Understanding Regeneration: The Heart of True Faith
Summary
In our journey of faith, we often encounter the distinction between the visible and invisible church. The visible church comprises those whose names are on the membership rolls, those we can see and count. However, the invisible church consists of those who have been inwardly regenerated, whose hearts have been transformed by God. This distinction is crucial because, as St. Augustine taught, the church is a mixed body of tares and wheat, where not everyone is genuinely committed to Christ. The Pharisees exemplified this, with their religion being all about external show rather than true inward devotion.
Regeneration, or being born again, is the beginning of the Christian life. It is not the same as the new life itself but is the starting point of a journey of redemption. Just as a biological birth happens once, spiritual rebirth is a singular event that marks the entrance into a new life. This new life is characterized by growth and maturity, moving from spiritual infancy to a more consistent pattern of spiritual behavior. The struggle between the old self and the new self continues throughout this journey, as we strive to live according to God's standards rather than the world's.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, describes our former state as being spiritually dead, walking according to the world's course and under the influence of the enemy. But God, rich in mercy, has quickened us, made us alive in Christ. This regeneration is a divine act, accomplished by God alone, as only He can bring life out of death. It is the most significant beginning we will ever have, leading us into a life of faith, justification, and sanctification.
In sharing this message, I was reminded of the power of God's work in our lives. Even when we feel inadequate, God can use us to bring about transformation in others. The Creator of the universe works invisibly and supernaturally to change hearts, demonstrating His rich mercy and love.
Key Takeaways:
1. The distinction between the visible and invisible church highlights the importance of genuine inward transformation over mere external membership. True faith is not about outward appearances but about a heart regenerated by God. [00:39]
2. Regeneration is the beginning of the Christian life, marking the entrance into a new life of growth and maturity. It is a singular event that leads to a lifelong journey of spiritual development. [04:15]
3. The struggle between the old self and the new self is a continuous battle in the Christian life. This conflict is a natural part of our spiritual journey, as we strive to live according to God's standards. [11:08]
4. Our former state, as described by Paul, was one of spiritual death, living according to the world's course. But God, in His mercy, has made us alive in Christ, initiating our new life. [13:49]
5. Regeneration is a divine act accomplished by God alone. It is the most significant beginning we will ever have, leading us into a life of faith, justification, and sanctification. [21:36]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:39] - Visible vs. Invisible Church
- [01:27] - Mixed Body of Tares and Wheat
- [02:21] - Pharisees and Outward Show
- [03:06] - The Heart's Invisibility
- [04:15] - Regeneration: The Beginning
- [05:11] - New Life vs. New Birth
- [06:01] - Conversion Experiences
- [07:22] - Emotional Roller-Coaster
- [08:52] - Spiritual Infancy
- [10:19] - Growth and Maturity
- [11:08] - The Ongoing Struggle
- [13:02] - Ephesians and Spiritual Death
- [15:32] - Walking as Spiritual Zombies
- [19:23] - Quickening: Made Alive in Christ
- [21:36] - Regeneration: A Divine Act
- [25:58] - Evangelism and God's Work
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 2:1-5
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Observation Questions:
1. What distinction does the sermon make between the visible and invisible church, and why is this distinction important? [00:39]
2. According to the sermon, how does the Apostle Paul describe our former state before regeneration in Ephesians 2? [13:02]
3. What does the term "quickened" mean in the context of Ephesians 2, as explained in the sermon? [19:23]
4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing struggle between the old self and the new self in the Christian life? [11:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that regeneration is merely the beginning of the Christian life, and how does this relate to the concept of spiritual growth? [10:19]
2. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between outward religious appearances and genuine inward transformation? [02:21]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the struggle between the old self and the new self is a natural part of the Christian journey? [11:08]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of God's mercy in the process of regeneration, according to Ephesians 2? [19:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you see evidence of inward transformation, or are you more focused on outward appearances? How can you cultivate a more genuine faith? [00:39]
2. The sermon describes regeneration as a divine act accomplished by God alone. How does this understanding affect your view of your own spiritual journey and growth? [21:36]
3. Consider the ongoing struggle between the old self and the new self in your life. What practical steps can you take to live more consistently according to God's standards? [11:08]
4. How can you ensure that your faith is not just an emotional roller-coaster but a steady journey of growth and maturity? What practices can help stabilize your spiritual life? [08:52]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of God's mercy in making us alive in Christ. How can you remind yourself of God's mercy in your daily life, especially during challenging times? [19:23]
6. Think about a time when you felt spiritually dead or distant from God. What helped you reconnect with your faith, and how can you use that experience to help others? [13:49]
7. How can you be more aware of the invisible work of God in your life and the lives of others, as described in the sermon? What can you do to participate in God's transformative work? [25:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Genuine Transformation Over External Membership
In the journey of faith, the distinction between the visible and invisible church is crucial. The visible church is composed of those who are members in name, those who attend services and participate in church activities. However, the invisible church consists of those whose hearts have been truly transformed by God. This transformation is not about outward appearances or mere membership but about a deep, inward change that reflects a genuine commitment to Christ. St. Augustine's teaching of the church as a mixed body of tares and wheat reminds us that not everyone who appears to be part of the church is genuinely committed. The Pharisees serve as a historical example of this, as their religious practices were more about external show than true inward devotion. [00:39]
"For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways might you be focusing on outward appearances in your faith journey? How can you seek a deeper, inward transformation today?
Day 2: Regeneration as the Beginning of New Life
Regeneration, or being born again, marks the beginning of the Christian life. It is a singular event that signifies the entrance into a new life characterized by growth and maturity. Just as biological birth happens once, spiritual rebirth is a one-time event that initiates a lifelong journey of spiritual development. This journey involves moving from spiritual infancy to a more consistent pattern of spiritual behavior. It is a process of growing in faith, understanding, and commitment to God's standards. The new life that follows regeneration is not without challenges, but it is a journey of continual growth and maturity in Christ. [04:15]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your spiritual journey. What steps can you take today to grow from spiritual infancy to maturity in your faith?
Day 3: The Ongoing Struggle Between Old and New Self
The Christian life is marked by a continuous struggle between the old self and the new self. This conflict is a natural part of the spiritual journey, as believers strive to live according to God's standards rather than the world's. The old self represents the former way of life, characterized by sin and worldly desires, while the new self is aligned with God's will and purposes. This ongoing battle requires vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God's strength to overcome the temptations and challenges that arise. It is through this struggle that believers grow in their faith and become more like Christ. [11:08]
"Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." (Ephesians 4:22-24, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where the old self still has influence. What practical steps can you take to put on the new self in this area today?
Day 4: Made Alive in Christ
The Apostle Paul describes our former state as being spiritually dead, living according to the world's course and under the influence of the enemy. However, God, rich in mercy, has made us alive in Christ. This transformation from spiritual death to life is a divine act accomplished by God alone. It is the most significant beginning we will ever have, leading us into a life of faith, justification, and sanctification. This new life in Christ is marked by a renewed purpose and direction, as believers are called to live in accordance with God's will and to reflect His love and grace to others. [13:49]
"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." (Ephesians 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding your new life in Christ change the way you view your daily actions and decisions? What is one specific way you can live out this new life today?
Day 5: Regeneration as a Divine Act
Regeneration is a divine act accomplished by God alone. It is the most significant beginning we will ever have, leading us into a life of faith, justification, and sanctification. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a work of God's grace and mercy. As believers, we are called to respond to this divine act with gratitude and a commitment to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives. This involves growing in our understanding of God's Word, deepening our relationship with Him, and sharing His love with others. [21:36]
"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." (Titus 3:4-5, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you express gratitude for the divine act of regeneration in your life? How can you share this transformative experience with someone else today?
Quotes
The reason why the church makes the distinction between the visible church and the invisible church is that the visible church refers not to bricks and mortar and to sign boards in front of a building, but the visible church refers to the members who are on the rolls of the local church. [00:00:39]
St. Augustine taught centuries ago about the nature of the church. He taught the church … He talked about the church as being a mixed body, a group of people all of whom are visible, but that this church, this visible organization of people has within it, using Jesus language, tares and wheat. [00:01:27]
Regeneration that is invisible and mysterious and necessary is merely the beginning of the Christian life. It is the first point, the first step, in the total experience of redemption that God brings us through. Now, I say that for this reason; when people say that they’re born again, they think that their rebirth is the same thing as their new life. [00:03:06]
The new life is not the same thing as the new birth. Let me say it again. The new life that you enjoy is not the same thing as the new birth. The new life is the result of the new birth just as, you know, every year one day a year you celebrate your birthday. [00:05:11]
The struggle continues from the day of rebirth until that rebirth reaches the fullness of maturity in Christ in heaven. Now I’ve said this many times. I am annoyed no end when I hear well intentioned preachers trying to persuade and convince people of the riches of Christian religion and everything and they’ll say stuff like, you know, “Come to Jesus and all your problems will be over.” [00:10:19]
The apostle Paul experienced in his fullness of maturity a warfare that wouldn’t quit, between his old man and the new man. The conflict is there. The capacity for evil that resides in the heart of a regenerate person is almost without limit. We ought not to be shocked when we see Christian leaders falling into serious sin. [00:11:08]
Paul writes these words: “And you,” he’s talking to Christians now, “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience.” [00:13:49]
Before you were reborn you were dead. He’s not talking about biological death obviously. This message, this letter, is not sent to the morgue. It’s sent to people who are biologically alive and who as they were presently biologically … … formerly biologically alive. He’s saying you were dead spiritually. [00:15:32]
God quickens you. God makes you alive. He brings you out of that state of death. And that’s what we call regeneration. It’s the beginning of the new life. And it is something that is accomplished, dear friends, by God, and only by God. A dead man cannot raise himself from the dead. [00:21:36]
While we were engaged in a human gathering, and while I was speaking and reading from the Scriptures that the Creator of the universe came into that room and secretly, invisibly, mysteriously, and supernaturally changed the soul of human beings in there. I said, “That happened. God did it.” [00:25:58]
The very first step in the Christian life is regeneration. That you’re born again and then you have faith, and then you are justified, and then you are sanctified and all that business about faith and repentance and justification and sanctification all of that incorporates the whole complex of the Christian life. [00:27:07]
The starting point, God does. Only the Spirit of God can produce spirit, because that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [00:27:43]
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