Marvel Not to Be Born Again A Christian Self Examination Joh 3:1-8 Marvel Not to Be Born Again
Joh 3:1-8 (1) And there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. (2) He came to Jesus by night and said to Him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no man can do these miracles which you do unless God is with him. (3) Jesus answered and said to him, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:1-8 (2) (4) Nicodemus said to 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? (5) Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Joh 3:1-8 (3) (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 Spirit breathes where He desires, and you hear His voice, but you do not know from where He comes, and where He goes; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
Introduction A genuine and real conversation Nicodemus was dumbfounded as he was amazed: About what born again is By extension, we examine the issue of our own born-again-ness. (我們是否真正重生)
The conversation An intimate conversation about entering the kingdom of God Things that Nicodemus did not understand: He was clueless about the spiritual requirement of being born again. What is born again? How does born again come about?
The Puzzle (1) – Can’t close
The Puzzle (2) – No Belfry
The Puzzle (3) – Won’t float
The Puzzle (4) – Non Supportive
What is Born Again? (1) Born of water Both repentance and willingness to submit are very much the endeavor of the flesh. I have DECIDED to get baptized It is MY DECISION to become a Christian, A decision of the FLESH.
What is Born Again? (2) Born of the Spirit Personal change is a QUANTITATIVE change by human efforts. Spiritual change is a QUALITATIVE done by of God. To be born again is to be born of water AND THE Spirit
How do I know I am born again? (1) Trivial but necessary changes from transformation No lying, dishonesty, jealousy, theft, greed, sexual immorality. These are quite achievable by human will and effort
How do I know I am born again? (2) Substantive changes Changed in values and world view. Passion and reverence for God’s words and laws. Intimacy with the Lord and His will
Spiritual transformation (1) A fulcrum illustration
Spiritual transformation (2)
How can I be born again? You can change yourself, but you can’t transform yourself. How does the Holy Spirit transform someone? We don’t know, because it is according to the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit
The Work & Power of the Holy Spirit
Application – Marvel Not (1) Are you a born again Christian?
Application – Marvel Not (2) A born again Christian
Application – Marvel Not (3) Are you a Christian who quench the Holy Spirit?
Application – Marvel Not (4) Transformation is an ongoing process
Conclusion Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, in order to prove by you what is that good and pleasing and perfect will of God.
Conclusion Let the power the Holy Spirit to work in you