The Two Components (Lesson 2) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

2. The two components

Introductory Remarks.

1. This is the second 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 second lesson in this series 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.”

3. 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. With this brief introduction, we can now move to the second point of this lesson series: “The two components” of being born anew.

BODY OF LESSON

II THE TWO COMPONENTS

A. Jesus explains. “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee: Except a man be born of water and (of) the Spirit, he cannot see or enter into the kingdom of God,” John 3:3-5. This new birth or being “born anew” includes two necessary elements. The new birth,

1. Consists of two components. The original language is: “gennao ek hudatos kai pneumatos.” The Lord speaks of two separate and distinct components of the new birth. They are: “The water and the Spirit.” We have already described the new birth as “being born anew.” We will now explain it with more clarity. Consider,

2. The word “born” in Gr., is gennao (ghen-nah'-o), which means “to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate: KJV-- beget, be born, bring forth, conceive, be delivered of,” 1 Corinthians 4:15, James 1:18, 1 Peter 1:23.

3. The word “out of” in Gr., is ek, which is a primary preposition denoting origin (the point from whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; direct or remote)—often used in composition, i.e., “out of the water,” Matthew 3:16-17; Mark 1:10. Or, you have obeyed “out of the heart,” that form of doctrine,” Romans 6:17-18.

4. The word “water” in Gr., is hudatos or (hoo'-dat-os), which means, from the base of water: KJV-- water.

5. The word “and” in Gr. is kai or (ka-hee), a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and…often used in connection (or in composition) with other particles or small words: KJV—and, also, both, but, etc. Observe,

a. BlueLetterBible definition of conjunction: “It is a word or phrase that links words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, e.g., and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet.”

b. When it connects two things, both are equal and required to achieve its end: “Enter into the kingdom of God.” The conjunction makes both persons, things, or words equally important.

c. Jesus makes water and Spirit necessary to complete the new birth or be “born anew.” We can disagree about this truth, but it will not change now nor in eternity! “Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven,” Psalms 119:89. Continuing,

6. The word “Spirit” in Gr., is pneumatos, or (pnyoo'-mah-tos); a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle …etc., or (superhuman) an angel… or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit. KJV—a ghost, life, spirit (-ual, -ually), mind. Here, it means the Holy Spirit. Not the wind, air, or some physical phenomenon; it is spiritual, John 3:6; 1 Corinthians 15:46-49.

7. Conclusion: The reciprocal benefit is conjoined to both components. In other words, you can’t have one without the other. The word “and” is a connector or “coordinating conjunction.” The blessing of being born anew is contingent on being “born out of the water and the Spirit!” Both are necessary, not just one. Neither is the kingdom of God secured by only one of them. Both!

B. Interpretation. One is born “out of the water and the Spirit.” The Spirit can be compared to the male or the (father) of the birth, the water to the female or the (mother) of the birth, and the word of God is the “seed” that is planted in the human heart by preaching and teaching.

1. Spirit is the male of the birth: “Howbeit when he the Spirit of truth,” John 16:13. The Spirit sows the seed, the word of God, into the heart of the hearer. Whether by the teacher (then) or through the word of God (now) when it is sown by preaching or teaching.