Transformative Power of Regeneration in Believers

 

Summary

In our exploration of regeneration, we delve into the profound transformation that occurs within a believer. This transformation is not merely a change in behavior or understanding but a fundamental alteration in the very disposition of a person. Regeneration is the work of the Holy Spirit, who implants a new principle of life within us, enabling us to respond to spiritual truths that were once incomprehensible. This change is instantaneous and profound, affecting the core of our being, which in turn influences our mind, heart, and will.

The analogy of grafting illustrates this transformation well. Just as a grafted shoot on a wild tree eventually produces a new type of fruit, so too does the new life within us gradually overcome our old nature. This process requires the continual pruning of our old ways, allowing the new life to flourish and bear fruit. Regeneration is not a mere moral influence or a result of baptism; it is a direct act of God, creating a new life within us.

This change is essential because, without it, we cannot enter or even perceive the kingdom of God. Scripture emphasizes that holiness, which begins with regeneration, is necessary to see the Lord. Regeneration is not just a change in our relationship with God but a new creation within us, making us capable of knowing and fellowshipping with Him.

Moreover, regeneration is a permanent work of God. Once we are born again, we remain so, as it is the work of God that cannot be undone. This assurance provides us with peace and security, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. As we continue to grow in this new life, we are transformed from glory to glory, reflecting the image of Christ more and more.

Key Takeaways:

1. Regeneration as a Profound Change: Regeneration is a deep, instantaneous transformation that alters the fundamental disposition of a person, enabling them to respond to spiritual truths. It is not merely a change in behavior but a new creation within us, affecting our mind, heart, and will. [02:30]

2. The Analogy of Grafting: Just as a grafted shoot on a wild tree eventually produces a new type of fruit, the new life within us gradually overcomes our old nature. This process requires continual pruning of our old ways, allowing the new life to flourish and bear fruit. [09:07]

3. Essential Nature of Regeneration: Without regeneration, we cannot enter or even perceive the kingdom of God. Holiness, which begins with regeneration, is necessary to see the Lord, emphasizing the need for this profound change within us. [17:43]

4. Regeneration as a Direct Act of God: Regeneration is not a result of moral influence or baptism but a direct act of God, creating a new life within us. This new life is a holy principle implanted by God, making us capable of knowing and fellowshipping with Him. [37:21]

5. Permanence of Regeneration: Once we are born again, we remain so, as it is the work of God that cannot be undone. This assurance provides us with peace and security, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. [38:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Regeneration
- [00:55] - The Universal Call of the Gospel
- [01:44] - The Effectual Call and Regeneration
- [02:30] - Nature of Regeneration
- [03:18] - Change in Fundamental Disposition
- [04:19] - Profound Nature of Change
- [05:35] - Mystery and Miracle of Regeneration
- [06:23] - Illustration of Grafting
- [09:07] - Two Natures in One Tree
- [11:12] - Real Change in Regeneration
- [13:00] - Abiding in Christ and Regeneration
- [17:15] - Essential Nature of Regeneration
- [19:43] - Eternal Life and Knowledge of God
- [22:29] - Necessity of Regeneration
- [24:02] - How Regeneration is Brought About
- [28:32] - Relationship of Regeneration to the Word
- [32:56] - Old Testament Saints and Regeneration
- [35:09] - Regeneration of Infants
- [37:21] - Immediate and Direct Work of God
- [38:09] - Permanence of Regeneration
- [42:04] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Regeneration

Bible Reading:
1. John 3:3-8 - Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus about being born again.
2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
3. Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "You must be born again" in John 3:3-8? How does this relate to the concept of regeneration discussed in the sermon? [17:29]

2. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does it mean to be a "new creation"? How does this align with the sermon’s description of regeneration as a profound change? [02:30]

3. How does the analogy of grafting, as explained in the sermon, illustrate the process of regeneration? [06:23]

4. According to Ezekiel 36:26, what is the significance of receiving a "new heart" and a "new spirit"? How does this connect to the sermon’s emphasis on the fundamental change in disposition? [04:34]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the necessity of regeneration for entering the kingdom of God, as mentioned in John 3:3-8? What implications does this have for believers? [17:43]

2. The sermon describes regeneration as a direct act of God. How does this understanding affect the way believers view their spiritual transformation and growth? [37:21]

3. In what ways does the analogy of grafting help us understand the ongoing process of spiritual growth and the overcoming of our old nature? [09:07]

4. How does the permanence of regeneration, as discussed in the sermon, provide assurance and security to believers? [38:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Can you identify a moment or period when you experienced a profound change in your disposition towards God? How did this affect your mind, heart, and will? [02:30]

2. The sermon emphasizes the need for continual pruning of our old ways. What are some "old branches" in your life that need pruning to allow your new life in Christ to flourish? [09:07]

3. How can the assurance of the permanence of regeneration influence your daily walk with God, especially during times of doubt or struggle? [38:09]

4. In what ways can you actively participate in the process of being transformed "from glory to glory," as mentioned in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to reflect the image of Christ more in your life? [15:23]

5. Consider the analogy of grafting. How can you ensure that the "new shoot" of your spiritual life receives the nourishment it needs to grow and bear fruit? What spiritual disciplines or practices can support this growth? [09:07]

6. How does understanding regeneration as a direct act of God change your perspective on evangelism and sharing your faith with others? [37:21]

7. Reflect on the concept of receiving a "new heart" and a "new spirit." How can this transformation impact your relationships with others, both within and outside the church community? [04:34]

Devotional

Day 1: Regeneration as a Profound Change
Regeneration is a deep, instantaneous transformation that alters the fundamental disposition of a person, enabling them to respond to spiritual truths. It is not merely a change in behavior but a new creation within us, affecting our mind, heart, and will. This transformation is the work of the Holy Spirit, who implants a new principle of life within us. This change is essential because, without it, we cannot enter or even perceive the kingdom of God. The profound nature of this change is not just about a new understanding but a complete renewal of our being, allowing us to know and fellowship with God. [02:30]

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 need to allow the Holy Spirit to bring about a profound change, moving beyond mere behavior modification to a transformation of your heart and mind?


Day 2: The Analogy of Grafting
The analogy of grafting illustrates the transformation of regeneration well. Just as a grafted shoot on a wild tree eventually produces a new type of fruit, the new life within us gradually overcomes our old nature. This process requires the continual pruning of our old ways, allowing the new life to flourish and bear fruit. The grafting process signifies the integration of a new life source, which over time, changes the very nature of the tree. Similarly, the new life in Christ requires us to let go of old habits and patterns, making room for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. [09:07]

John 15:1-2 (ESV): "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit."

Reflection: What old habits or patterns in your life need pruning to allow the new life in Christ to flourish and bear fruit?


Day 3: Essential Nature of Regeneration
Without regeneration, we cannot enter or even perceive the kingdom of God. Holiness, which begins with regeneration, is necessary to see the Lord, emphasizing the need for this profound change within us. Regeneration is not just a change in our relationship with God but a new creation within us, making us capable of knowing and fellowshipping with Him. This essential transformation is the foundation of our spiritual journey, enabling us to live a life that reflects the holiness and righteousness of God. [17:43]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: How does understanding regeneration as essential to entering the kingdom of God change your perspective on your spiritual journey and daily walk with Christ?


Day 4: Regeneration as a Direct Act of God
Regeneration is not a result of moral influence or baptism but a direct act of God, creating a new life within us. This new life is a holy principle implanted by God, making us capable of knowing and fellowshipping with Him. It is a divine intervention that goes beyond human effort or understanding, signifying God's sovereign work in our lives. This act of God assures us that our spiritual rebirth is not dependent on our actions but on His grace and power. [37:21]

Titus 3:5 (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."

Reflection: In what ways can you acknowledge and celebrate the direct act of God in your life, recognizing that your spiritual rebirth is a result of His grace and not your own efforts?


Day 5: Permanence of Regeneration
Once we are born again, we remain so, as it is the work of God that cannot be undone. This assurance provides us with peace and security, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God. As we continue to grow in this new life, we are transformed from glory to glory, reflecting the image of Christ more and more. The permanence of regeneration is a testament to God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His work in our lives, offering us a foundation of hope and confidence in our spiritual journey. [38:09]

Philippians 1:6 (ESV): "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: How does the assurance of the permanence of regeneration influence your sense of security and peace in your relationship with God?

Quotes



It becomes effectual because there is now in this person a principle which was not there before and which enables him to respond to this spiritual truth this Divine truth that comes to him and that is the difference between the believer and the unbeliever a man who saved and a man who is not saved. [00:02:32]

Now this whole question of regeneration as we saw last week in considering what our lord said to Nicodemus is of course a great mystery it's a miracle It's Supernatural our Lord compared it to the wind in order to get Nicodemus and all of us through Nicodemus to see that there is a sense in which we just can't understand it. [00:05:35]

The Gardener the or the horticulturist he has to Lop off these natural branches he has to cut them prune them right down and if he only does that a time will arrive when he will have nothing of that tree but this wonderful type of pair that he's anxious to grow you see at first you seem to have two Natures in the one tree. [00:09:07]

Regeneration a real change takes place and that within us it is as definite as the illustration puts it in the case of grafty I mean by that it isn't merely a change in our relationship to truth or to a person it's more than that a change takes place in us not outside us only not in our relationships nor merely while we remain abiding in Christ. [00:11:12]

Except a man be born again he cannot enter into the kingdom of God then he says it again except a man be born of water and of the spirit he cannot even see the kingdom of God he can't even see it the rebirth is an absolute utter essential and man can't even see the kingdom leave alone enter unless he has been born again. [00:17:43]

Holiness without which no man shall see the law Holiness without which no men shall see the Lord Holiness is absolutely essential and Mark you Holiness there doesn't merely mean a sanctification that you may receive or may not receive without Holiness no man shall can see the law so it's no use saying that there are some Christians whove received sanctification. [00:19:43]

Regeneration is not only essential it is essential at the beginning you can have nothing without it it is impossible for anything to happen in men which can make him a Christian until regeneration has taken place so it's not only essential it is essential at the very beginning now then that brings us on to the next question. [00:22:29]

It is not by baptism that there is scriptural evidence to prove abundantly in the book of Acts without going outside it that the people who were baptized were those who gave evidence that they were already born again they were baptized because they had been born it was given as a sign and a seal to them because they had produced evidence of the new birth. [00:28:32]

It is the action of this allmighty being of God himself through the Holy Spirit he can implant this seed of spiritual life in an unconscious INF with the same ease as he can do it in an adult person and therefore it is important for us you see to consider whether regeneration is something that happens immediately or indirectly through the word. [00:35:09]

It is immediate direct it is God creating a new as he created out of nothing at the beginning and finally for this evening the last thing I would say is that obviously in the light of all this it is something that can never be lost if you are regenerate you are regenerate and you will remain regenerate. [00:37:21]

It seems to me that this is absolutely inevitable because it is the word of because it is the work of God and yet there are people who seem to think that a man can be born again as the result of believing the truth and then if he backslides or falls into sin or denies the truth he's lost his regeneration and then he comes back again. [00:38:09]

The regenerate abide they may backslide they may fall into sin they may fail they abide because the life is there the others may appear to be fully Christian but if there isn't life they won't abide life shows itself and it gives truth of its existence well God willing we may start with the proofs of regeneration next time. [00:42:04]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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