The Process John 3:1-8NKJ
There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 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.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 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?” 5 Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”
The first thing we see in these verses is Nicodemus’ inquiry of Jesus. (Vs.1-3) Secondly, Jesus’ insight into Nicodemus. (Vs.4-8) Finally, Jesus’ indictment of Nicodemus. Vs.9-10) It’s amazing when the Holy Spirit reveals God’s plan for our lives. It’s important to realize that our heavenly Father places unfathomable greatness within each of us.
I believe being born of the Spirit brings with it energy and a luster for more of Jesus. * A little boy who asked his mother if she could remember the highest number she ever counted to. The mother didn’t know so she asked him about his highest number. He answered, “5,372.” The mother was puzzled and asked him why he stopped at that particular one. The boy responded, “Well…church was over.”
It’s vital that we develop an understanding of what causes us to either reach or fall short of our divine destiny.
As you contemplate the circumstances behind success and failing, you need to understand that the process of Spiritual birthing parallels the physical process. (Don’t separate the two.) Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born of water and of the Spirit.” (Water referring to being cleansed- a spiritual renewal- thus a spiritual washing.)
This man ‘Nicodemus’ was a ruler of the Jews, and a teacher in Israel according to John 3:10. Nicodemus didn’t understand anything about Spiritual growth- primarily because he wasn’t born again. In these verses we see that Jesus read Nicodemus’ heart, and came to the very core of Nicodemus’ problem.
“When you’re from above, your spiritual growth process should begin; your spiritual birth brings undeniable and unmistakable evidence. Jesus gives the example of the wind blowing.
Spiritual and Physical growth involves several key ingredients.
First, both involve intimacy.
Psalm 42:1NIV As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
Second, both involve openness. “Never shut yourself down to God’s Mighty Spirit.”
Luke 1: 34-35,37-38NKJ Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.
Thirdly, both involve fertilization. (Mix God’s word to any situation.)
Jeremiah 17:7-8NLT “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. 8 They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.
Furthermore, the most successful deliveries also involve supervision. (Coaches or mentors)
Preparation. “The time you put into being prepared might not help you for one certain event, but preparedness always pays off.”
Education. “Always be willing to pay the price; stay in God’s Spiritual academy.
Patience. “Obstacles designed by satan will always try to derail your destiny.”
Rest. “Never end a thought or make a decision at night when you’re tired- rest.
Courage. “Other’s will notice courage and have hope and faith.
Hard work. “The work you put within something will make the difference between excellence or just getting by.
Last but not least, a grateful heart. “Your worship and expressions will touch others.”
Benediction.
