Born Again? What Are You Talking About?
A Tim Keller Sermon Summary
Many live as if they were dead, cut off with no hope, but Christ talked about being “born again.” Let’s learn from John 3:1-15.
Nicodemus was a Pharisee (fervent follower of Jewish laws) and a Jewish ruling council member (v1). Christ addressed him as Israel’s teacher (v10). He was influential, rich, well-educated, and probably old.
Nicodemus visited Jesus secretly at night (v2), perhaps to do some back-room politicking with Jesus. Christ told him point-blank he must be born again (v3, 7). He had to start all over again because everything he had—all his accomplishments—meant nothing.
Some consider being “born again” to be reserved for the broken and outcast. Nicodemus did not fit that stereotype. If Nicodemus must be born again, shouldn’t we also?
This new birth radically changes a person’s priorities and how one relates to the world (v3). One becomes a different person, like a plant with new roots and different fruits.
Nicodemus addressed Jesus as “Teacher,” but Jesus corrected him, telling him that He came to save and be lifted up on a cross, so people could live again and have eternal life in Him (v2, 14, 15).
Nicodemus asked how can someone receive such a thing (v4). Like a mother giving birth to a baby, one does not become a baby by trying hard (John 16:21).
This new birth is brought on by looking up to Christ (v14, 15). This new birth is through God putting His Spirit into us (v5-6, 8).
After Christ was crucified (lifted up), Nicodemus took 75 pounds of burial materials and wrapped Christ’s body with spices in strips of linen (John 19:38-41). In those days, this type of work was reserved for women. Nicodemus had been changed into a new person.
Looking up to Christ and letting the Spirit give us a new life will totally change how we see things and relate to people. This will give us new hope in Christ.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon, “The New Birth.”
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/the-new-birth-6568/
Nicodemus was a Pharisee (fervent follower of Jewish laws) and a Jewish ruling council member (v1). Christ addressed him as Israel’s teacher (v10). He was influential, rich, well-educated, and probably old.
Nicodemus visited Jesus secretly at night (v2), perhaps to do some back-room politicking with Jesus. Christ told him point-blank he must be born again (v3, 7). He had to start all over again because everything he had—all his accomplishments—meant nothing.
Some consider being “born again” to be reserved for the broken and outcast. Nicodemus did not fit that stereotype. If Nicodemus must be born again, shouldn’t we also?
This new birth radically changes a person’s priorities and how one relates to the world (v3). One becomes a different person, like a plant with new roots and different fruits.
Nicodemus addressed Jesus as “Teacher,” but Jesus corrected him, telling him that He came to save and be lifted up on a cross, so people could live again and have eternal life in Him (v2, 14, 15).
Nicodemus asked how can someone receive such a thing (v4). Like a mother giving birth to a baby, one does not become a baby by trying hard (John 16:21).
This new birth is brought on by looking up to Christ (v14, 15). This new birth is through God putting His Spirit into us (v5-6, 8).
After Christ was crucified (lifted up), Nicodemus took 75 pounds of burial materials and wrapped Christ’s body with spices in strips of linen (John 19:38-41). In those days, this type of work was reserved for women. Nicodemus had been changed into a new person.
Looking up to Christ and letting the Spirit give us a new life will totally change how we see things and relate to people. This will give us new hope in Christ.
Summarized from a Tim Keller sermon, “The New Birth.”
https://gospelinlife.com/downloads/the-new-birth-6568/