How Do We Know if Someone Is Born Again

©Copyright October 11, 2020 past Rev. Bruce Goettsche

This morning we plow to one of the near significant texts in all the Bible. Information technology is where we become the phrase "born once again." This is a passage that tells us what it really means to be a Christian.

The business relationship has at its middle a homo by the name of Nicodemus. We are told he was a "ruler of the Jews." Jesus spoke of him equally a teacher. Equally we search out Nicodemus in the rest of the Bible (he is only mentioned in the Gospel of John) we acquire Nicodemus was a function of the Sanhedrin, a group of leaders who served equally the "highest court in the state." He was a Pharisee, which means he loved the Scriptures and studied them carefully. With this background, let's expect at the text.

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. ii After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. "Rabbi," he said, "we all know that God has sent y'all to teach us. Your miraculous signs are show that God is with you lot."

iii Jesus replied, "I tell you lot the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot meet the Kingdom of God."

4 "What exercise yous mean?" exclaimed Nicodemus. "How can an old man get back into his mother's womb and exist born again?"

5 Jesus replied, "I assure you, no i can enter the Kingdom of God without existence born of water and the Spirit. half-dozen Humans can reproduce simply human life, just the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. vii So don't be surprised when I say, 'You lot must be born again.' viii The wind blows wherever information technology wants. Just equally you can hear the wind simply tin can't tell where it comes from or where information technology is going, so y'all tin't explain how people are born of the Spirit."

The Meeting with Nicodemus

Annotation first, Nicodemus came to Jesus . He initiated the conversation. People speculate equally to why Nicodemus came to Jesus at nighttime. First, it may have been a sign of caution. Nicodemus quite frankly may non have wished to commit himself by coming to Jesus past day. It is a miracle of grace that Nicodemus overcame his prejudices, his upbringing, and his whole view of life plenty to come to Jesus. Second, the rabbis alleged that the all-time time to study the law was at night when a homo was undisturbed. Throughout the day Jesus was surrounded by crowds of people all the fourth dimension. Information technology may well be that Nicodemus came to Jesus by night because he wanted an absolutely private and completely undisturbed time with Jesus. What nosotros know for certain is it was a remarkable visit from a Jewish leader.

Second, observe Nicodemus had an open listen . Here was a man who wanted to know God. He was open to the Lord speaking to him in ways that were "out of the ordinary." He was a powerful leader, a great scholar, but he was notwithstanding learning and searching for God's programme for his people. He was not self-satisfied or conceited. He was pursuing truth rather than political correctness. In some ways, Nicodemus is a model for us of the correct attitude for spiritual growth. He was apprehensive enough to come to Jesus. Nicodemus recognized that Jesus was no ordinary homo. The miracles Jesus did proved He had to be a man sent from God.

Jesus did not waste fourth dimension with a lot of small talk with Nicodemus (though surely there was some). Jesus knew Nicodemus came looking for insight. Jesus went directly to the key issue: "Truly, truly, I say to you lot, unless one is born over again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus didn't sympathize. He wondered how it is possible to be born again.

Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. half-dozen That which is built-in of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. vii Exercise non marvel that I said to you lot, 'You must be born again.

This sounds like a disruptive caption because people don't know what Jesus was referring to when he talked nigh water. Some have concluded that Jesus was teaching about the necessity of baptism or cleansing. I may exist mode oversimplifying this only I think it isn't that complicated. He is saying, "Simply like y'all were built-in physically with water (eastward.thousand. amniotic fluid), and then y'all as well need to be born spiritually or supernaturally. In verse 6 it seems He repeats what He ways in a different style (which is something we all do). He draws a distinction between flesh and spirit or physical and supernatural birth.

The problem Nicodemus faced is ane we all must address: the deviation between organized religion and rebirth. We cannot brand this happen on our own. In that location are no magic words to speak, no deeds we must practise. This is a work of God's Spirit that transforms the states.

This is the barrier for many people today. Many believe Christianity is about certain truth that must exist believed. At that place are essential truths that must be embraced. However, you can believe these things and however miss out on what it means to be born again. This is about life or relationship. It is transformation.

Practise you see how significant this is? Many people feel they are moving along quite nicely in their Christian lives, when in truth, they have not fifty-fifty started! They are gathering information, they are learning how to look like a good church person, but they accept never truly been born again.

Let'due south try a rather silly analogy. Suppose there was a guy who was really taken with a girl. He learned everything there was to know nigh her. He memorized all her features. He often went by her house and talked well-nigh her to anyone who would listen (I realize this guy sounds a lot like a stalker, but don't get distracted!). He feels he is her "guy." Just, he is Non in a human relationship with her. In truth, she doesn't even know him.

There are many who know a lot almost Jesus. They speak of him in glowing terms. They call themselves part of His family. They nourish church building and small groups. They keep mission trips, they take had experiences, and might even teach Sunday Schoolhouse. However, many of them are not "born-once more." They have not been transformed by His power and grace.

This talk confused Nicodemus much like it confuses many today. Jesus explained to Nicodemus,

Do not marvel that I said to you, 'Y'all must be born again.' 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, just you practise not know where information technology comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

In other words, just like you can't really explain how wind works; you can't explicate the work of the Holy Spirit that transforms a human heart. John pointed to this earlier in the gospel. In John i:12-13 we are told,

But to all who did receive him, who believed in his proper name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, merely of God .

This new birth is something that God does in u.s.. In John 6:44 Jesus said, "no one can (has the ability) come to me unless the Male parent who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I volition enhance them upwards."

The Apostle Paul understood this and wrote,

God saved yous by his grace when yous believed. And yous can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. ( Ephesians ii:8-9 )

Every bit human beings we like to believe nosotros can command our own destiny. We believe if we observe the right formula, bring together the right group, acquire the right behaviors, we tin can get a follower of Christ. Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus that this is not how it works. The Bible says we are "dead" in our sin. Dead people cannot make themselves alive! This is what Jesus is trying to convey to Nicodemus.

Welch preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones writes, "

You cannot determine to be born again. There are people who give that impression. They say, "You decide for Christ, and you lot will exist born again." This is putting it the wrong way round. It is impossible. If you could make up one's mind for Christ y'all would not demand to exist born over again.

Such thinking reveals a deep misunderstanding as to what it means to be a Christian. Information technology too explains why so many telephone call themselves Christians merely look zilch similar Jesus in the manner they live their lives. They are trusting an experience they had, a prayer they prayed, or the confident belief that they have done their best. Such people are not really reborn at all.

These are deep truths. Nosotros detect ourselves reeling similar Nicodemus, don't we? We are called to share our faith with others. Nosotros are also told to defend our faith. God uses these things to bring people to a point of faith. Withal, HE is the 1 that brings them to faith. It is not our arguments that ultimately bring people to believe – it is the Holy Spirit.

What is the Prove Nosotros Are Built-in Again?

There are a number of things that are true of those who are truly "born once again".

Showtime, at that place is a deep awareness of a need we cannot solve on our ain . The offset affair God does in the heart of someone is make them enlightened of how helpless they are. This is why information technology is true that the person who feels the farthest abroad from God is actually the i who is the nigh near new life. Until we recognize our helplessness, we are not open to the piece of work of God'south transforming grace. The built-in-again person knows they cannot save themself. They need God to save them.

Second, the person who is a genuine follower of Christ is indwelt past the Holy Spirit and this should exist the most obvious matter about them. Here is a clue, if y'all are around someone for awhile and then they tell y'all that they are a Christian and you are surprised . . . that person is likely only a religious person similar Nicodemus.

The person who has the Holy Spirit in them (the definition of a truthful believer) is aware of the fact that something is happening in them they cannot explain. There are real changes taking identify. They do not become perfect -- but they do become different. There is a new outlook, a new joy, new values that are taking over their life. Friends and family should run across a divergence.

The unchanged Christian is an impossibility. The Holy Spirit that is at work in the believer is moving them ever closer to the life and heart of Jesus. He is cultivating what the Bible calls the "fruit of the Spirit" in the states. It is: honey, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." ( Galatians 5:22-23 ).

Notice this change in beliefs does non issue in united states of america condign hardened and judgmental.

we don't go self-righteous. Nosotros become softer and inviting toward others.

Third, the true believer is one who is humbled. This is a great test. If you lot are truly made alive by the Holy Spirit you volition be blown away by the grace of God that has been given to you. You lot volition recognize that yous could not save yourself and that for some reason God reached out and changed your heart and made you new.

This is due to null we have done or could possibly practice. It is a gift of God'southward staggering grace. Consequently, there is no arrogance in the child of God. There are no puffed chests or feelings of superiority. Instead we become soft. We grow quiet and serious as we talk about what God has washed in u.s.. Perhaps, if you take the kind of personality that I do, at times you tin can hardly talk about this grace. It brings you lot to tears considering it is more than wonderful than nosotros can grasp. If you are not led occasionally into stunned silence by the reality of God's grace and transforming ability, I accept to question whether you lot have e'er really experienced what it ways to be "born-once again."

Fourth the truly built-in-again person will read the Bible with new eyes and a new hunger. Suddenly, things slowly brainstorm to make sense; the fog starts to articulate. At present the Bible is no longer a textbook to be endured, it is a communication from God yous want to understand and answer to. Y'all will often find yourself reading the Bible and suddenly you will read a poesy that is addressing the exact problem with which you currently struggle. It is uncanny how God'southward Spirit leads united states right to where nosotros need to exist.

5th, there will be a desire and compulsion to share Christ with others . If you are truly built-in once more you will have the desire to share what has happened to y'all with others. You will want your family unit and friends to know the power of God's forgiveness and dear. You lot volition abound in eagerness to share your faith with those around you lot. You will meet the futility of their lives and want better for them. You will exist bothered by the fact that they do non give any prove of belief.

Sixth, we will increasingly see sin every bit something that grieves Go d. In other words, we will motility from seeing sin as "wrong" or as "not a dandy idea" and we will outset to meet it as a barrier that is built between us and God. This maturing view of sin will in turn lead u.s.a. to repent and work on alter. Nosotros will stop blaming others and take responsibility for our own choices in life.

We will still sin, but we should showtime to see sin diminish in our life. It's similar the difference betwixt fulfilling educational requirements, and having a dearest of learning. It is near attitude. In i case you are doing what you "take to do" to pass the form. In the other case you lot are eagerly engaged in learning and thrilled by the procedure.

The person who is "built-in once more" pursues holiness because they no longer want to grieve God . . . they want to honour Him with their lives. They become increasingly witting of how their lives touch on the way others view Jesus.

Seventh, you volition brainstorm to have a genuine love for other believers . It is a strange affair that happens when y'all come to Christ: you feel an instant connection and interest in others who likewise follow Him. You may have simply met, but you lot are continued. Indifference becomes a thing of the by. And this connection leads to a love that defies clarification.

Eighth, you lot will see the emptiness of the world . The closer nosotros draw to Christ, the easier it is to see the futility of the world around the states. You see the emptiness in television and movies, you expect around and you now can see people who are all logging their time on earth without always asking "Why? Where is all of this leading?" The gap between the world and those who accept been born again, becomes increasingly more than obvious.

Finally, yous hunger for a deep relationship with God rather than existence satisfied with mere knowledge of Him . Once the Spirit takes upwardly residence in your life, y'all are no longer content with simply being religious and doing religious things. At present you want to know God, to sense His presence, to bring Him pleasure. It is like those early days when you were dating (or in my case, always since I've been married) you lot couldn't wait to become together and y'all couldn't bring yourself to hang upwards the telephone or part. We begin to see God in His fullness, and we are captivated.

We must describe a distinction between being religious and actually being in that new and transforming relationship chosen the new birth . Nicodemus was as religious every bit a person could be. He was sincere in His desire to keep the law of God . . . but he nevertheless needed to exist built-in once again (the theological term is regeneration). Nicodemus could not brand this happen on his ain. He needed a supernatural intervention past God.

Information technology is not always easy to tell the difference betwixt a only religious person and the person who has been brought into a new relationship with God through the work of Christ and the Holy Spirit. The truth is, information technology is not our job to brand this conclusion. Just we practice demand to know there is a difference between the two. Our focus needs to exist on whether or non OUR human relationship with God is more than superficial. We must utilise these tests to our lives. If we find we are lacking we demand to seek truly find and follow Christ.

Second, our methods of evangelism need to be rethought . We accept come to the place where we see evangelism as getting people to attend church, say a prayer (magic words), raise a hand, get baptized, or walk an aisle. These things may play a office in the conversion of people, but this does not plant rebirth. Rebirth is something God does. He makes us spiritually alive so we can believe.

Then, here is the question: in light of all of this, are you born over again? Do yous meet these traits in your life? Have you been swept upwardly in the arms of the God of love? Do you see His transforming power irresolute your appetites and your relationships?

If the answer is "I don't know" then get-go searching. Read the Scriptures carefully. Be in places where the gospel is preached and lived out. Ask God to alter your life and heart. Go off the functioning treadmill and be still before Him. Ask God to do in yous, what only He tin exercise: give you a new heart.

Nicodemus was searching. When nosotros get to the stop of the story we will see that Nicodemus found what he was looking for. God changed his heart and it appears he became a true believer. May God give us His Spirit to remake our hearts and change our lives. And . . . may we never accept for granted what an incredible gift, His grace actually is.

aasenadvalogiand.blogspot.com

Source: https://sermons.faithlife.com/sermons/641380-the-signs-that-you-are-born-again-john-3:1-8

Share this post