to help ourselves. In Ephesians 2, the Apostle Paul writes that before the church at Ephesus knew Jesus, its members were dead in the trespasses and sins in which they once walked, following not God but the course of this world. Paul says they were by nature children of God. Children of wrath, like the rest of humanity." [02:20]
3. "But as our soul's caretaker, God sees our deadness, and instead of casting us off as the chaff we are, what does He do? On Christ's account, He calls us His good creation. He gives our soul, a heavenly water that we as creatures in His care are wholly dependent upon, and that we cannot supply. And unlike anything else in our ecosystem, His water has the power to resurrect and to enliven." [05:32]
4. "Through the word of Christ and the gift of faith that the Holy Spirit imparts, God has remade you, not in a vague or metaphorical kind of way, but in a way that is genuine and spiritual. When that Spirit who now comes to you through God's word came to you and worked faith in Christ in you at your baptism, and by God's grace you received the forgiveness He gave and still gives you, you experienced the second birth." [09:00]
5. "By the power of the spirit, there is evidence of new life in all who seek healing in the crucified, resurrected, and ascended Christ Jesus. There is evidence in this church and there is evidence." [11:57]
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