TEXT: John 3:1-13
MEMORY VERSE:
1. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God” John 3:3
2. “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.” 1 Peter 1:23
AIM & OBJECTIVE: To learn what it means to be born again.
INTRODUCTION:
In Christianity, born again means rebirth — namely, spiritual birth into the family of God with Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior. This is contrasted with the first birth everyone experiences in the flesh (physical world). In the Bible, Jesus stated that only those who are born-again shall see Heaven – “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again; he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). This and others we shall study in today’s lesson.
A. WHY IS THE NEW BIRTH NECESSARY?
- All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
- It is because from conception to birth, we are all sinners. Job 14:4 & Psalm 51:5
- The Adamic nature cannot be totally tamed or suppressed through moral, education and home training. Jeremiah 13:23
- Not until we are born again, we cannot be holy and without holiness, no one can see God Hebrews 12:14
- It is because the heart of man is terribly wicked Jeremiah 17:9
B. WHO NEEDS A NEW BIRTH?
Everybody – Gentle fishermen like Peter, Innocent people like Timothy, violent persecutor like Saul, demonic possessed like Mary Magdalene and the virgins like Mary – All of us. John 3:3, 7; Galatians 6:15
Therefore men and women, young or old, no matter your race, sex, nationality, as long as you are born into this world of sin and by birth a citizen of this sinful world, (Psalm 51:5) if they have to become citizens of heaven, and run away from God’s wrath that will soon be poured out on this world, they need to be born again.
C. IS THE NEW BIRTH THE SAME AS BAPTISM?
No-Baptism is part of the entire package or part of the process that results in the new birth. See Mark 16:15-16
Please note that the baptism is very symbolic of being dead to sin and alive in Christ. Rom 6:3-4
D. WHO ARE THE PARENTS OF A BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN?
There are three that bear witness in heaven (the Trinity) 1 John 5:7. These three are:
- God the father. John 6:44
- Jesus Christ represented the word. John 1: 1-12
- The Holy Spirit. John 3:5-6
God the Father is the author, the Word (Jesus Christ) is the channel (Acts 4:12), and the Spirit (Holy Spirit) is the quickener. John 6:63
E. HOW CAN I BECOME BORN AGAIN?
- Ask God to grant you repentance from sin. Acts 3:19; 11:18; Romans 10:12-13
- Believe in Jesus Christ (the Word) as the Savior. John 3:16; 6:47; Acts 16:31 & 1 John 5:10
- Believe that you are a sinner. Romans 3:23 & 1 John 1:8
- Confess him as your Savior. Romans 10:9-10,13
- Receive the free gift of God through Jesus Christ for your salvation and turn to Him. Romans 6:23
F. HOW CAN I KNOW THAT I AM BORN AGAIN?
The following characters will be evident:
- Desire to study the word of God 1 Peter 2:2
- Obedience to (keeping) God’s word. Deuteronomy 6:1-9; Jeremiah 7:23; John 14:15; 15:10
- Hunger to be in the fellowship of believers Hebrews 10:25
- He/She will hate sin and NOT manifest the works of the flesh Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 3:9 & Revelation 21:8
- He/She will love righteousness AND manifest the fruits of the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23 & 1John 2:29
- Manifestation of God’s kind of love (Agape) 1 John 4:7
- He/She will live an overcoming life 1 John 5:4
- He/She will soundly believe Jesus and witness for him daily. Proverbs 11:30; Daniel 12:3; Acts 1:8 & James 5:20
G. CONCLUSION
As many as received Him, He has given the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name; which were born not of blood, nor the will of the flesh, nor the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13
He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1 John 3:8-10