Matthew 6:9-13 - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

The Sermon for This Week is: John 3:1-4:26

Part 1, The New Birth - John 3:1-21 - There was 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. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, 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. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness.  If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

INTRODUCTION

1. A commonly used phrase is “born again Christian”...

a. Often in the context of distinguishing between Christians who are “born again” and those not

b. Which is a really an incorrect distinction, for all true Christians have been “born again”

-- But what does it mean to be “born again”?

2. The Bible uses the expression “born again” only a few times...

a. Jesus in His conversation with Nicodemus - John 3:3 - Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. - John 3:5 - Jesus answered, 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. - John 3:7 - Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

b. Peter in his first epistle - 1 Peter 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, - 1 Peter 1:23 - Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

-- Although the idea of being “born” of God is used many times - e.g., John 1:13 - And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. - 1 John 5:1 - Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

[In His discussion with Nicodemus, Jesus reveals much about being “born again.” With His comments as the basis of our study, let’s examine what the Bible reveals about “The New Birth.” After we are introduced to Nicodemus (cf. also John 7:50 - Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) - John 19:39 - And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight.), we observe Jesus emphasizing...]

I. THE NECESSITY OF THE NEW BIRTH (John 3:1-3 - There was 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. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.)

A. NECESSARY TO SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD...

1. Unless one is born again, he cannot see (enter) the kingdom - cf. John 1:3 - All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. - John 1:5 - And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. - John 1:7 - The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

2. What is the kingdom of God? In brief...

a. The rule and reign of God in the person of Christ - cf. Matthew 28:18 - And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. - Acts 2:36 - Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. - Revelation 1:4 - John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

b. A spiritual kingdom not of this world - cf. John 18:36 - Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. - Luke 17:20-21 - And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

c. A kingdom made up of faithful subjects (i.e., the church) - cf. Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: - Revelation 1:6 - And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. - Revelation 1:9 - I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

d. A kingdom both present and future - cf. Matthew 13:41-43 - The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. - 1 Corinthians 15:24-26 - Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

-- Do you wish to be in the kingdom now and hereafter? You must be born again!

B. NECESSARY TO BE SAVED...

1. To be in the kingdom is to be saved from the powers of darkness - cf. Colossians 1:13 - Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

2. Salvation requires a rebirth, a regeneration - cf. Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

-- Do you wish to be saved from your sins? You must be born again!

[Nicodemus is confused, assuming that Jesus has in mind a physical birth. So Jesus explains...]

II. THE NATURE OF THE NEW BIRTH (John 3:4-5 - Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, 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.)

A. INVOLVES BOTH WATER AND THE SPIRIT...

1. Note carefully: one birth involving two elements - water and the Spirit

a. Not two births (born of water and born of the Spirit)

b. But one birth (born of water and the Spirit)

2. Compare Paul’s description - cf. Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

a. A washing of regeneration (water)

b. And renewing of the Holy Spirit (Spirit)

3. An obvious reference to baptism

a. “There can be no doubt, on any honest interpretation of the words, that gennethenai ek hudatos (born of water) refers to the token or outward sign of baptism, gennethenai ek pneumatos (born of Spirit) to the thing signified, or inward grace of the Holy Spirit. All attempts to get rid of these two plain facts have sprung from doctrinal prejudices, by which the views of expositors have been warped.” - Alford (Greek Testament)

b. “By water, here, is evidently signified baptism.” - Albert Barnes

c. “Baptism by water, into the Christian faith, was necessary to every Jew and Gentile that entered into the kingdom of the Messiah.” - Adam Clarke

d. “There is not any one Christian writer of any antiquity in any language but what understands it of baptism....I believe Calvin was the first that ever denied this place to mean baptism. He gives it another interpretation, which he confesses to be new.” - William Wall (History of Infant Baptism)

-- Colossians 2:12-13 - Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

B. INVOLVES THE WORD OF GOD...

1. One is born again by the Word - 1 Peter 1:23 - Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

a. The incorruptible Word that is preached - cf. 1 Peter 1:25 - But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

b. The instrument through which the Spirit convicts the sinner - cf. John 16:7 - Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. - Ephesians 6:17 - And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

c. Which includes the command to be baptized - cf. Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. - Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. - Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

2. Jesus sanctifies and cleanses His church by the washing of water by the word - Ephesians 5:26 - That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

a. The “washing of water” is another allusion to baptism - Jameison, Fausset, Brown

b. Yet baptism must be administered in conjunction with the Word of God to be of benefit

-- Acts 2:37-39 - Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

[While there is evidence that one is born of water as they rise from the watery grave of baptism, the evidence of their being born of the Spirit comes later...]

III. THE EVIDENCE OF THE NEW BIRTH (John 3:6-8 - That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.)

A. SEEN BY THE EFFECT OF THE SPIRIT...

1. We should expect that what the Spirit produces is spirit (i.e., spiritual) - John 3:6 - That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

2. Like the wind (the same Greek word as Spirit), we do not see the Spirit itself but the effect that it produces

-- 1 John 3:14 - We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death.

B. SEEN BY THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT...

1. Paul describes the fruit (evidence) of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

2. Which comes not only being born of the Spirit, but walking in the Spirit - Galatians 5:16 - This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. - Galatians 5:25 - If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

-- Galatians 5:17 - For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

[As the discussion continues (John 3:9-13 - Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things? And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven.), it soon turns into a discourse (John 3:14-21 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.), the latter in which Jesus describes...]

IV. THE BASIS FOR THE NEW BIRTH (John 3:14-18 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.)

A. THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST...

1. Jesus compares His eventual crucifixion to Moses’ lifting up of the serpent - John 3:14 - And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: - Numbers 21:4-9 - And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

2. So people would be saved from perishing by believing in Jesus - John 3:15 - That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

-- Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. - Titus 3:5 - Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;