Born of Water and of the Spirit - Part 2 (The Spirit)

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 16, 2024 | John 3:1-8

KEY VERSE:

"I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.”  John 3:5 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In our text, continuing from yesterday we see that the Lord Jesus stressed the necessity of being born again, and proceeded to give the meaning of the new birth. The Lord indicated that the new birth is a process made possible by water and by Spirit. What does “of water and Spirit” mean? Yesterday we focused on the meaning of the water and stressed that the new birth comes by the influence and impact of the revealed written Word of the Lord preserved in the Bible and communicated in different ways.

Today we reflect on the fact that the new birth comes about by the power of the Holy Spirit. The new birth is a spiritual experience made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit acting upon the dead human spirit. The natural birth of the human being produces a sinful being enslaved to Satan, but the new birth produces a spiritually alive new person transformed by the Holy Spirit: “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:6 (NIV).

The operation of the new birth is compared to the blowing of the wind; we do not know where it comes from and where it goes. It is in effect a mysterious happening undefinable by human instruments. However, its effect can be felt and seen.  “The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit." John 3:8 (NIV). The effect of the new birth in the life of those who go through it is seen by those around them.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Have you experienced the influence and power of the Holy Spirit? Have you been born again? Does the Holy Spirit bear witness with your spirit that you are a child of God? If so, praise the Lord.! If not, ask the Lord Jesus to save you by the Word and by the Spirit, now!

PRAYER:

Dear Father in Heaven, I give you praise and thanks for your grace that saves by the water of the Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. Please let the saving grace reach the nations. Please make me an agent of your Good News, that the world might be touched by the water and the Spirit. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

DAILY word study: SPIRIT

The word translated as "Spirit" in this verse is "Πνεύματος" (Pneumatos), which refers to the Holy Spirit. It signifies the third person of the Trinity, the divine presence and power of God active in the world and in the lives of believers.

Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is portrayed as the agent of regeneration, renewal, and empowerment for Christian living. In the Old Testament, the Spirit is associated with creation, prophecy, and empowerment for service. In the New Testament, the Spirit is closely connected with Jesus' ministry, the birth of the church, and the ongoing work of sanctification in believers' lives. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." In Romans 8:11, Paul writes, "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."

Being born of the Spirit signifies the internal transformation that occurs when a person becomes a believer in Christ. It involves the renewal of the heart, the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, and the empowerment for living a life pleasing to God. This spiritual rebirth is essential for true conversion and entrance into God's kingdom.

Reflections:

Have you experienced the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your life? How does the presence and guidance of the Spirit impact your daily walk with God and your ability to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ?