Transformative Power of Being Born Again
Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the profound and transformative concept of being born again, a theme that is central to our faith and our relationship with God. This new birth is not a mere addition to our lives or a moral improvement; it is a complete transformation, a regeneration of our very being. It is not just about seeing differently, but about becoming a new creation in Christ.
The story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee and ruler of the Jews, serves as our primary scriptural reference. He comes to Jesus by night, acknowledging Him as a teacher from God. Jesus, knowing Nicodemus's heart, bypasses his accolades and addresses his deepest need: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." This statement is the crux of our message today. To be born again is to experience a spiritual rebirth, to be filled with the Holy Spirit, and to enter into the kingdom of God.
Jesus further explains that this new birth is not of the flesh but of the Spirit. It is a birth from above, initiated by God, not by human will or effort. The wind of the Spirit blows where it wishes, and we cannot control it, but we can certainly experience its life-giving power. This is beautifully illustrated in the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37, where the breath of God brings dead bones to life, symbolizing the Spirit's power to regenerate us.
The new birth is available to everyone, regardless of social status, education, or past sins. It is an invitation extended to all humanity, as encapsulated in the well-known verse, John 3:16. God's love for the world is so vast that He gave His only Son, so that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. This is not a message of condemnation but of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
To know if you have been born again is to experience a change in sensibility, a new awareness of spiritual truths that were once obscure. It is like a newborn baby experiencing the world for the first time, with all its sensations and wonders. The new birth may be painful, as it exposes our sins and requires us to let go of our old selves, but it leads to a life of refreshment, healing, and joy in the presence of God.
As we conclude, the call is clear: be born again. If you have not experienced this new birth, the invitation stands open. For those who have, let us live out this transformed life, sharing the love of Christ with the world, not keeping it hidden in our pockets.
Key Takeaways:
- Being born again is a radical transformation that goes beyond moral improvement; it is a complete regeneration of our being. This new life in Christ is characterized by a profound change in identity, as we become children of God and heirs to His kingdom. The power of the new birth is such that it can repair any fear, guilt, hurt, or flaw, at least partially, and we should never settle for minimal change if we have experienced this rebirth. [14:58]
- The new birth originates from God and is enacted through the Holy Spirit. It is not something we can achieve through human effort or willpower. Like the wind, the Spirit moves sovereignly, and while we cannot control it, we can certainly feel its effects in our lives. This divine action is what brings about the new birth, transforming us from the inside out. [19:28]
- The new birth is inclusive and available to all, transcending social, cultural, and moral boundaries. The story of the Samaritan woman in John 4 exemplifies this inclusivity, showing that anyone, regardless of their past, can come to Jesus and be born again. The invitation to new life in Christ is extended to every person, without exception. [27:46]
- To be born again is to have a new sensibility, a new awareness of God's presence and truth. It is an experiential reality, akin to a baby being born into the world and sensing its environment for the first time. This new spiritual sensibility is a clear indication that one has been born of the Spirit. [29:37]
- The new birth is not without its challenges; it can be painful as it exposes our sins and requires us to shed our old selves. However, this pain is part of the transformative process that leads to healing, refreshment, and ultimately, salvation. The new birth is an act of love from God, who desires that we not perish but have eternal life. [30:54]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Transformative Power of Being Born Again
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:1-21 - The story of Nicodemus and Jesus' teaching on being born again.
2. Ezekiel 37:1-14 - The vision of the valley of dry bones and the breath of God bringing them to life.
3. John 4:1-42 - The story of the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrating the inclusivity of the new birth.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He tells Nicodemus, "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God"? ([02:17])
2. How does Jesus describe the new birth in terms of water and the Spirit? ([02:55])
3. What is the significance of the wind analogy that Jesus uses to explain the movement of the Spirit? ([02:55])
4. How does the story of the Samaritan woman contrast with the story of Nicodemus in terms of their social status and their response to Jesus? ([24:04])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the concept of being born again described as a complete transformation rather than just a moral improvement? ([10:25])
2. How does the vision of the valley of dry bones in Ezekiel 37 illustrate the power of the Holy Spirit in the new birth? ([20:06])
3. What does it mean for the new birth to be inclusive and available to all, as demonstrated in the story of the Samaritan woman? ([27:46])
4. How can the painful process of the new birth lead to healing and refreshment, as illustrated by the story of Eustace in "The Voyage of the Dawn Treader"? ([11:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Have you experienced the transformative power of being born again? If so, how has it changed your identity and sensibility? ([29:05])
2. The new birth is described as a birth from above, initiated by God. How can you be more open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life, even when you cannot control it? ([19:28])
3. The new birth is inclusive and available to all. How can you share the message of Jesus with someone from a different social or cultural background this week? ([27:46])
4. The process of being born again can be painful as it exposes our sins. What old habits or sins do you need to let go of to fully embrace your new life in Christ? ([30:54])
5. The story of SEMA shows a faith that is worth losing everything for. What steps can you take to deepen your faith and make it central to your life, even if it requires sacrifices? ([09:08])
6. Jesus calls us to not keep our faith hidden in our pockets. What practical ways can you live out your transformed life and share the love of Christ with others this week? ([36:53])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence and truth in your daily life? ([29:37])
Devotional
Day 1: Transformation Beyond Morality
The concept of being born again is not confined to moral improvement; it is about a radical transformation that reshapes one's entire existence. When one is born again, they are not simply turning over a new leaf; they are becoming a new creation, with a new identity as a child of God. This transformation is so profound that it touches every aspect of their being, repairing fears, healing wounds, and correcting flaws. It is a process that invites individuals to embrace a complete change, to live in a way that reflects their new status as heirs to the kingdom of God. The change should be evident, as the old self is shed and the new self emerges, characterized by the fruits of the Spirit and a life lived in accordance with God's will [14:58].
"For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation." (Galatians 6:15)
Reflection: What aspect of your life most reflects the old self, and how can you invite God to transform it into a sign of the new creation you've become?
Day 2: Birthed by the Spirit
The new birth is a divine mystery, initiated by God and enacted through the Holy Spirit. It is not a result of human effort or willpower but a sovereign act of God, akin to the wind that blows where it wishes. One cannot see the wind, but its effects are undeniable. Similarly, the Holy Spirit moves in ways that are beyond human understanding, bringing life and transformation to those who are born again. This spiritual rebirth is a powerful inner change that renews the heart and mind, setting individuals on a new path of spiritual growth and maturity. It is a birth from above, a heavenly gift that bestows new life upon the believer [19:28].
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8)
Reflection: How have you experienced the mysterious movement of the Holy Spirit in your life, and in what ways can you be more open to its transformative power?
Day 3: Inclusive Rebirth
The invitation to be born again transcends all human barriers. It is not limited by social status, cultural background, or past transgressions. The story of the Samaritan woman at the well demonstrates that anyone can receive the living water offered by Jesus. This inclusivity is at the heart of the gospel message, which proclaims that all are welcome to come to Jesus and experience the new birth. The new life in Christ is an open invitation to every person, offering a fresh start and a new identity as part of God's family, regardless of where they come from or what they have done [27:46].
"And Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (Acts 2:38)
Reflection: Who in your community may feel excluded from the message of the gospel, and how can you extend the inclusive invitation of new life in Christ to them?
Day 4: Sensibility of the Spirit
To be born again is to gain a new spiritual sensibility, an awareness of God's presence and truth that was previously unknown. It is like a newborn baby opening its eyes to the world for the first time, discovering a reality filled with wonder and awe. This new awareness is a hallmark of those who have been born of the Spirit, enabling them to perceive spiritual truths and discern God's will in a way that was not possible before. It is an experiential reality that signifies a profound connection with the divine, a tangible sense of being alive in God's kingdom [29:37].
"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)
Reflection: What spiritual truths have become clearer to you since you were born again, and how can you cultivate a deeper sensitivity to the Spirit's guidance?
Day 5: Painful Yet Fruitful Rebirth
The process of being born again, while filled with joy and renewal, can also be accompanied by pain. This pain arises as the light of Christ exposes sins and calls for the shedding of the old self. It is a necessary discomfort that leads to healing and growth, much like the pain that accompanies the birth process. However, this pain is not without purpose; it is part of the transformative journey that culminates in salvation and eternal life. The new birth is an act of divine love, a redemptive process that brings refreshment and joy in the presence of God, despite the initial challenges it may present [30:54].
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)
Reflection: What painful aspects of your new birth can you identify, and how can you trust God to use them for your growth and His glory?
Quotes
- "It's not just new seeing but a new being and that's what happened to SEMA... her new life wasn't always easy either... the new birth that Jesus talks about can be horrendously painful just as it was for SEMA." [11:05] (Download | )
- "The new birth is powerful... there is power in it to transform you... unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God... we see or we know the kingdom of God whereas maybe previously we've heard about it but haven't seen it." [13:44] (Download | )
- "The new birth is from the future... brought into your present... there is no fear, no guilt, no hurt, no flaw that the new birth can't at least partially repair... don't settle for only little change if you have been born again." [14:58] (Download | )
- "When you're born you are identified by who has given birth to you... when they're born they're identified as Katy... it is the same for this new birth... your wristband no longer says child of Katy... it says child of God." [16:17] (Download | )
- "The new birth is the power that God is going to use to regenerate the whole world brought into your present... it's God's future coming into your heart right now... don't ever underestimate the power of the new birth to change somebody." [14:58] (Download | )
- "The invitation to be born again is for everyone... for God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life... the world, whoever, for everyone." [27:46] (Download | )
- "Being born means you have a new sensibility... a newly born baby sees bright lights for the first time, hears clear sounds... spiritual truth that you might have heard before but didn't make sense to your mind or certainly didn't touch your heart now does." [29:37] (Download | )
- "The new birth is often painful but it is utterly transformative... it's often painful but it is exactly the same with the new birth... birth is painful and it's exposing but... you inherit eternal life, you get the joy of life with God." [30:54] (Download | )
- "God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him whoever is born again of water and the spirit should not perish but will see, enter, and possess eternal life." [31:37] (Download | )
- "The wind blows where it wishes... the spirit the wind the breath blows where it wants to... we can experience it but we cannot control it... it is something God has to do to us." [19:28] (Download | )
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