Except You Are Born Anew

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Greek word “anothen”

2. The two components

3. The process of regeneration

Introductory Remarks.

1. This sermon will discuss the “exception of Jesus” in being born “anew.” This lesson will address the process of being “born again.” It is often referred to as the “new birth.” In some sense, it is that, but it entails a more heavenly meaning. Our first birth was earthly. To be born “anew” will require the help of the Holy Spirit in the process of regeneration. We will attempt to answer all the believers' questions regarding their being born “anew.”

2. First, we will define the Greek term “anothen,” which means "anew." Nicodemus had come to Jesus by night to discuss with Him being a “teacher that God sent.” Jesus told him that he must be “born anew.” He answered and said, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again (anew), he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus inquired how that might be possible, given that he was old. Could he enter once again into his mother’s womb and be born? The Lord further explained what he called “being born anew.” This birth required two components.

3. Further, we will describe the two components that enable one to be born anew. Jesus replied, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and (of) the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” The Lord explains the two components enabling one to be “born anew.” They are “the water and the Spirit.” There are no exceptions to this heavenly directive. There have been volumes written to suggest that Jesus’ instruction meant something other than these two components! We will attempt to answer some of them in his lesson. And then,

4. Lastly, we will discern the process of regeneration, which is the heavenly birth described by Jesus to Nicodemus. First, He told this teacher what it is not. Jesus said: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I say unto thee, Ye must be born again (anew).” The Lord explains to him that his first birth was of the flesh, and the new birth or “being born anew” is of the Spirit. The first is earthly; the second is heavenly. Finally, the Lord concludes: “Marvel not that I say to you: you must be born anew.” In this directive, the Lord gave Nicodemus no exceptions. Every believer in God who desires to be saved must “accept His exception.” To do this any other way will not bring forth the new birth or “being born anew” and will not permit an entrance into the kingdom of God. With this brief introduction, we can now move to the first point of this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE GREEK WORD “ANOTHEN”

A. Our lesson begins with a “man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him,” John 3:1-2. I know the Master must have appreciated Nicodemus’ laudatory comments! Observe,

1. We don’t know why he came to Jesus by night. Perhaps to talk to Him in secret. Like many other religious leaders, this man was a “secret disciple of Christ.” Religious rulers forbade anyone from declaring that Jesus was the Messiah. The penalty for this was to be banned from the synagogue and the temple. More than likely, this could have been the reason for his secret rendezvous (meeting) with Jesus. To better understand this setting, it is necessary to review the last verses of John, chapter two. Observe,

a. Jesus knew what was in men, as well as their motives. John wrote: “But when He (Jesus) was in Jerusalem at the Passover, at the feast, many believed in His name, beholding the signs that he was doing. But Jesus did not commit himself to them because He knew all (men) and needed not that any should testify of man, for He knew what was in man,” John 2:23-25. With this backdrop, we now know why John wrote: “But there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; he came to Jesus by night,” John 3:1.

b. Nicodemus was a secret disciple of Jesus, like many others in the temple leadership. Therefore, Jesus did not question his motives; He knew his heart and desire was to know more about Him. So, he,

1) Came to Jesus by night, John 3:1. Under the color of darkness, but not in secret to the Lord. When we appear before Him in the assembly and later in the Judgement, know He also knows your heart. Beloved, “Everything is naked and open unto the eyes with whom we have to do,” Hebrews 4:13. Later,