New Birth, John 3:1-5

Can you see the wind and know which direction it blows? Although, we can feel the wind and see the effects of it we cannot see it. Just like God, who is Spirit, we cannot see Him, but we can feel Him, as well as, see His workings. For the next few days we will be examining John 3 looking at some of the effects of the Spirit. 

John 3:1-5 records a conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus. This conversation occurs directly after Jesus clears out the temple. Jesus is beginning to ruffle the religious feathers, and Nicodemus is intrigued. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and a Sanhedrin. The pharisees were priests who adhered to the written and oral law. So many times throughout the Gospels we see Jesus dealing with priest who followed mans’ traditions and not the heart of the law. This is easier to understand when one understands that the pharisees blended oral tradition along with the written law to weigh their decisions. Sanhedrins were priests who belonged to an assembly of priests who judged over the Jewish community. These priest did not believe in the resurrection, as the pharisees did, but they believed in Sheol. Nicodemus is recorded in John 3, John 7:50-51, and John 19:39. 

Nicodemus poses a question to Jesus, “How can a man be born again?”. Through their conversation Jesus brings it back to Nicodemus who is a very religious man and well informed. Is Nicodemus so informed, but has no understanding? There is plenty of evidence in John that Nicodemus respected and most likely believed in Jesus. In John 7 Nicodemus asks the religious leaders if they were going to convict a man without a hearing. Then in John 19 we find Nicodemus bringing a royal burial after Jesus’ death. 

The heart of John 3:1-5 is the New Birth experience. I am reading from The Spirit Filled Life Bible. On page 1447 we find a Kingdom Dynamic study tool highlighting The New Birth. Our discussion today will be taken from this passage. Jesus used the New Birth experience to demonstrate three aspects of faith. 

1. New Birth makes it possible to have a relationship with God. John 14:6-7 Jesus declares Himself the way, the truth, and the life. No one can have a relationship with God except through Jesus. 

When we get to know Jesus through the new birth experience we have access to God the Father. If you see Jesus you see the father. A relationship of friendship is developed when you seek to know God. You are no longer servants, but friends. James 2:23. Abraham believed God and God called him friend. Abraham listened, believed, and walked closely with God. Being a friend of God gives us insights into the mysteries of His word. A friend desires to share with his friend, Father God wants to share with you. All we have to do is position ourselves in a posture to hear from God. 

2. New Birth gives the believer a new perspective. 

Through new birth we see the Kingdom of God. When you become a new creation in Christ you begin to see and understand from a different realm. The old man who was motivated from a perspective of doubt and fear is dead. The new man is developing and motivated from a perspective of faith. As the mind of the new man is being renewed, revelation is revealed, and a lens of authority and power takes hold. 2 Cor. 5:17

3. New Birth gives access to the Kingdom of God. 

As a new creation we are members of the Kingdom of God and therefore; we are governed by a new perspective. Our lives are governed by a realm of provision, goodness, and grace. Is there sickness in heaven? Is it a part of God’s kingdom? Is there poverty in heaven? Should these things be part of our lives? Yes, we live in this world where there is sickness, poverty, sorrow, and such, but should these things have dominion in our lives? When we are confronted with the world and its effects how should we react. What perspective or lens should we view these situations from? We should seek our Father, and His Kingdom perspective with faith, trust, and hope. 

Romans 8:37-39 The Passion Translation (TPT)

37 Yet even in the midst of all these things, we triumph over them all, for God has made us to be more than conquerors,[a] and his demonstrated love is our glorious victory over everything![b]

38 So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles,[c] fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love. 39 There is no power above us or beneath us—no power that could ever be found in the universe that can distance us from God’s passionate love, which is lavished upon us through our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One!