Transformative Power of Being Born Again in the Spirit

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 8, we find a profound truth about the spiritual life: "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but can not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit." This passage reveals the essence of being born again, a transformation that is not merely religious but deeply spiritual. Nicodemus, a religious leader, struggled to understand this because he was entrenched in religious thinking rather than spiritual understanding. The tragedy is that religion, when misunderstood, can become an enemy of true Christian faith. The answer lies in being born again, which means receiving a new mind, heart, and spirit.

This new life is characterized by an internal transformation, a personal relationship with God that surpasses mere knowledge of theology or scripture. It is a life that cries out for an intimate knowledge of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This desire for personal knowledge is a testament to being born again. It is not about religious routines or church membership but about a living relationship with God.

The communion of the Holy Spirit is central to this new life. It involves fellowship, cooperation, and communication with the Spirit. A true Christian is aware of the Spirit's presence and activities within them. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us.

This spiritual life is not about following religious forms but about living in the Spirit. It is about reading the Bible and praying in the Spirit, where the words come alive and the presence of God is felt. It is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This life in the Spirit is dynamic, ever-expanding, and filled with the romance of discovering new depths in God's Word and presence.

Key Takeaways:

- The essence of being born again is a spiritual transformation that goes beyond religious thinking. It involves receiving a new mind, heart, and spirit, leading to a personal relationship with God that surpasses mere knowledge of theology or scripture. [01:58]

- A true Christian life is characterized by an increasing desire for personal knowledge of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This desire is a testament to being born again and is more important than religious routines or church membership. [04:02]

- The communion of the Holy Spirit involves fellowship, cooperation, and communication with the Spirit. A true Christian is aware of the Spirit's presence and activities within them, leading to a dependence on the Spirit rather than on their own strength. [08:32]

- Living in the Spirit means going beyond religious forms and experiencing a dynamic, ever-expanding relationship with God. It involves reading the Bible and praying in the Spirit, where the words come alive and the presence of God is felt. [22:41]

- The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. [38:32]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - The Wind and the Spirit
[01:12] - Religion vs. Spirituality
[01:58] - The Necessity of Being Born Again
[03:06] - Internal Transformation
[04:02] - Desire for Personal Knowledge of God
[06:41] - Communion of the Holy Spirit
[08:32] - Awareness of the Spirit's Presence
[13:19] - Dependence on the Spirit
[22:41] - Living in the Spirit
[29:26] - Praying in the Spirit
[32:07] - Promptings and Leadings of the Spirit
[38:32] - Guidance and Power of the Spirit
[46:29] - The Christian Life in the Spirit
[47:00] - The Call to Be Born Again

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 3:8
- Philippians 2:12-13
- Acts 8:26-29

---

Observation Questions:

1. In John 3:8, what analogy does Jesus use to describe those who are born of the Spirit, and how does this relate to the unpredictability of the Spirit's work? [00:11]

2. How does the sermon describe Nicodemus's struggle with understanding spiritual rebirth, and what does this reveal about the difference between religious and spiritual thinking? [01:12]

3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "communion of the Holy Spirit" as mentioned in the New Testament? [06:41]

4. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of being led by the Spirit, as seen in the lives of early Christians like Philip? [36:41]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the analogy of the wind in John 3:8 help us understand the nature of spiritual rebirth and the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life? [00:11]

2. The sermon suggests that a true Christian life is characterized by a desire for personal knowledge of God. How does this desire differ from merely acquiring theological knowledge? [04:02]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that religious routines can become an obstacle to true spiritual life, and how can believers avoid this pitfall? [01:28]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers, and what implications does this have for how Christians live out their faith? [38:32]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have there been times when you felt the Spirit's presence and guidance in a way that was unexpected or surprising? How did you respond? [13:19]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God over religious routines. What steps can you take to deepen your personal relationship with God this week? [05:41]

3. Consider a time when you relied on your own strength rather than the Spirit's guidance. What was the outcome, and how might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [21:33]

4. The sermon mentions the dynamic nature of living in the Spirit. How can you cultivate a more dynamic and responsive relationship with the Holy Spirit in your daily life? [22:41]

5. Identify an area of your life where you feel spiritually dry or disconnected. What practical steps can you take to seek the Spirit's renewal and presence in that area? [19:02]

6. Think of a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek the Spirit's guidance and leading in making that decision? [38:32]

7. The sermon describes the Spirit's role in providing power and authority for tasks God sets before us. Is there a specific task or calling you feel God is leading you to, and how can you rely on the Spirit's power to pursue it? [41:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Transformation Beyond Religion
The essence of being born again is a profound spiritual transformation that transcends religious thinking. It involves receiving a new mind, heart, and spirit, leading to a personal relationship with God that surpasses mere knowledge of theology or scripture. This transformation is not about adhering to religious routines or traditions but about experiencing a deep, internal change that aligns one's life with the Spirit of God. It is a call to move beyond the confines of religious practices and enter into a dynamic, living relationship with God, where the focus is on spiritual growth and understanding. [01:58]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What areas of your life are still influenced by religious routines rather than a genuine relationship with God? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform these areas today?


Day 2: Desire for Intimate Knowledge of God
A true Christian life is characterized by an increasing desire for personal knowledge of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This desire is a testament to being born again and is more important than religious routines or church membership. It reflects a longing to know God intimately, beyond the surface level of religious activities. This yearning for a deeper connection with God is a sign of spiritual maturity and growth, as it moves the believer from mere participation in religious practices to a heartfelt pursuit of God's presence and wisdom. [04:02]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper desire to know God personally this week? What specific steps can you take to prioritize this relationship over religious routines?


Day 3: Communion with the Holy Spirit
The communion of the Holy Spirit involves fellowship, cooperation, and communication with the Spirit. A true Christian is aware of the Spirit's presence and activities within them, leading to a dependence on the Spirit rather than on their own strength. This communion is not a passive experience but an active engagement with the Spirit, where the believer seeks guidance, strength, and wisdom from the Spirit in all aspects of life. It is about recognizing the Spirit's role in empowering and directing one's life, leading to a more fruitful and fulfilling Christian walk. [08:32]

2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV): "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity in your life today? What practical steps can you take to foster a deeper communion with the Spirit?


Day 4: Living Dynamically in the Spirit
Living in the Spirit means going beyond religious forms and experiencing a dynamic, ever-expanding relationship with God. It involves reading the Bible and praying in the Spirit, where the words come alive and the presence of God is felt. This life in the Spirit is characterized by a sensitivity to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. It is a vibrant and adventurous journey of faith, where the believer is continually discovering new depths in God's Word and presence, leading to a more profound and transformative Christian experience. [22:41]

Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."

Reflection: What does living dynamically in the Spirit look like for you? How can you make your Bible reading and prayer time more Spirit-led and alive this week?


Day 5: Guided by the Spirit's Power and Authority
The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. It involves trusting in the Spirit's power and authority to accomplish God's purposes in and through us, rather than relying on our own abilities. This guidance is essential for living a life that is aligned with God's will and purpose, leading to a more effective and impactful Christian witness. [38:32]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Spirit's power and authority? How can you be more attentive to the Spirit's guidance in your daily decisions and actions?

Quotes


The essence of the true faith is an awareness of the presence or if you like let me put it still more General it is the awareness of another you can't get rid in other words of this mystical element in the Christian faith now it isn't mysticism it isn't mysticism alone it isn't bare mysticism which is philosophical I say a mystical element in other words this is experimental this is personal and if it isn't personal it isn't true. [00:13:44]

The Christian this spiritual men this Born Again men is a man who is therefore aware of his dependence upon the spirit and this of course takes it yet further in other words he's discovered that he can't rely upon himself and he learns to rely more and more upon the holy spirit and his presence and his power you see the whole of the Christian Life is merely life in the spirit. [00:21:29]

Living in the Spirit means going beyond religious forms and experiencing a dynamic, ever-expanding relationship with God. It involves reading the Bible and praying in the Spirit, where the words come alive and the presence of God is felt. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. [00:22:41]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

The communion of the Holy Spirit involves fellowship, cooperation, and communication with the Spirit. A true Christian is aware of the Spirit's presence and activities within them, leading to a dependence on the Spirit rather than on their own strength. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:08:32]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

The Spirit prompts, leads, and guides us, providing power and authority to perform tasks that God has set before us. This life in the Spirit is about being sensitive to the Spirit's leadings and guidance, knowing when to act and when to refrain. This awareness leads to a dependence on the Spirit, recognizing that we cannot rely on our own strength. [00:38:32]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 24, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?