Understanding the Necessity of Being Born Again

Summary

We often think we know the Bible well, but the more we read, the more we realize how much we have yet to understand. One of the most foundational truths, and perhaps the greatest need we have—often without realizing it—is the new birth, being “born again.” This is not a religious slogan or a denominational badge, but the very heart of what it means to be brought into God’s family. Our standing before God is not based on our accomplishments, our good deeds, or our religious affiliations, but solely on the atoning work of Jesus Christ. At the final judgment, we will either stand on our own record or on Christ’s finished work. The new birth is the dividing line.

Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3 makes it clear: unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus was a religious, important, and observant man, yet Jesus told him that all his credentials were not enough. The new birth is not about self-improvement or religious effort; it is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Just as we did not choose our physical birth, we do not engineer our spiritual birth. God’s Spirit draws us, awakens us to our need, and brings us to faith in Christ.

Many of us approach God thinking our goodness will be enough, but Jesus satisfied all of God’s justice on our behalf. The new birth is not about the quantity of our faith, but the quality—are we trusting in Jesus only? When the Spirit convicts us of our sin and our inability to save ourselves, we are invited to repent and believe the gospel: not what we do, but what Christ has done. This is the only way to peace with God.

Nicodemus’ story doesn’t end in confusion. Later, he steps forward to care for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion, risking his reputation and safety. The new birth leads to a transformed life, one that is no longer secret or fearful, but willing to stand for Christ. The gospel is not about climbing a spiritual ladder, but about receiving what Jesus has already accomplished. There is room at the cross for all who will come, not by their own merit, but by faith in Him alone.

Key Takeaways

- The new birth is our greatest need, often unrecognized. We may think our deepest needs are material or relational, but Jesus reveals that our true need is to be made alive to God, to be born of the Spirit. Without this, even the best religious credentials or moral efforts fall short of entering God’s kingdom. [12:44]

- Salvation is not about self-improvement or religious performance. The gospel is not a call to do more, but to trust in what Christ has already done. Our works, no matter how impressive, cannot satisfy God’s justice; only Jesus’ atoning sacrifice can. This levels the ground for all, making salvation a gift, not an achievement. [04:33]

- The work of the Holy Spirit is mysterious but essential. Just as the wind cannot be controlled or predicted, so the Spirit moves in ways we cannot manufacture. The new birth is a supernatural act, not a human decision or ritual, and it is God who awakens us to our need and draws us to Himself. [25:31]

- Authentic faith is marked by repentance and trust in Christ alone. It is not the strength or quantity of our faith, but its object—Jesus. When we come honestly before God, acknowledging our sin and inability, and trust in Christ’s finished work, we are born again and given peace with God. [37:18]

- The new birth leads to courageous, transformed living. Like Nicodemus, who moved from secret inquiry to public allegiance, the Spirit-empowered life is not without fear, but it is marked by a willingness to stand for Christ, even at personal cost. God enables us to do what we could not do on our own, and there is no shame for those who trust in Him. [33:09]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:27] - A Humorous Start: Knowing the Bible
[03:03] - The Challenge of Understanding Scripture
[03:39] - The Importance of the New Birth
[05:21] - Judgment: Our Works or Christ’s Work?
[06:30] - What It Means to Be Born Again
[08:27] - Trusting in Jesus Only
[11:15] - Our Greatest Need: Relationship with God
[12:44] - Jesus and Nicodemus: The Necessity of New Birth
[16:06] - Nicodemus: Religious, Important, Fearful
[19:39] - No Shame for Those Who Believe
[21:14] - Observing the Work of God
[24:00] - The New Birth: Required, Not Optional
[25:31] - The Spirit’s Role in Salvation
[28:12] - Conviction, Doubt, and Assurance
[31:42] - What Happened to Nicodemus?
[35:07] - The Cost and Courage of Following Jesus
[36:41] - The Gospel: What Jesus Did, Not What We Do
[38:51] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The New Birth – Our Greatest Need

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### Bible Reading

John 3:1-8, 16-17 (ESV)
> Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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.”
>
> ... “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

John 19:38-42 (ESV)
> After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

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### Observation Questions

1. What does Jesus say is required to see and enter the kingdom of God? (John 3:3, 5)
2. How does Jesus describe the work of the Holy Spirit in the new birth? (John 3:8)
3. What do we learn about Nicodemus’ character and actions in both John 3 and John 19? [16:36] / [33:57]
4. According to the sermon, what are some things people often rely on instead of the new birth to be right with God? [06:30]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus tell Nicodemus—a religious and respected leader—that he must be born again? What does this say about the limits of religious effort or status? [17:20]
2. The sermon says the new birth is not something we can achieve by our own effort, but is a supernatural work of the Spirit. How does this challenge common ideas about self-improvement or “being good enough”? [24:57]
3. In what ways does Nicodemus’ journey from secret inquirer to public follower (John 19) illustrate the transforming power of the new birth? [33:57]
4. The pastor said, “At the judgment, we will either stand on our own record or on Christ’s finished work.” What does it mean to trust in Christ’s work instead of our own? [05:21]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon said our greatest need is often one we don’t recognize: to be made alive to God. What are some “needs” you tend to focus on instead? How might your priorities change if you believed your deepest need is spiritual? [11:15]
2. Have you ever found yourself relying on your own goodness, religious background, or efforts to feel right with God? What would it look like to shift your trust to Jesus alone? [08:27]
3. The new birth is described as a mysterious work of the Spirit, not something we can manufacture. Have you ever sensed God drawing you or awakening you to your need for Him? What was that experience like? [25:31]
4. The pastor said, “It is not the strength or quantity of our faith, but its object—Jesus.” Are there ways you’ve measured your faith by how strong it feels, rather than who it’s in? How can you remind yourself to focus on Jesus, not your own feelings? [08:27]
5. Nicodemus moved from secret faith to public allegiance, even at personal cost. Is there an area of your life where you feel hesitant or fearful to stand for Christ? What might it look like to take a step of courage this week? [33:09]
6. The gospel is not about “climbing a spiritual ladder,” but receiving what Jesus has done. Are there ways you’ve tried to “earn” God’s favor? How can you practice receiving grace instead of striving for it? [36:41]
7. The pastor encouraged honest prayer: “I’m a mess. All right? That’s honest. Pray like that.” What would it look like for you to come honestly before God this week, acknowledging your need and trusting in Christ’s finished work? [37:18]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray honestly, thanking God for the gift of new birth and asking the Holy Spirit to awaken, assure, and empower each person to trust in Jesus and live courageously for Him.

Devotional

Day 1: The New Birth Is Essential, Not Optional
To enter the kingdom of God, it is not enough to be religious, moral, or accomplished; Jesus makes it clear that everyone—no matter their background, status, or good works—must be born again. This new birth is not a suggestion or an extra step for the especially devout, but the very foundation of salvation and eternal life. The old self, born of the flesh, cannot stand before God on its own merit; only those who have been born of the Spirit, through faith in Christ, are welcomed into God’s family. Reflect on the reality that the greatest need in your life may not be what you think, but rather the transformation that only God can bring through the new birth. [12:44]

John 3:1-8 (ESV)
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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.”

Reflection: In what ways have you relied on your own goodness or religious activity instead of the new birth Jesus describes? What would it look like to trust Him alone today?


Day 2: The New Birth Is God’s Work, Not Ours
Being born again is not something you can achieve by your own effort, morality, or religious observance; it is a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. Just as you did not choose your physical birth, you cannot manufacture your spiritual birth—God’s Spirit draws you, awakens you to your need, and gives you new life in Christ. This is a mystery to us, but not to God, and it is His providence and love that brings about this transformation. If you sense a burden for your sin or a longing for God, it is the Spirit at work—respond to Him, for He alone can make you new. [24:57]

John 3:5-8 (ESV)
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 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.”

Reflection: Can you recall a time when you sensed God’s Spirit drawing you closer? How might you open your heart to His work in your life today?


Day 3: Salvation Is Based on Christ’s Finished Work, Not Our Deeds
At the final judgment, the only thing that will matter is whether you are trusting in what Jesus has done, not in your own accomplishments, religious rituals, or good intentions. The gospel is not about what you do, but about what Christ has already done—His death, burial, and resurrection are sufficient for your salvation. There is no hill to climb or sacrifice to make; you are invited to repent, believe, and receive the free gift of eternal life. Rest in the assurance that Jesus paid it all, and let go of the exhausting pursuit of self-justification. [37:18]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Reflection: Are there areas where you are still trying to earn God’s approval? What would it mean for you to rest in the finished work of Christ today?


Day 4: The New Birth Leads to Courageous Faith
Nicodemus, once a secret seeker who came to Jesus by night, eventually stepped forward in public faith, helping to bury Jesus despite the risks. The new birth transforms fearful, hesitant hearts into ones willing to stand for Christ, even when it is costly or countercultural. God’s Spirit empowers you to move from timidity to boldness, and there may come a moment when you are called to stand up for your faith. Trust that God will give you the strength you need, just as He did for Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. [35:07]

John 19:38-42 (ESV)
After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

Reflection: Is there a step of faith or public witness God is prompting you to take? What would it look like to trust Him with your fears and follow through?


Day 5: The Assurance and Fruit of the New Birth
Those who are born again have peace with God and are adopted into His family, not because of their perfection but because of their faith in Jesus alone. Even when doubts arise, you can return to the truth of God’s Word and the reality of your trust in Christ. The evidence of the new birth is not flawless living, but a genuine love for God, a desire to obey Him, and a life that points others to His grace. Let your life be a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel, and encourage others to seek the new birth for themselves. [30:45]

Romans 8:15-16 (ESV)
For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

Reflection: How does knowing you are adopted and secure in Christ change the way you face doubts or struggles? Who in your life needs to see the evidence of the new birth in you today?

Quotes

We will not stand before God and say, look at all I accomplished. Look at all I gave. Look at all I did, all the good. We will stand before God in right position before him based on the work and blood atonement of Christ our Lord. [00:04:26] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

Thank God there is a book of life and written in that book are those who believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ. Those who've been born again. Now, you can name it whatever you want to name it. Born again is what the Bible calls it. It is the person who's humbled themselves and trusted Jesus only, setting apart all of their works, all of their good deeds, all of their religion, all of their denominational affiliations, all of the times they've taken sacraments of one sort or another. The ones who will enter the kingdom of God are those whose names are written in the book of life and whose names are written in the book of life. Those who are affiliated in family relationship with Jesus Christ, the son of God who died for them. [00:06:30] (00:00:45 seconds) Edit Clip

At the judgment, will you stand to face your deeds, the record of your life, or will you stand with an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous? I picked Jesus. And when you pick Jesus, something happens to you. It's called being born again. [00:07:37] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

If you're trusting Jesus only, then you have been born again. Because the fleshly nature cannot count and trust in Jesus only. So this is not a matter of quantity, how much faith you have. It is a matter of quality. Are you trusting in Jesus only? You either are or you are not. [00:08:01] (00:00:25 seconds) Edit Clip

The Lord knows very well that you cannot change your own heart and cannot cleanse your own nature. However, He also knows that He can do both. Hear this. Hear this. and be astonished he can create you a second time he can cause you to be born again. [00:09:44] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

Some of you have been been through every religious obstacle course. You've done the calisthenics that your denomination told you to do. Jesus says to you, you must be born again. Some of you are very prominent. And some of you have been very successful in life and in family and in your business. Jesus says to you, you must be born again. [00:17:51] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

All who believe in Him will not be put to shame. There'll be no buyer's remorse for those who follow the Lord Jesus. It's what you were made for. It's what He died for. Having a new adopted family. It's what you yearn for and do not know it. [00:20:15] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

What would you rely upon other than the atonement of Christ, His death, burial, and resurrection? What would you rely upon instead? Your good works? When all is known, when the books are opened, you will give an account, and no one will stand at that judgment apart from Jesus having died in your place. This is the gospel. [00:35:56] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

You know what the gospel is? It's not anything that you do. Zero. Zilch. Nada. The gospel is what Jesus did. And so, therefore, the foot of the cross is level for all who will come. There's room at the cross for you. There's no hill to climb. There's no hurdle to vault. There's no sacrifice to give. There's no sacrament to receive. Jesus has completed the entirety of the necessity to bring all of God's children into the family. [00:36:48] (00:00:43 seconds) Edit Clip

Repent and believe the gospel. Repent. What do you mean? Come before God authentically, honestly. I'm a sinner. I don't know if I can even stop sinning. I'm a mess. All right? That's honest. Pray like that. But when you pray like that, pray like this. As big a mess as I am, you died for all who believe. You promised me everlasting life if I would believe. I believe in you, Jesus, because I don't believe in myself. Are you tired of believing in yourself only to continue to fail? Brethren, you must be born again, and you can. Open your heart to Jesus because the gospel is not what you do. The gospel is what he did. [00:37:33] (00:00:48 seconds) Edit Clip