Being Born Again: John 3:1-12
“1) Now 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 have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3) Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, 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? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” 5) Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into 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 be amazed 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 do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.”” 9) “Nicodemus said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10) Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? 11) Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony. 12) If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?” John 3:9-12
Nicodemus was more than a ruler of the Jews. He was an influential religious leader. In verse 10, Jesus referred to him as “the teacher of Israel.” He was an expert in Judaism, but he was spiritually blind. He was religious but lost!
Jesus opened His side of the conversation by saying; “3) … Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” He then went on to talk about being born of the flesh and born of the spirit. (See verses 5-6)
Sadly, there are many who argue over these verses, but Jesus was very clear. There are two basic Greek words for “life” in the Bible. The first is “bios” life. This word relates to physical life. The second word is “Zoe” life. This word relates to spiritual life. No wonder Jesus said; “6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
Physical life makes you a candidate for spiritual life. But Zoe life is radically higher and different from bios life. Moving from the flesh to the spirit is like being born again.
In physical life, God gave us five senses to experience the world and the physical realm. We can see, hear, taste, touch and smell. These five senses shape our sense of physical reality.
So also, Zoe life gives us spiritual eyes and ears to perceive the spiritual realm. (See Ephesians 1:17-18) We will explore these as we move forward, but first let’s glance at our road map.
Freedom Quest One dealt with pulling down sinful bondage and strongholds in the flesh. Freedom Quest Two will move us into new life in the Spirit. Sadly, many believers never embrace “Zoe life.” They walk in the flesh and not the spirit. (See Romans 8:1-17 and Galatians 5:16-26)
Many Christians are shy and timid about the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but He is the promise of the Father. (See Acts 1:4-5) Jesus purchased our salvation through His death and resurrection. He opened the door for the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He made Zoe life possible.
At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit both seals and indwells the new believer. A Christian becomes “the temple of the Holy Spirit. (See Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20; and 1 Corinthians 12:13) He places the new Christian into the body of Christ.
This might be new to some of you. The foundation of Freedom Quest Two is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Over the next several weeks we will take a step by step journey in Zoe life. The Gospel of John is a great starting point. Here is your home work:
Review John 3:1-15 Read John 4:1-24 (Emphasize 23-24) Read John 7:37-39 Read John 14:16-27 Read John 15:26-27 Read John 16:5-15
Don’t worry, we are going to journey hand in hand into this Zoe life promised land Jesus has for every believer. It starts by being “born-again.” If you have never invited Jesus Christ into your life, do it right now. According to John 3:16-17 believe in Him. Invite Him into your life.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
