Transformative Power of Being Born of the Spirit

 

Summary

In the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 8, we find a profound truth about the nature of being born of the Spirit. This transformation is not merely a change in belief or behavior but a fundamental rebirth from above, a participation in the divine nature. Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus highlights that this rebirth is what sets Christianity apart from all other religions and philosophies. It is not about external adherence to rules or rituals but an internal transformation that brings about a personal and direct knowledge of God.

This new life in the Spirit is characterized by an awareness of the "inner man," a spiritual dimension that is distinct from the physical body. For those who are not born of the Spirit, life is confined to the physical and relational aspects of existence. However, for the Christian, there is an inner renewal and a growing desire for a personal relationship with God. This desire surpasses all other interests, including religious duties and theological knowledge. It is a longing for communion with the living God, a thirst for His presence that is more fulfilling than any earthly pleasure or achievement.

The Christian life is marked by an increasing interest in the persons of the Holy Trinity, not just for the blessings they bestow but for their own sake. This includes a deepening appreciation for the person of Jesus Christ, His glory, His incarnation, His life, death, resurrection, and His current reign in heaven. This personal relationship with Christ leads to a life of worship and adoration, where the believer finds joy and satisfaction in the presence of God.

This transformation is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are born of the Spirit. It transcends natural abilities and is a gift of God's grace. The true test of this new life is not in intellectual assent but in the heartfelt desire to know and glorify God. This is the essence of being born again, a life that is continually renewed and drawn closer to the heart of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Being born of the Spirit is a fundamental transformation that sets Christianity apart. It is not about external adherence to rules but an internal rebirth that brings a personal knowledge of God. This transformation is essential for a true Christian life. [01:07]

- The Christian life is characterized by an awareness of the "inner man," a spiritual dimension distinct from the physical body. This inner renewal leads to a growing desire for a personal relationship with God, surpassing all other interests. [05:09]

- A true Christian has an increasing interest in the persons of the Holy Trinity, not just for the blessings they bestow but for their own sake. This includes a deep appreciation for Jesus Christ, His glory, and His work. [20:15]

- The transformation of being born again is available to all, transcending natural abilities and is a gift of God's grace. It is not limited to a select few but is a universal call to all who believe. [17:17]

- The true test of new life in the Spirit is not intellectual assent but a heartfelt desire to know and glorify God. This desire leads to a life of worship and adoration, finding joy and satisfaction in God's presence. [48:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to John 3:8
- [00:29] - The Essence of Being Born Again
- [01:07] - Differentiating Christianity
- [02:04] - The Divine Nature and New Birth
- [02:41] - Examining Ourselves
- [03:17] - Personal Knowledge of God
- [04:14] - The Inner Man
- [05:09] - The Tragedy of the Unspiritual Life
- [06:40] - The Spiritual Man
- [07:36] - The Desire for God
- [08:25] - God Deals Familiarly with Man
- [09:59] - The Highest Privilege
- [11:05] - The Living God
- [12:46] - Pascal's Experience
- [14:08] - Seeking God
- [16:19] - The Supreme Desire
- [20:15] - Interest in the Trinity
- [24:16] - The Glory of Christ
- [29:34] - The Resurrection and Reign
- [32:42] - Personal Relationship with Christ
- [36:34] - The Gift of Grace
- [42:03] - Communion with the Father
- [44:36] - God's Providence and Redemption
- [48:23] - Tests of Life
- [49:01] - Closing Hymn

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 3:8 - "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."
2. Ephesians 3:16 - "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man."
3. Philippians 3:10 - "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death."

Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus mean when he says, "The wind blows where it wishes" in John 3:8, and how does this relate to being born of the Spirit? [00:29]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between the "inner man" and the physical body? [04:51]
3. According to the sermon, what is the ultimate test of having new life in the Spirit? [03:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest is the primary interest of a true Christian in relation to the Holy Trinity? [20:15]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "born again" differentiate Christianity from other religions and philosophies, according to the sermon? [01:07]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Christian life is more about internal transformation than external adherence to rules? [04:14]
3. How does the sermon explain the role of the Holy Spirit in deepening a believer's relationship with Jesus Christ? [21:57]
4. What does the sermon imply about the accessibility of the transformation of being born again to all believers? [17:17]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Have you experienced a transformation that aligns with the description of being "born of the Spirit"? If so, how has it changed your relationship with God? [01:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the "inner man." How can you cultivate a greater awareness of your spiritual life this week? [04:51]
3. Consider your current interests and priorities. How can you shift your focus to deepen your personal relationship with God, as described in the sermon? [07:36]
4. The sermon speaks of an increasing interest in the persons of the Holy Trinity. How can you intentionally learn more about the nature and work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in your daily life? [20:15]
5. How can you ensure that your desire to know and glorify God is genuine and not just an intellectual exercise? What practical steps can you take to foster a heartfelt relationship with God? [48:23]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep longing for God's presence. How can you create space in your life to experience that longing more regularly? [11:53]
7. The sermon mentions the joy and satisfaction found in God's presence. What specific practices can you incorporate into your routine to cultivate a life of worship and adoration? [29:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Internal Rebirth and Divine Participation
The transformation of being born of the Spirit is a profound rebirth from above, marking a fundamental shift in one's nature. This rebirth is not about merely changing beliefs or behaviors but involves a deep participation in the divine nature. It sets Christianity apart from other religions and philosophies by emphasizing an internal transformation rather than external adherence to rules or rituals. This new birth brings about a personal and direct knowledge of God, which is essential for a true Christian life. It is a call to experience a life that is continually renewed and drawn closer to the heart of God. [01:07]

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 still reflect the "old self"? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind and transform these areas today?


Day 2: Awakening the Inner Man
The Christian life is characterized by an awareness of the "inner man," a spiritual dimension distinct from the physical body. This inner renewal leads to a growing desire for a personal relationship with God, surpassing all other interests, including religious duties and theological knowledge. For those not born of the Spirit, life is confined to the physical and relational aspects of existence. However, for the Christian, there is a longing for communion with the living God, a thirst for His presence that is more fulfilling than any earthly pleasure or achievement. [05:09]

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."

Reflection: In what ways can you nurture your "inner man" today? Consider setting aside time for prayer or meditation to deepen your relationship with God.


Day 3: Embracing the Trinity for Their Own Sake
A true Christian has an increasing interest in the persons of the Holy Trinity, not just for the blessings they bestow but for their own sake. This includes a deep appreciation for Jesus Christ, His glory, His incarnation, His life, death, resurrection, and His current reign in heaven. This personal relationship with Christ leads to a life of worship and adoration, where the believer finds joy and satisfaction in the presence of God. The focus shifts from seeking God's gifts to seeking God Himself, which transforms the believer's life into one of genuine worship. [20:15]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the Trinity today? Consider focusing on one aspect of Jesus' life or character and meditate on its significance.


Day 4: The Universal Call to New Life
The transformation of being born again is available to all, transcending natural abilities and is a gift of God's grace. It is not limited to a select few but is a universal call to all who believe. This new life in the Spirit is characterized by an inner renewal and a growing desire for a personal relationship with God. It is a call to experience a life that is continually renewed and drawn closer to the heart of God, surpassing all other interests. This transformation is a testament to the inclusivity and grace of God's invitation to all humanity. [17:17]

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV): "But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 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, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Reflection: Reflect on the inclusivity of God's grace. How can you extend this grace to someone in your life who may feel excluded or unworthy?


Day 5: Heartfelt Desire and Worship
The true test of new life in the Spirit is not intellectual assent but a heartfelt desire to know and glorify God. This desire leads to a life of worship and adoration, finding joy and satisfaction in God's presence. It is a longing for communion with the living God, a thirst for His presence that is more fulfilling than any earthly pleasure or achievement. This transformation is not limited to a select few but is available to all who are born of the Spirit, transcending natural abilities and is a gift of God's grace. [48:23]

Psalm 63:1-3 (ESV): "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you."

Reflection: What is one way you can express your heartfelt desire for God today? Consider incorporating a new form of worship, such as singing, journaling, or serving others, into your daily routine.

Quotes


To be born of the spirit means to be born again, to be born from above, to become a partaker of the divine nature. And what our Lord is telling that great man, that great teacher of the Jews, Nicodemus, at this point is that this is the thing that really differentiates the Christian message. [00:46:31]

The Christian is aware of this Inner Man within him. Nobody else is. The life of the man who's not a Christian is in one sense just of One Piece. He's just one man, and that's the same man whether you outward or inward. Indeed, the whole tragedy of the man who has not received this new life is that, as I say, he's not aware of this inner life. [04:57:36]

The moment a man becomes a Christian, a new man comes into being, an inner man, the spiritual man. Now, this is the man, of course, that is concerned about this knowledge of God. The Christianism, and again to use the language of the Apostle Paul in The Second Epistle to the Corinthians and in chapter 4, he says, though our outward man perish, the inward man is renewed day by day. [06:40:56]

The great characteristic of this man is that he desires this personal knowledge of God. As I said last Sunday, that's the thing he's most interested in, more interested than he is in religious duties, more interested than he is in theology, more interested than even in blessings. This is the chief end of Salvation. [07:36:16]

The Christian is a man who realizes that this is possible in this life, that the knowledge of God is not something postponed until the life after death. It starts here. It is possible in this life. I've quoted in times past one of the old Puritans of over 300 years ago who left this as his dying statement, something that he wanted to bequeath to all his relatives and all who knew him. [08:25:48]

This is something which is regarded by this new man as the highest privilege in his life, and it therefore becomes, of course, the chief object of his life. We all know what it is to desire to have more and more of the company of certain people, the desire to talk to people, mix with people who were in exalted and high positions and things like that. [09:59:44]

The god of the theologian may very well be a dead God. That's the whole danger of a purely intellectual approach. The god of the philosophers is certainly a dead God. He's an abstraction, the absolute, the ultimate. The very terms they use about him display the fact that they don't know the Living God. [11:05:52]

When he had this experience of the Living God, well, he's overwhelmed, and he knows that he's having the experience, the kind of experience that had been vouchsafed to Abraham and to Isaac and to Jacob. He knew his Old Testament, and he knew how God had appeared to these men. God had appeared to Abraham and to Isaac and to Jacob, and they knew they'd been in contact with the Living God. [12:46:48]

The moment he meets with his other, he forgets all about his goods and possessions and everything else. Nothing matters but this. All I'm trying to say is this: that one of the tests always of the possession of this life is that it does become the Supreme thing. It's bigger than everything else in our lives. [16:19:00]

This is something that God's people have gone on experiencing throughout the centuries, and it's not confined to any particular type. The psychologists will tell you, oh yes, of course, that's all right. We like to read about these things. There is that mystical type of person, but we're not all like that, you know. [17:17:36]

This man is a man, this inner man, this inward man, is one who finds in himself an increasing interest in the three blessed persons of the Holy Trinity in and of themselves and for their own sake. Now, I'm developing the point which I mentioned last Sunday morning when I said that this man is more concerned about this personal knowledge even than he is of receiving blessings. [20:15:00]

The man of God, the saint, likes to dwell upon and to meditate upon the very Glory of the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. He meditates about this. He thinks about him. He likes to think of him in his eternal and everlasting Glory with the father before time. He likes to read these descriptions of him that are given in the scriptures. [24:16:00]

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Transcript
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