Understanding the Necessity of Being Born Again

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Being Born Again

Jesus teaches that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again, emphasizing that spiritual rebirth is absolutely necessary regardless of religious background or good deeds. This new birth is not about human effort, religious rituals, or moral achievements, but about a miraculous work of God that brings spiritual life to those who are spiritually dead. Even the most devout and respected religious leaders, like Nicodemus, must experience this transformation to enter God's kingdom. The call to be born again is not a suggestion but a requirement, underscoring the urgency and importance of personal spiritual renewal. [01:02:43]

John 3:3, 7 (ESV)
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” … “Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’”

Reflection: Is there any area of your life where you are relying on religious activity or personal effort instead of the new birth that only God can give? What would it look like to surrender that to Him today?

Day 2: Regeneration Is a Work of the Holy Spirit

Spiritual rebirth is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit, not something we can achieve or manufacture on our own; it is as mysterious and sovereign as the wind. Just as we cannot control or fully understand the wind, so too the Spirit moves in ways beyond our comprehension, bringing new life where there was only spiritual death. The evidence of the Spirit’s work is seen in the transformation of a person’s heart and life, but the process itself remains a divine mystery. This truth humbles us, reminding us that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our striving or merit. [01:09:05]

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 the Holy Spirit working in your life in a way you couldn’t explain? How might you open yourself to His leading today?

Day 3: Salvation Is by Grace Alone, Not Human Effort

We are spiritually dead in our sins and cannot save ourselves; it is only by God’s grace and love that we are made alive together with Christ. Our salvation is not earned by good works, religious observance, or moral living, but is a result of God’s unmerited favor and kindness toward us, even when we were unlovable. This truth frees us from striving and self-reliance, inviting us to rest in the finished work of Christ and to live as trophies of His grace. The reality of grace should lead us to humility, gratitude, and a deeper trust in God’s power to save. [01:16:57]

Ephesians 2:1-6 (ESV)
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—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval? How can you remind yourself today that your salvation is by grace alone?

Day 4: Religious Activity Cannot Replace Spiritual Transformation

It is possible to be deeply religious, knowledgeable about Scripture, and active in church life, yet still miss the heart of faith and remain in spiritual darkness without true transformation. Like Nicodemus, many people trust in their religious pedigree, moral record, or church involvement, but Jesus makes it clear that these things cannot substitute for being born from above. True faith is not about checking boxes or following rules, but about a personal encounter with Christ that changes the heart. This calls us to examine our motives and ensure that our relationship with God is genuine and not just outwardly religious. [50:40]

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”

Reflection: Are there ways you have substituted religious activity for a real relationship with Jesus? What step can you take today to seek Him with your whole heart?

Day 5: Assurance and Urgency in Responding to Jesus’ Call

Understanding what it means to be born again is of utmost importance, as it determines our eternal destiny; even a small uncertainty should prompt us to seek clarity and assurance in Christ. Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus shows that no one is exempt from this need, and that the invitation to new birth is extended to all who will believe. There is an urgency to respond, not presuming that church attendance or good intentions are enough, but seeking the certainty that comes from trusting in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit. God desires that each person have assurance of salvation and live in the hope and joy of being made new. [01:22:29]

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV)
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Reflection: Is there any uncertainty in your heart about your standing with God? Take time today to honestly examine your faith and ask God to give you assurance through His Spirit.

Sermon Summary

This morning, we welcomed Paul and Stephanie Miller into our church family, celebrating the way God continues to draw people together for His purposes. As we gathered, our focus turned to the profound reality of what it means to be “born again.” This phrase, often misunderstood or dismissed as a label for a certain type of Christian, is in fact a term given by Jesus Himself. It is not a denominational badge, but a spiritual necessity for every person who desires to see and enter the kingdom of God.

We considered the story of Nicodemus, a deeply religious and respected leader among the Pharisees, who came to Jesus seeking understanding. Despite his devotion, knowledge, and moral life, Nicodemus was still in spiritual darkness. Jesus cut through his confusion, declaring that unless one is born from above—born again—they cannot see the kingdom of God. This new birth is not something we achieve through effort, religious activity, or moral living. It is a miraculous work of God, a spiritual regeneration brought about by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus used the imagery of the wind to describe the mysterious and sovereign work of the Spirit in bringing new life. Just as we cannot control or fully understand the wind, so too we cannot manufacture or explain the new birth apart from God’s initiative. Our natural state is spiritual deadness, as Paul writes in Ephesians 2, and only God’s love and grace can make us alive together with Christ. This is not a matter of human merit or religious accomplishment, but of God’s unmerited favor.

The necessity of being born again is absolute. Jesus did not say it was optional or for a select few, but that it is essential for all. No amount of religious activity, church membership, or good deeds can substitute for the new birth. The question that remains for each of us is not how religious we are, but whether we have truly been born from above. This is the most important matter we can settle, and it is my prayer that every heart would seek the certainty and hope that comes from the Spirit’s regenerating work.

Key Takeaways

1. True spiritual life is not achieved by religious effort, but by the sovereign work of God. Nicodemus, despite his deep devotion and knowledge, was still in need of a new birth that only God could provide. Our best efforts, moral living, and religious observance cannot bring about the transformation required to enter God’s kingdom. We must humbly recognize our dependence on God’s grace for salvation. [41:14]
2. The phrase “born again” is not a label for a particular group of Christians, but a universal requirement given by Jesus. It is not about adopting a certain style of faith or belonging to a specific tradition. Jesus’ words make clear that being born from above is necessary for every person, regardless of background or religious pedigree. This challenges us to examine whether our faith is rooted in tradition or in the new life given by the Spirit. [41:14]
3. The new birth is a mysterious, sovereign act of the Holy Spirit, much like the wind. We cannot control or predict the Spirit’s work, but we can see its effects in transformed lives. This reminds us that salvation is not a formula or a checklist, but a living encounter with God’s power that brings the dead to life. Our role is to respond in faith and openness to the Spirit’s movement. [69:05]
4. Even the most religious and respected individuals can miss the heart of faith. Nicodemus was a model of religious commitment, yet he was spiritually lost until he encountered Jesus’ call to be born again. This warns us against trusting in our own righteousness or religious activity, and invites us to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God that is marked by spiritual rebirth. [50:40]
5. The necessity of being born again is absolute and urgent. Jesus’ use of the word “must” underscores that there is no other way to see or enter the kingdom of God. This is not a matter to leave uncertain or to assume is true because of our background or good works. Each of us is called to examine our hearts and seek the assurance that comes from the Spirit’s regenerating work, for it is the only way to true and lasting hope. [82:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[35:37] - Welcoming New Members and Prayer
[37:48] - The Story of Chuck Colson: From Scandal to Salvation
[38:52] - The Meaning and Misunderstanding of “Born Again”
[40:25] - “Born Again” as a Jesus Term, Not a Label
[41:14] - The Eternal Importance of New Birth
[42:40] - Jesus Knows the Heart: Shallow Faith vs. True Faith
[50:40] - Nicodemus: A Religious Man in Spiritual Darkness
[62:43] - Human Effort vs. Spiritual Birth
[69:05] - Water and Spirit: The Promise of Regeneration
[76:57] - Our Natural State and God’s Sovereign Love
[82:29] - The Urgency and Necessity of Being Born Again
[85:17] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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.”

Ephesians 2:1-5 (ESV) — > 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—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.

Ezekiel 36:25-27 (ESV) — > I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. 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.

Observation Questions

What does Jesus say is required to see and enter the kingdom of God? (John 3:3, 5)
How does Nicodemus respond to Jesus’ statement about being born again, and what does this reveal about his understanding? (John 3:4)
According to the sermon, what does the imagery of the wind teach us about the work of the Holy Spirit in new birth? [[01:09:05]]
In Ephesians 2, how does Paul describe our spiritual condition before God makes us alive with Christ?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to use the language of “birth” and “from above” when talking to Nicodemus, a religious leader? What point was He making about human effort and spiritual life? [[50:40]]
The sermon says that even the most religious and respected people can miss the heart of faith. What are some ways people today might rely on religious activity instead of true spiritual rebirth? [[50:40]]
How does the description of the wind in John 3:8 help us understand the mysterious and sovereign nature of the Holy Spirit’s work in salvation? [[01:09:05]]
According to Ephesians 2, what role do our own actions play in our salvation? How does this connect to Jesus’ teaching about being born again? [[01:16:57]]

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that being “born again” is not a label for a certain type of Christian, but a necessity for everyone. Have you ever thought of “born again” as just a label? How does Jesus’ teaching challenge that view? [[41:14]]
Nicodemus was deeply religious, yet still in spiritual darkness. Are there areas in your life where you might be relying on religious habits or good deeds instead of a real relationship with God? What would it look like to shift your trust? [[50:40]]
Jesus said, “You must be born again.” Is there any uncertainty in your heart about whether you have experienced this new birth? What steps could you take to seek assurance or clarity? [[01:22:29]]
The sermon described the new birth as a mysterious work of the Spirit, not something we can control or manufacture. How does this affect the way you pray for yourself or others who need spiritual transformation? [[01:09:05]]
Ephesians 2 says we were “dead” in our sins, but God made us alive by grace. How does remembering your own spiritual deadness and God’s grace shape your attitude toward others who seem far from God? [[01:16:57]]
The story of Nicodemus shows that questions and seeking understanding are part of the journey to faith. Is there a question or doubt you have about faith that you need to bring honestly to Jesus? What’s holding you back? [[50:40]]
The sermon ended with a call to examine our hearts and not assume we are born again just because of our background or good works. What practical steps can you take this week to examine your faith and respond to the Spirit’s leading? [[01:22:29]]

Sermon Clips

See, this phrase, born again, has been attached to the conservative evangelical movement. But I would say that that's a misapplication. See, it's not just an evangelical term. It's a Jesus term. Jesus is the one who says that a person must be born again. [00:40:55] (25 seconds) #JesusTermNotMovement

Understanding what it means to be born again concerns a person's eternal standing before God. What Jesus will teach here in these verses has everything to do with our eternity. [00:41:37] (15 seconds) #EternalStandingMatters

You can be deeply religious and still be in darkness. A person can do religious things, they can pray, they can read their Bible, they can attend church, they can give money to God, they can help those that are in need, you can do good and serve others and still be in darkness. [00:58:30] (21 seconds) #ReligiousDarknessWarning

How many people do you know in your life that are very religious but they don't know Jesus and they're putting their expectation in something that will guarantee that they get there and Jesus says it's not by what you do, it's not in our effort. [01:02:03] (24 seconds) #EffortNotSalvation

The best way I ever heard this hard concept of what faith in Jesus and repentance looks like was by the theologian Charles Ryrie. He said that faith and repentance are like two sides of the same coin. If the coin is your salvation, you must have faith and that faith must have repentance and it all works together, but repentance by itself doesn't save. [01:09:15] (29 seconds) #FaithRepentanceCoin

Salvation is an entirely spiritual work that is not aided by any human. I hope you hear that above anything else I say today, that salvation in Jesus Christ is not aided by any human effort, that it is a spiritual work given for you, provided for you so that you can be born again. [01:12:20] (35 seconds) #SalvationIsSpiritualWork

A person is not seeing the eternal kingdom of God unless they are born again. It's necessary because we are dead in our sin and we need the righteousness of Christ. It's necessary because there's nothing good in us that can save us. Something must happen on our behalf so that we can see the kingdom of God and be a part of it. [01:13:57] (24 seconds) #BornAgainToSeeKingdom

Everyone who is born again has been born through the sovereign agency of the Holy Spirit. People do not stumble upon their salvation. This is the main point of what Jesus is saying to Nicodemus. [01:16:17] (18 seconds) #SovereignSpiritAgency

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