Born Again – Belt of Truth

John 3:1-8 (NKJV)  There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.  This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."  Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."  Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"  Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'  The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."
 
What truth is revealed? Have you ever tried to have a “spiritual” conversation with a non-spiritual person?  (And how did that go?)  When you try to communicate with a person, who is on a different spiritual wave-length, it’s like trying to carry on a conversation with someone who doesn’t speak the same language—only, in this case, the inability to connect may even be more difficult.  Jesus explained it to Nicodemus this way: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”   

What can we learn from this exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus? Nicodemus had, no doubt, observed Jesus’ ministry and was curious.  Jesus was a Rabbi that taught with authority and did miracles.  Nicodemus wanted to know what made Jesus tick; Jesus wanted to talk of a spiritual truth that dealt with Nicodemus.  Jesus challenged Nicodemus with this idea: “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”  Notice that Jesus used the word, “see.”  The original Greek means to “perceive” or to “know” the kingdom of God.  Jesus was making the point that in order to understand and perceive the kingdom of God takes a work of God’s Spirit.  Even the faith that causes us to believe in Jesus is born of God.  This remains the spiritual hurdle that challenges those without Christ; they cannot “see,” “perceive,” or even “imagine” the kingdom of God unless the Spirit reveals it to them.  

How can I apply this truth to my life?  It is not my job to convince people of the spiritual reality that is God’s Kingdom.  It is my job to proclaim the good news of the gospel and let the Holy Spirit reveal Himself.  Jesus explains it this way: “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” (John 6:44a)  This is one of the compelling reasons for prayer.  I pray that my friends, neighbors and family members that do not “perceive” the Kingdom of God would be drawn to Jesus through the work of His Spirit.   

Questions to Consider:

1. How did you come to faith in Jesus Christ?  (Do you remember the time when your faith became real and alive?)
2. Read: Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
   • How would you define grace?
   • How would you define faith?
3. How would you explain the concept of “Born Again” to a non-believer?

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