Understanding the Transformative Power of Being Born Again
Summary
In today's gathering, we revisited the foundational elements of the Christian faith, focusing on the concept of being "born again." This term, while familiar, often eludes a clear and comprehensive understanding. We explored this through four key questions: Who is it for? Where is it from? What does it do? And how can you tell?
Firstly, the new birth is for everyone. Contrary to societal stereotypes that suggest born-again experiences are for those with emotional needs or troubled pasts, Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus reveals that this spiritual rebirth is essential for all, regardless of their background or intellectual standing. Nicodemus, a learned Pharisee, exemplifies that even those who seem to have it all figured out need this transformation.
Secondly, the new birth originates from the future. In a world where many believe life is cyclical and purposeless, the Jewish understanding, which Jesus affirms, is that history is moving towards the Kingdom of God. This new birth is a foretaste of that future reality, a glimpse of the life to come, sent by God to transform our present existence.
Thirdly, the new birth brings about a profound change in our awareness and experience of God. It is akin to a newborn experiencing the world for the first time, filled with new sensations and clarity. This spiritual awakening allows us to perceive God's presence more vividly and understand His word more deeply.
Lastly, how do we know we have experienced this new birth? It is evidenced by a genuine desire to do God's will and the ability to live according to His ways. While we may not achieve perfection, the persistent desire to align our lives with God's purposes is a clear indicator of this transformation.
This exploration of the new birth is a call for a renewed focus on the gospel within our churches. As we navigate various issues and differences, the gospel remains a unifying foundation. It is my hope that we continue to grow in our understanding and experience of this transformative message, drawing closer to God and each other.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Universality of the New Birth: The new birth is not limited to those with emotional or troubled backgrounds; it is a necessity for everyone, as demonstrated by Nicodemus, a learned and devout Pharisee. This spiritual rebirth is essential for entering the Kingdom of God, highlighting its universal importance. [46:41]
2. Originating from the Future: The new birth comes from the future Kingdom of God, offering us a foretaste of the life to come. This perspective challenges the cyclical view of life, affirming that history is moving towards a divine purpose and that our present transformation is part of that journey. [50:44]
3. Transformative Awareness: Experiencing the new birth brings a heightened awareness of God's presence and a deeper understanding of His word. This spiritual awakening is akin to a newborn's first encounter with the world, filled with new sensations and clarity. [54:13]
4. Evidence of the New Birth: The desire to do God's will and the ability to live according to His ways are indicators of the new birth. While perfection is unattainable, the persistent longing to align our lives with God's purposes is a testament to this transformation. [58:05]
5. A Call for Gospel Renewal: There is a pressing need for a renewed focus on the gospel within our churches. As we face various issues and differences, the gospel remains a unifying foundation, calling us to grow in our understanding and experience of this transformative message. [01:03:23]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [0:45] - Introduction and Reflections
- [3:30] - Basics of the Gospel
- [6:15] - The Concept of Being Born Again
- [9:00] - Who is the New Birth For?
- [12:30] - Misconceptions About Born-Again Churches
- [15:45] - Nicodemus: A Case Study
- [19:00] - The New Birth for Everyone
- [22:30] - Where is the New Birth From?
- [26:00] - The Future Kingdom of God
- [30:15] - What Does the New Birth Do?
- [34:00] - Spiritual Awakening and New Sensations
- [38:30] - How to Know You Are Born Again
- [42:00] - Evidence of Transformation
- [46:00] - A Call for Gospel Renewal
- [50:00] - Closing Prayer and Reflections
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 3:1-8 - The story of Nicodemus and Jesus discussing the concept of 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 36:26-27 - "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What societal stereotypes about "born-again" Christians does the sermon address, and how does the story of Nicodemus challenge these stereotypes? [42:57]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the new birth originating from the future Kingdom of God? [50:44]
3. How does the sermon describe the change in awareness and experience of God that comes with the new birth? [54:13]
4. What evidence does the sermon suggest indicates someone has experienced the new birth? [58:05]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Nicodemus illustrate the universality of the new birth, and what implications does this have for our understanding of who needs spiritual rebirth? [46:41]
2. In what ways does the concept of the new birth coming from the future challenge common perceptions of life as cyclical and purposeless? [50:44]
3. How might the new sensations and clarity described in the sermon as part of the new birth affect a person's relationship with God and understanding of Scripture? [54:13]
4. What does the persistent desire to align one's life with God's purposes reveal about the nature of the new birth? [58:05]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Have you ever felt that the new birth was only for certain types of people? How does the story of Nicodemus challenge that view? [46:41]
2. How can the idea of the new birth originating from the future Kingdom of God influence your daily life and decisions? [50:44]
3. Have you experienced a change in your awareness of God or understanding of Scripture since your spiritual rebirth? How has this impacted your faith journey? [54:13]
4. What are some practical ways you can cultivate a genuine desire to do God's will in your everyday life? [58:05]
5. The sermon calls for a renewed focus on the gospel within churches. How can you contribute to this renewal in your own church community? [01:03:23]
6. Identify one area in your life where you feel a need for spiritual rebirth. What steps can you take to invite this transformation?
7. How can you support others in your community who are seeking to understand or experience the new birth? What role can you play in their spiritual journey?
Devotional
Day 1: The Universality of Spiritual Rebirth
The concept of being "born again" is often misunderstood as something only for those with troubled pasts or emotional needs. However, the new birth is a universal necessity for all people, regardless of their background or intellectual standing. This is exemplified in the story of Nicodemus, a learned Pharisee who sought Jesus for understanding. His encounter with Jesus reveals that even those who seem to have everything figured out need this spiritual transformation to enter the Kingdom of God. The new birth is not about fixing past issues but about a fundamental transformation that is essential for everyone. [46:41]
John 3:3-5 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Consider your own life and background. How does understanding the universality of the new birth challenge or affirm your current spiritual journey? What steps can you take today to embrace this transformation more fully?
Day 2: A Foretaste of the Future
The new birth is not just a personal transformation but a glimpse into the future Kingdom of God. In a world that often views life as cyclical and without purpose, the new birth offers a different perspective. It affirms that history is moving towards a divine purpose, and our present transformation is part of that journey. This spiritual rebirth is a foretaste of the life to come, sent by God to transform our present existence and align us with His future Kingdom. [50:44]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: How does viewing your spiritual rebirth as a foretaste of the future Kingdom of God change your perspective on your current life circumstances? What is one way you can live today with this future hope in mind?
Day 3: Awakening to God's Presence
Experiencing the new birth brings about a profound change in our awareness and experience of God. It is akin to a newborn experiencing the world for the first time, filled with new sensations and clarity. This spiritual awakening allows us to perceive God's presence more vividly and understand His word more deeply. It is a transformation that opens our eyes to the reality of God in our lives, enabling us to live with a heightened sense of His presence and purpose. [54:13]
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced a heightened awareness of God's presence in your life? How can you cultivate this awareness in your daily routine, perhaps through prayer, meditation, or reading Scripture?
Day 4: Evidence of Transformation
The evidence of the new birth is seen in a genuine desire to do God's will and the ability to live according to His ways. While perfection is unattainable, the persistent longing to align our lives with God's purposes is a testament to this transformation. This desire is not about following rules but about a heart that seeks to please God and live in harmony with His will. It is a sign that the new birth has taken root in our lives, transforming us from the inside out. [58:05]
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: Reflect on your current desires and actions. Do they align with God's will? Identify one area where you struggle to live according to His ways and ask God for the strength and guidance to transform that area of your life.
Day 5: A Call for Gospel Renewal
There is a pressing need for a renewed focus on the gospel within our churches. As we face various issues and differences, the gospel remains a unifying foundation. It calls us to grow in our understanding and experience of this transformative message, drawing us closer to God and each other. This renewal is not just about personal transformation but about a collective movement towards living out the gospel in our communities and beyond. [01:03:23]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you contribute to a renewed focus on the gospel in your church community? Consider one practical step you can take this week to encourage others in their faith journey and foster a spirit of unity and growth.
Quotes
1) "Sometimes we also don't know quite as much about faith or about aspects of our faith as we think. In fact, sometimes we don't even know as much about the basics of our faith as we think. Take for example that phrase, born again. If I were to ask you this morning if I were to ask you this morning to prepare a short explanation of the meaning of that phrase, what does it mean to be born again for a person that you know who knows very little about the Christian faith? Would you be able to do it? How long would it take you to come up with an explanation that would be clearly understandable to somebody else? For that matter, would you be able to come up with an explanation of the term born again that is really clear to you? That would really satisfy you?" [39:35] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Born -again churches are for people who have strong emotional needs. They're churches that are for people who need to have a kind of catharsis, an intense experience when they come to church. They need to get emotional while they sing their hymns and the songs. They need to have a kind of an emotional experience perhaps if there's an invitation that's given at the end of the sermon, even if they're not the ones who are going forward. Just to be able to have that kind of emotional release, that's really important for people who go to born -again churches. Or, born -again churches are especially for people who have had hard lives. Maybe people who have been alcoholics, people who have had a drug problem, people who have been living on the street for some period of time. Hard -living people especially need to be in born -again churches where they have a lot of structure. A lot of moral structure." [42:57] (75 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Jesus challenges Nicodemus, this guy who is just the opposite of everything that people tend to think that born -again Christianity is all about, but who is very interested. And Jesus says to him, very truly, I tell you, true, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again. Did you hear that? No one. No one. Not broken people. Not emotional people. Not extra smart guys. Not people. Not people who come to God with their lives all together thinking that they've already got the answers. No one. No one. Can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born again. So what's the answer to the first question? Who is the kingdom, who is the new birth experience for? It's for everyone. For all of us." [46:41] (84 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "There is a future that is coming and from that future God sends to us a new birth, a new way of living. So what is the new birth? Where is it from? The new birth comes to us from the future. It comes from God who is bringing the world to a perfect end but God is sending from that perfect end to you and to me a new way of living, a new way of being and we get to the end. We get just a little taste of the future now. It's really incredibly exciting. Jesus replied very truly I tell you no one can see the kingdom of God in the future unless they're born again. So we experience this new birth and that's just a foretaste of that incredible life that's out there ahead of us." [50:44] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Spiritual birth involves new sensations in a similar kind of a way when we are born again we have a nearness from god that we haven't experienced before the feeling that god is near us that god is real that god is present perhaps we have a a a whole new sense of clarity and understanding when we read the scriptures. How many times have you heard somebody give a description of their testimony this way? They said, you know, for years I tried to read the Bible and it didn't make any sense to me. Or it just seemed like a bunch of riddles. And then all of a sudden one day I opened the Bible and it seemed like every word and every phrase and every verse was directed right to me, like God was speaking directly to me. The change that happens in a person's life from one side to the other. That's the new birth. A whole new intense sensation." [54:13] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Some of us experience God with great intensity and some of us with real gentleness and gradualness it's the way it is god gives us new sensations when we receive new birth so number four how do you know that you have it well i've already sort of given that away by talking about it in this way but still people do ask the question how do i really know that i'm a christian now i have to cheat a little bit in the text and go a little bit beyond the part that josh read earlier and say that there's a place a little bit later on where jesus says uh how we know and he says this those who do what is true come to the light so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in god right in that sentence is the explanation of how you know how do you know you have a new desire to do the will of god and you also have to some degree the ability to do the will of god now i'm not sure if any one of us ever reaches that ability completely not in this lifetime but the desire remains and it stays with us and in us and when we fall short we know on the inside because the desire is there to live that new kind of life" [58:05] (118 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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