John 3 Born of the Spirit

 

John 3 – Born of the Spirit

 

In our first birth, we are “born of the flesh” and “born of water”; but in our second birth, we are “born from above and born of the Spirit”. Our first birth leads to death, but our second birth brings eternal life. The new birth is a new beginning that results in “newness of life” Romans 6:4. To be in the kingdom of God, a person must be born of God’s Word and His Spirit. No one can see the new birth happening, but the results of the Spirit’s life-changing work are evident.

 

Jesus is the Son of God come down from heaven. He is the Father’s love gift; He is the light in a dark world. He was lifted up, and He died on a cross for the sins of the world. All who look to Him by faith receive eternal life. Healing those who looked upon the bronze serpent was to foretell His death on the cross, where He would be lifted up. Anyone who looks on Him in faith receives eternal life. While God loves everyone, not everyone accepts that love.

 

John the Baptist’s ministry was given to him from heaven. His task was to bear witness to Jesus. Jesus is the Word, and John was only a voice proclaiming the Word. Jesus is the Bridegroom, but John was only the best man. John did no miracles, but his witness was used to win people to Christ, even after he was dead. He said, “He must increase, but I must decrease”. In the Christian life, the first priority is not the preeminence of one’s position but the performance of one’s assignment- magnifying Christ (col. 1:18). There is not room in the Christian community for pride in one’s popularity or personal accomplishments.

 

Please read the chapter listed so that you can understand God’s Word better.

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Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible. J. Vernon McGee Through the Bible.