The Greek Word "anothen" (Lesson 1) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Greek word “anothen”

Introductory Remarks.

1. This is the first sermon discussing 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. This first lesson in this series 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.” Some translations render it “born again” or “new birth.”

3. 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.” Surprisingly, “anothen” is almost spelled in our English as “another.” The (an)other birth is to be born “anew” or “anothen.” Amazing!

4. With this brief introduction, we can now move to the first point of this lesson series: The Greek Word “Anothen.”

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. John appears to be distinguishing Nicodemus from the other religious leaders. He was a man of integrity and trust in God. He will do God's will and continue in Jesus’ Word to become a disciple of Christ.

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,

2) He defended Christ before the Pharisees. “Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them), Doth our law judges any man before it hears him, and know what he doeth?” John 7:50. Jesus did the “will of His Father,” John 7:16-18. He kept “the Father’s commandments,” John 15:9-10. We do well “if we keep His commandments,” John 14:15.

c. Officers accused of being deceived. “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought Him? The officers answered, never a man spake like this man. Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived?” John 7:45-47.

d. Joseph of Arimathaea. “And after this (Christ’s death), Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave (permission). He came, therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, which weighed about a hundred pounds. Then they took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews to bury,” John 19:38-42.