Explores the transformative power of spiritual rebirth, as illustrated in the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus.
Warm greetings, beloved family in Christ! It's a joy to gather together, united in our love for our Savior and our desire to grow in His wisdom. Today, we are going to open our hearts and minds to the profound truths found in the third chapter of the Gospel of John, focusing on the first seven verses.
But before we do, let's take a moment to consider the words of J. C. Ryle, who once said, "To be born again is, as it were, to enter upon a new existence, to have a new mind, a new heart, new views, new principles, new tastes, new affections, new likings, new dislikings, new fears, new joys, new sorrows, new love to things once hated, new hatred to things once loved, new thoughts of God, and ourselves, and the world, and the life to come, and salvation." This is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith, a theme that we will encounter in our Scripture reading today.
Now, let us read from John 3:1-7,
"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.'"
In the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemus, we see the concept of being born again introduced. This isn't a physical rebirth, but a spiritual one. It's a transformation that happens when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. This transformation is not a mere change, but a complete overhaul of our spiritual state. It's like being given a new life, a fresh start. It's a blessing that is bountiful, overflowing, and abundant.
The gift of eternal life: When we are born again, we are promised eternal life. This isn't just life that goes on forever, but life in its fullest sense. It's life that is abundant, joyful, and peaceful. It's life that is lived in the presence of God, free from the fear of death and the pain of sin. This is a blessing that is beyond our comprehension, a gift that is truly priceless.
The indwelling of the Holy Spirit: When we are born again, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. He guides us, teaches us, and empowers us. He helps us to understand the truths of God's Word and to live according to God's will. He gives us spiritual gifts and produces spiritual fruit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, our Comforter, our Advocate. His presence in our lives is a blessing that is immeasurable, a treasure that is incomparable.
The assurance of God's love: When we are born again, we become children of God. We are adopted into His family, and we are loved with an everlasting love. We are no longer slaves to sin, but sons and daughters of the Most High God. We are assured of God's love, not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us. This assurance is a blessing that is unshakeable, a security that is unbreakable.
The hope of heaven: When we are born again, we have the hope of heaven. We look forward to the day when we will see Jesus face to face, when we will be free from sin and sorrow, when we will live in the presence of God forever. This hope is not a wishful thinking, but a confident expectation. It's a hope that is based on the promises of God, a hope that is anchored in the finished work of Christ. This hope is a blessing that is unwavering, a joy that is unspeakable.
As we continue to reflect on the transformative power of spiritual rebirth, we find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new understanding ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
Sermon Central
