BORN AGAIN – DYLAN JAHNIG
Scriptures:
John 3:1-21
Ezekiel 36:25-26
Romans 8:5-6
Romans 8:14-17
Points:
1. Water (Ezekiel 36:25-26)
2. Spirit (Romans 8:5-6)
3. Identity (Romans 8:14-17)
In this powerful message, we’re challenged to embrace the concept of being ‘born again’ – not just as a one-time event, but as an ongoing spiritual renewal. The story of Nicodemus from John 3 serves as our backdrop, reminding us that even those well-versed in religious knowledge may struggle to grasp the transformative power of God’s Spirit. We’re encouraged to drink from the ‘living water’ that Jesus offers, allowing it to cleanse us from our impurities and old ways of thinking. This isn’t about perfecting ourselves before coming to God, but rather allowing His grace to wash over us daily. Being born of water and spirit shifts our identity from servants to sons and daughters of God. As we embrace this new identity, we’re invited to live not by fear or obligation, but by the liberating power of God’s love. This fresh perspective can revolutionize our relationships, our work, and our entire approach to life.
Born Again: Embracing a New Life in Christ
Have you ever felt like there’s more to life than what meets the eye? That perhaps your current circumstances, achievements, or even struggles don’t define the entirety of who you are or who you could be? There’s a profound truth that has the power to transform lives: the concept of being “born again.”
This idea isn’t just a religious catchphrase; it’s an invitation to a completely new way of living. It’s about stepping into a reality where your identity, purpose, and very essence are redefined by something greater than your natural circumstances.
We can explore this through the lens of a conversation between Jesus and a man named Nicodemus, in John 3.
Nicodemus was no ordinary individual. He was a respected teacher of Jewish law, a member of the ruling council, and someone held in high esteem within his community. Yet, something drew him to seek out Jesus under the cover of night. Perhaps he sensed that Jesus held answers to questions he hadn’t even formulated yet.
In this encounter, Jesus utters words that have echoed through centuries: “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” These words must have bewildered Nicodemus. Born again? How can someone be born when they’re already grown?
But Jesus wasn’t talking about physical rebirth. He was introducing a spiritual concept that transcends our natural understanding. He elaborated, saying one must be “born of water and the Spirit.”
Being born of water speaks to a cleansing, a washing away of the old. It’s about repentance – not just feeling sorry for past mistakes, but actively turning towards a new way of living. The Hebrew word for repentance, “teshuva,” beautifully captures this. It’s a call to return home, to grace. It’s not about getting everything right before approaching God, but about returning to His open arms of grace.
Being born of the Spirit, on the other hand, is about allowing God’s very life to breathe within us. It’s an invitation to live beyond our natural capabilities, tapping into a supernatural source. Just as a newborn takes their first breath, transitioning from dependence on their mother to breathing air, being born of the Spirit is about allowing God’s life to become our sustenance.
This new birth changes everything. It’s not about adding a spiritual component to our existing life but about entering into an entirely new reality. It’s about seeing the world, ourselves, and our purpose through new eyes – God’s eyes.
Consider the transformation of Simon to Peter, or Jacob to Israel. When God enters our story, He often gives us a new name, a new identity. We’re no longer defined by our past, our failures, or even our successes. We become sons and daughters of God, heirs to His kingdom.
This new identity comes with incredible privileges. Romans 8 tells us that those led by the Spirit of God are children of God. We’re not servants trying to earn God’s favor, but beloved children welcomed into His family. Jesus himself said in John 15:15, “I no longer call you servants… Instead, I have called you friends.”
Imagine the freedom this brings! No longer do we have to strive to prove our worth or earn God’s love. We can approach Him with the confidence of a child running to their father’s open arms. Our relationship with God becomes one of friendship, intimacy, and constant communion.
This new birth also changes how we view our challenges and responsibilities. When we’re born again, we see our work, relationships, and even difficulties through the lens of our heavenly citizenship. We’re no longer bound by fear or limited by our natural abilities. Instead, we can tap into God’s wisdom, strength, and resources for every aspect of our lives.
But here’s the critical part: this new life isn’t something we can manufacture on our own. Just as Nicodemus couldn’t grasp how to physically be born again, we can’t make ourselves spiritually reborn through sheer willpower or good deeds. It’s a gift we receive by faith, an act of surrender to God’s transforming power.
The beautiful thing is, this invitation is open to everyone. Whether you’re like Nicodemus – respected, accomplished, yet sensing there’s more – or whether you feel far from God, struggling with life’s challenges, the offer is the same. God is inviting you into a new life, a fresh start, a spiritual rebirth.
So how do we respond to this invitation? It starts with recognizing our need for this new life. It involves turning from our old ways of thinking and living (repentance) and placing our trust in Jesus. It’s about opening our hearts to receive God’s forgiveness, love, and the new identity He offers us as His children.
The promise of being born again is not just about securing a place in heaven someday. It’s about experiencing heaven’s reality here and now. It’s about living with purpose, walking in freedom from fear, and knowing that you are deeply loved and valued by the Creator of the universe.
As you reflect on this profound truth, consider: Are you living in the fullness of this new life? Have you embraced your identity as a child of God? Are you allowing His Spirit to lead and empower you daily?
The wind of God’s Spirit blows where it pleases. You might not be able to explain every aspect of this new life, but you can experience its transformative power. Open your heart today to the incredible adventure of being born again, and step into the life God has always intended for you.
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of being ‘born again’ challenge our understanding of identity and personal transformation?
- How does the metaphor of ‘living water’ relate to our daily spiritual nourishment and growth?
- What does it mean to transition from a ‘servant’ mentality to a ‘sonship’ identity in our relationship with God?
- In what ways does fear hinder our spiritual growth, and how can we embrace the ‘perfect love that casts out fear’?
- How does the idea of being ‘led by the Spirit’ challenge our tendency to rely on our own understanding or societal norms?
- What does it mean to have a ‘friendship with God’ rather than a ‘functional relationship’, and how might this shift our daily spiritual practices?
- How can we cultivate a mindset of continually being ‘born again’ in our faith journey, even long after our first encounter?
- In what ways does understanding our identity as ‘heirs’ of God impact our relationships within the church?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, We thank You for the gift of new life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. In this moment, we acknowledge our deep need for transformation and the freedom You offer through being born again. Wash away our old ways and renew us with Your Spirit, so that we may step into the life You have planned for us. Let our hearts be open to Your love, and help us embrace our new identity as Your beloved children, no longer bound by fear or striving, but living in the fullness of Your grace. Lead us, guide us, and breathe new life into us each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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