Topic: New Birth, Please [Sunday July 12, 2015]
Text: John 3:5-12
Key Verse: “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
As a leopard cannot change its skin, so can no man, by his own power, change his sinful ways. Birth is the beginning of life and to be born again is to begin a new life
With God. This new life has its source in Christ, the Son of God.
In our text, Nicodemus is introduced as a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. Jesus Christ plainly tells him that except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. This great truth of the necessity of regeneration, a second birth is thus solemnly laid down. Nicodemus did not grasp Christ’s message. He however humbled himself and sought for explanation from the Saviour, which He gave willingly. Jesus corrected the erroneous belief that the Messiah would come to condemn the world. He emphasized that God’s plan is to save the world and bring judgment and condemnation upon those who reject Him.
God’s plan of redemption is for all men, both Jews and Gentiles (John 3:16). The humility in Nicodemus should challenge many today who have a form of godliness but deny the power of God. Church membership, religious observances, alms-giving, natural goodness and tithing without the second birth are worthless and unprofitable.
We must carefully note the progression of the Lord’s discourse with Nicodemus. First, a man must be born again to see the kingdom of God (verse 3). Even so, a man must be born of water and of the Spirit to enter into the Kingdom (verse 5). In other words, it is not just enough to see the Kingdom through the new birth; you must enter and can only abide therein as you submit fully to the agency of God’s word and the definite leading of the Holy Spirit. If you claim to be born again without being ruled by God’s word and led by His Spirit, you are none of His.
Bible In One Year: Genesis 35-37
Thought For The Day: He who is born once will die twice, but he who is born twice will die once.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
