"You must be born again" - Jesus speaking with Nicodemus - John 3:7 - Shutterstock image - Used under license
The Bible verse quotations in this lesson are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
Consider. What does it mean to be "born again"? Why did Jesus say we must be born again?
1. Who is included in "You must be born again"?
The first "you" in John 3:7 is singular (Ref. 2), referring to Nicodemus. Jesus said, "Do not marvel that I said to you ..."
The second "you" in John 3:7 is plural, meaning you all (Ref. 2). Jesus said, "You [all] must be born again" (John 3:7). Nicodemus may have understood the plural you as referring to himself and the rulers and Pharisees (John 3:1). However, the plural "you" in "You must be born again" is universal and applies to all people because all need to be born again to see [spiritually perceive] the kingdom of God (John 3:3, Ref. 3). That includes all of us who are reading this message. 2. Why must we be born again?
"Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned." (Romans 5:12)
Romans 5:12 tells us that because of Adam's sin, sin and death spread to all people (Greek anthrópos - all humans - men, women, and children) (Ref. 3; Genesis 2:16-17, 3:6-7). There are no exemptions. That is why we must be born again. 3. What does "born again" mean?
"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" (John 3:3)
"Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" (John 3:7) The words "born again" in John 3:3 and 3:7 in the Greek mean to be regenerated anew (Ref. 4, Ref. 5). The work of regenerating us anew spiritually is entirely the work of God's Holy Spirit, not our own works (Ezekiel 36:25-27, Titus 3:4-5). God's work of regenerating us anew spiritually (making us born of God) is different in nature and timing from our natural human birth (being born of earthly parents) (John 1:12-13, John 3:6). Becoming "born again" in John 3:3 and 3:7 is synonymous with becoming "born of God" in John 1:13. John, the disciple of Christ and the gospel writer says, "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his 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, but of God" (John 1:11-13). Further, John gives three characteristics of a person who is born of God:
In Ezekiel 36:25, God's action of cleansing us from sin (symbolized by water) is part of the inner transformation God does in us when God regenerates us anew and puts a new spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:26-27, Psalm 51:1-2, 10, Hebrews 10:22, 1 John 1:9). To sum up, becoming born again means being regenerated anew by God's Holy Spirit (John 3:3, 7). God cleanses us from our sin. God puts a new spirit -- the Holy Spirit -- within us, and transforms us into a new person, born of God (Ezekiel 36:25-27, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 John 5:1). 4. How do I become born again?
"But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God." (John 1:12-13)
John says quite clearly that to be born of God, we are to "receive him" and "believe in his name." "Him" refers to Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, the only Son from the Father (John 1:1, 14, 17). To "receive" him means to accept him and not to reject him (John 1:11, Ref. 8, John 13:20). To "believe" in him means to have faith in him and to trust him (Ref. 9). The Lexical Summary in Ref. 9 adds that "believe" means to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ). Once you receive Jesus as your Savior and believe in (entrust your life to) him, the Holy Spirit will dwell in you to help you on an ongoing basis daily throughout the rest of your life (John 14:16-17, Colossians 1:27). The Holy Spirit will help you:
Prayer. Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins. Thank you for dying on the cross to forgive my sins. Come and live in my heart. I yield control of my life to you. Teach me, and make me into the person you want me to be. Help me to love you and to serve others in your name. Amen.
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/ 2. https://biblehub.com/interlinear/john/3-7.htm 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/3708.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/greek/1080.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/509.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/greek/4160.htm 7. https://biblehub.com/greek/25.htm 8. https://biblehub.com/greek/2983.htm 9. https://biblehub.com/greek/4100.htm
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God's Presence Bible Verses - Jesus speaking to his disciples - "Lo, I am with you always" - Matthew 28:20 - Free Bible Images - Used under license
"Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
Throughout the Bible, God has promised his presence to be with his people. God's presence is comforting and is real. God's presence with his people is forever. The Bible verse quotations for this lesson are taken from the New American Standard Bible 1995 edition unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1). Consider. Through these scriptures, know that God is with you. He will guide you, protect you, teach you, and be your companion all the days of your life. God is with us throughout the pilgrimage of our life, wherever we go
When Jacob was sojourning, looking for a wife, God spoke to him in a dream (Genesis 28:1-3, 10-14). "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you" (Genesis 28:15, underlines added). God fulfilled his promise to Jacob. Later in his life after Jacob had gained a household, Jacob remembered God's promise. In Genesis 35:1-3, we see that Jacob set up an altar to God who "has been with me wherever I have gone."
God promises to be with us wherever he leads us in the fulfillment of his purpose. God's presence is everywhere
David wrote of God, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there" (Psalm 139:7-8). David went on to say that even in the remotest part of the sea, "there Your hand will lead me, And Your right hand will lay hold of me" (Psalm 139:9-10). There is no place we can go that is beyond God's providential care, his authority, and control (Ref. 2).
Because God is with us, we have nothing to fear
Through the prophet Isaiah, God tells us not to fear. "Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10, underline added).
God's presence is with us when we go through trials and troubles
Through the prophet Isaiah, God spoke to his people. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you" (Isaiah 43:2, underline added). Recall that God provided a fourth person "like a son of the gods" to be present with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace so they were not scorched (Daniel 3:24-27).
Thank you, Lord, that when we experience trials and troubles, you are with us and you deliver us through them. God's word says, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). God's presence through the Holy Spirit is with us and in us to make our ministry effective
On the evening before his death, Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit [literally, paraklétos - Helper, Comforter - one who comes alongside] would come to them and that the Holy Spirit would be with them forever (John 14:16, Ref. 3). Jesus also said to his disciples that the Holy Spirit "will be in you" (John 14:17, underline added). The promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit was fulfilled beginning on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4) and continues unabated to this day. The indwelling Holy Spirit is God's presence and God's gift to all persons worldwide who believe in God's Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 2:37-39, John 14:17, 1 Corinthians 6:19).
The Holy Spirit, God's presence in us, empowers us for ministry (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit, God's presence in us, gives us spiritual gifts that we may serve effectively the body of Christ and people in the world in Christ's name (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). God's presence will never fail us nor forsake us
"Then Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, 'Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall give it to them as an inheritance. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed'" (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).
God promises to be with us forever (John 14:16). We shall have his constant, perpetual presence -- always -- even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Thanks be to God! Amen.
Related Lesson
"God Our Refuge, Strength, and Help (Psalm 46:1)" References 1. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-American-Standard-Bible-NASB1995/ 2. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/cambridge/psalms/139.htm Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges - Psalm 139:10 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/3875.htm
Waterglass Filled to Overflowing - "Be filled with the Spirit." - Ephesians 5:18 - 123RF Photo - Used under license
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18)
This lesson provides practical, scriptural steps pastors, teachers, and Christian workers can take to become filled (and refilled) with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of ministry.
Consider: Why is it important for effective ministry to others for believers in Christ to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Is being filled with the Holy Spirit a one-time event, or a repeated, continual action?
The scripture quotations in this article are taken from the New International Version (NIV) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
1. The gift of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit is God's gift to us.
God has already given us the gift of the Holy Spirit when we first believed in Christ. The Apostle Peter spoke about this on Pentecost. After Peter's Pentecost sermon (Acts 2:14-36), the people were "cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?'" (Acts 2:37). Peter replied to them, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
God gives the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who put their faith and trust in God's Son, Jesus Christ. God gives us the Holy Spirit:
* Example ministries include preaching, teaching, healing, contributing generously, singing songs, and waiting on tables. References: 1 Corinthians 12:28, Ephesians 4:11-12, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 5:18-19, Acts 6:2-3. 2. The indwelling Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit indwells us.
When we become Christians, the Holy Spirit indwells us. The Holy Spirit comes and lives inside us.
a. On the evening before his death, Jesus told his disciples that the Spirit of truth "lives with you and will be in you" (John 14:17). The Holy Spirit's "will be in you" (indwelling) was fulfilled beginning at Pentecost and is equally fulfilled when people believe in Christ today. b. The Apostle Paul wrote that the mystery which was hidden for ages God had made known then among the Gentiles "which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:26-27). The gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit was for all people -- Jews and Gentiles -- who put their faith in Christ (Acts 10:44-45). c. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in us (1 Corinthians 6:19 NLT). 3. The infilling of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit fills us and continually refills us.
"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18)
Paul's instruction to the Christians at Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1) was that they be continually being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). The Greek verb for "be filled" is pléroó (pronounced play-ro'-o) (Ref. 2). Pléroó is in the Greek present tense which is a continued, ongoing, repeated action over time, not a one-time ("one and done") event in the past (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). The instruction, "be filled [continually, repeatedly]," is second person plural ("you all") (Ref. 3) addressed to the Ephesian church as a group and to all who are believers in Christ today.
Why does Paul instruct us to be continually filled (and refilled) with the Holy Spirit?
Since the Holy Spirit already indwells us (believers in Christ), why then does Paul instruct us to be filled [continually, repeatedly] with the Spirit?
Perhaps you will have different thoughts, but here are the thoughts that came to my mind in answer to this question: a. Spiritual Renewal from Spiritual Depletion
(1). I am a "leaky" vessel. Perhaps you are, too.
(2). Our human bodies and our automobiles (motorcycles, etc.) need repeated food and fuel to run. Similarly, when our spiritual energy becomes depleted through continually ministering to others, we need to take time, and prayerfully seek to be spiritually refilled and renewed by the Holy Spirit. b. Preparation and Empowerment for Ministry
This is the most important part of this "lesson." When we are ministering as a preacher, teacher, an elder or deacon, or in any role as a representative of Christ, we need to be clean (fully confessed) vessels and channels for the flow of God's Holy Spirit power to others. We need to be yielded completely to God's will and guidance. We need to be filled and refilled with God's Holy Spirit so God's power for ministry flows through us to others.
Let me give some examples where praying to be filled (or refilled) with the Holy Spirit is scriptural and wise preparation for effective ministry:
4. How to be filled with the Holy Spirit
This section respectfully suggests three scriptural steps you can go through to become filled (or refilled) with God's Holy Spirit for the purpose of ministry. Before you begin your worship service, evangelistic outreach event, or daily mission work (or other ministry), pray through these steps beforehand. You can pray either in private as individuals or together with your Christian ministry team members.
Confess - Yield - Ask a. Confess
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9 ESV)
Confess your sins to God. In prayer, silently ask God to bring to your mind any unconfessed sins in your life. Take plenty of time to do this (10 or 15 minutes is better than 30 seconds). Tell God you are sorry for your sins. Thank God for forgiving you all your sins through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.
Don't keep revisiting past sins that you have already confessed to God. In Christ, God has already forgiven your sins, and God remembers them "no more." (References: Jeremiah 31:34, Hebrews 8:12, Micah 7:19 ESV). b. Yield
Tell God, in prayer, that you yield your will, and your entire self to his direction and control. Ask God to direct you, and to reveal his will to you during the ministry event that you are about to commence. Ask God to help you and your team speak and act totally in accordance with his will, not your own. (Reference: 1 John 5:14-15).
Recall that Jesus, before he completed his great sacrificial work (his voluntary death for us), had prayed to his Father, "Not my will, but yours be done." (Reference: Luke 22:42). c. Ask
Peter and John and the other apostles and believers prayed. "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus" (Acts 4:29-30). "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly" (Acts 4:31).
In prayer, ask God to fill you (or refill you) and your team members with the Holy Spirit. Ask God to enable the power of the Holy Spirit to flow through you and your team members for the specific ministry (such as a worship service or outreach event) you are about to begin. God will honor your request and will fill you with the Holy Spirit. Through the filling of the Holy Spirit, God will empower you for the purpose of effective ministry to others. God will help you know what to say and what to do as you minister to others in Jesus' name.
5. Step Out in Faith
After these steps (confess - yield - ask), step out in faith. Listen to God leading you, and then speak and act in the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit that God has given you.
Apply. Confess your sins to God. Yield your will and yourself completely to God's will. Ask God to fill you (or refill you) with the Holy Spirit to empower you in your ministry to others in Jesus' name.
Cross and Sky with John 12:32 - Can Stock Photo - Used under license
"And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself." (John 12:32 NASB)
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." (John 12:32 KJV)
This lesson explains what Jesus meant when he said, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself" (John 12:32).
Consider. What are you doing in response to Jesus' drawing of you? How are you responding to Jesus' influence in your life?
The scripture references in this lesson are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless noted otherwise (Ref. 1).
And I
The "I" here at the beginning of John 12:32 is strongly emphatic (Ref. 2). In John 12:32 Jesus points to himself versus his opposition -- the "ruler of this world" who will be cast out (John 12:31, Matthew 4:8-10). Jesus will assert his rule over the world, and Jesus will draw all (people) to himself (Ref. 2).
If I am lifted up from the earth
Jesus knew with certainty and accurately predicted that his death would be by crucifixion (John 12:32-33, John 3:14-15, Numbers 21:6-9 ESV). Jesus knew that men would crucify him and elevate him above the earth (John 19:17-18). The Greek word for "lift up" in John 3:14 and John 12:32 has two meanings, first to elevate, and second to exalt (Ref. 3).
The people who crucified Jesus thought they were ending his life. However, they didn't realize that God would exalt Jesus through his death, his resurrection, and his ascension to heavenly glory at the right hand of the throne of God (Matthew 28:1-7, Acts 1:8-11, Philippians 2:5-11, Ephesians 1:17-23, Hebrews 12:2). Will draw all (people) to Myself
Jesus said in John 12:32 "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all to Myself" (Ref. 4 - Berean Literal Bible). (The NASB and KJV translations add the word "people" or "men" after the word "all"). The Greek word for "draw" [helkó, pronounced hel-koo'-o] means to induce influence, or attract by inward power (Ref. 5). The Greek word for "all" [pas] in John 12:32 means the whole, every kind of (Ref. 6).
Beginning at Pentecost (after Jesus' ascension) and continuing to this day, the drawing of people to Christ is accomplished by the work of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:14-21, Ref. 2). The Holy Spirit's work of drawing people to Christ is for all people -- regardless of ethnicity, national identity, gender, geographic location, or economic or social means. The Holy Spirit does not exclude you from being drawn to Christ because of "who you are." The drawing influence of the Holy Spirit for all people to come to Jesus may be accepted or rejected. Mankind has free will. Some people will reject the influence of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual attraction power of Jesus Christ. Others, praise God, will yield to the drawing influence of the Holy Spirit and will receive Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In Jesus Christ, believers will find acceptance, forgiveness, salvation, love, spiritual empowerment, and the gift of eternal life. How are you responding to the drawing power and influence of Jesus Christ?
Apply. Respond with joy to the drawing power and influence of Jesus Christ, who was lifted up, and died for you. Receive him unto yourself. He will welcome you, forgive your sins, guide you, and will give you eternal life. (Luke 15:20-24, 1 John 1:9, John 16:13, John 3:14-16, Romans 6:23).
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+12%3A32&version=NASB 2. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/ellicott/john/12.htm Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - John 12:32 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/5312.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/john/12-32.htm 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/1670.htm 6. https://biblehub.com/greek/3956.htm
Man Praising God - John 14:16 - 123RF Photo - Used under license
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever ..." (John 14:16)
"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." (John 14:26)
This lesson explains 1) Who is the Helper?, 2) Why did Jesus ask the Father to send his disciples another Helper?, and 3) How does the Helper -- the Holy Spirit -- aid us as believers in Christ today?
The scripture references in this lesson are taken from the English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) (Ref. 1, Ref. 2).
Consider. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit helping you in your life? How would you like the Holy Spirit to help you in your life going forward?
On the night before his crucifixion and death, Jesus spoke with his remaining disciples to prepare them for his departure (John 13:33, 14:1-2). Judas Iscariot had already left to betray Jesus and was not the beneficiary of these promises (John13:26-30). Jesus told his disciples, "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever ..." (John 14:16).
Who is the Helper?
In John 14:16, the Greek word for "Helper" is paraklétos (pronounced par-ak'-lay-tos), and means one who is called to the aid of another (Ref. 3, Ref. 4). Paraklétos signifies "an advocate in a court of law, but more widely a helper in any form whatsoever" (Ref. 4). The ESV, NIV, and KJV translate paraklétos as "Helper," "Advocate," and "Comforter" respectively. Jesus identifies the Helper as the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). Jesus also describes the Helper as the "Spirit of truth" in John 14:17, 15:26, and 16:13.
Why did Jesus ask the Father to send his disciples another Helper?
Jesus was about to leave his disciples through his suffering and death on a cross (John 19:1-3, 19:15-19). After his resurrection, Jesus would go to the Father (John 14:2, 16:28; 20:17, Acts 1:8-9). Jesus' disciples would need another Helper -- someone to be the strong continuer of Jesus' presence, to be their permanent companion (Ref.4). The Helper would teach them all things and would guide them into all the truth (John 14:26, 16:13).
The Helper would "be with" and "be in" (after Pentecost) Jesus' disciples permanently. Whereas Jesus during his earthly ministry was with them for three years, the Helper -- the Holy Spirit -- would be with them (and is with us as Jesus' disciples) to the end of time (John 14:16-17, Ref.4). Jesus' disciples also need to be strengthened and power-filled by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the mission Jesus sends us to in an unfriendly world (Mark 13:9-11, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 1:8). What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives as believers in Christ?How does the Holy Spirit help us?
The following scriptures describe the many ways the Holy Spirit helps us as people who believe in and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
The Holy Spirit is with us and dwells in us permanently. John 14:16-17 The Holy Spirit strengthens us and is our spiritual companion forever. The Holy Spirit teaches us all things and calls to our remembrance all that Jesus has said to us. John 14:26 The Holy Spirit especially is our teacher for helping us to understand God's word. The Holy Spirit bears witness to us about Jesus and helps us bear witness about Jesus to others. John 15:26-27 The Spirit of truth guides us into all the truth. John 16:13 The Greek word for truth in the New Testament is alétheia, pronounced phonetically as "al-ay'-thi-a." In ancient Greek culture, alétheia was synonymous for "reality" as the opposite of illusion, i.e., fact (Ref. 5). Jesus not only taught the truth but also is the truth (John 14:6). The Holy Spirit gives us power to be Jesus' witnesses wherever God sends us at home or abroad in the world. Acts 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 1:5 The Holy Spirit gives us the words to speak when we face trials, persecution, and suffering for our faith in Christ. Mark 13:9-11 The Holy Spirit guides us in what to do (Acts 10:19-20) and where to go (Acts 16:6-10). The Holy Spirit helps us to put to death the deeds of the flesh. Romans 8:13-14 The Holy Spirit helps us to know that we are the adopted children of our heavenly Father. Romans 8:16, Galatians 4:6, Ephesians 1:3-5 The Holy Spirit intercedes for us and helps us to pray. Romans 8:26 The Holy Spirit gives us spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving others and building up the body of Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 4:4-12 The Holy Spirit's work in us helps us to bear spiritual fruit that benefits ourselves as well as others. Galatians 5:22-23 The Holy Spirit strengthens us with power in our inner being whether we are men, women, or children. Ephesians 3:14-16 The Holy Spirit fills us with rivers of living water so we can be a spiritual blessing that refreshes and comforts others. John 7:38-39 The presence, companionship, and strengthening of the indwelling Holy Spirit is Jesus' gift to all who put their faith and trust in him. Thanks be to God for such a precious gift!
Apply. If you are not yet a believer in Jesus Christ, confess your sins to him, yield control of your life fully to him, and he will fill you with the Holy Spirit. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, thank God each day for the presence of the Holy Spirit with you and for helping you to understand and apply God's word to your life. Thank God for the Holy Spirit guiding you in making godly decisions and for strengthening you through the challenges -- and for some of you, persecution -- you are going through. Thank God for the Holy Spirit helping you to discern, to prepare for, and to do boldly the life work that God reveals to you to do in Jesus' name.
Related Lessons
"The Spirit of Truth" - John 16:13 "Jesus is the Truth" - John 14:6 "Adoption as Sons" - Ephesians 1:4-5 "Characteristics of a Child of God - Part 1" - Matthew 7:16 "What is Living Water in the Bible?" - John 4:10
References
1. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A16&version=ESV 2. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A16&version=NASB 3. https://biblehub.com/greek/3875.htm 4. https://biblehub.com/commentaries/maclaren/john/14.htm MacLaren Expositions of Holy Scripture - John 14:16-17 5. https://biblehub.com/greek/225.htm
Sunset at Keuka Lake, Penn Yan, New York, USA - Ephesians 1:4-5 - Photo by Whitney V. Myers
"He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will." (Ephesians 1:4-5)
"For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26) "For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'" (Romans 8:15)
This lesson is written for people who already are believers in Jesus Christ. This lesson teaches 1) Before the foundation of the world, God planned to adopt us as his sons (children), 2) We become God's adopted sons through faith in Jesus Christ, and 3) God has given believers in his Son the Spirit of adoption, not a spirit of bondage.
Consider. Do you believe that God has adopted you as his child?
1. Before the foundation of the world, God planned to adopt us as his sons (children)
In Ephesians 1:1, Paul writes, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus." Paul is writing not to unbelievers but to believers in Jesus Christ.
Paul then writes, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will" (Ephesians 1:3-5, italics added to the text for emphasis). God's plan to save us through His Son and to adopt us as his sons has been established since before the world began. The Greek word in Ephesians 1:5 for adoption is huiothesia (pronounced hwee-oth-es-ee'-ah), which means literally to place as a son (Ref. 1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon further describes the meaning of the word adoption: "the nature and condition of the true disciples of Christ, who by receiving the Spirit of God into their souls become the sons of God" (Ref. 1). Because of God's kind will and advanced planning, God has adopted us -- believers in Jesus Christ -- as his sons. 2. We become God's adopted children through faith in Jesus Christ
In Galatians 3:26, Paul writes, "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus." Note that Paul is writing to all the believers comprising the churches in Galatia (Galatians 1:2).
There is only one criterion for becoming an adopted son (child) of God -- faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Faith in Jesus Christ means belief, trust, and confidence in Jesus Christ (Strong's Concordance - Ref. 2). Faith is a gift from God, and is not something we earn through our own works (Ephesians 2:8-9). The phrase, "sons of God," in Galatians 3:26 is inclusive, not exclusive. In the New Testament, the phrase "sons of God" equally refers to male and female believers (HELPS Word-studies - Ref.3). The Greek word for sons in Galatians 3:26 means literally a son by birth or adoption and figuratively anyone sharing the same nature as their Father (Ref.3). God's adoption of us as his children through faith in Christ applies equally regardless of our ethnic or racial or national background, economic status, or sex. "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). 3. God has given believers in his Son the Spirit of adoption, not the spirit of bondage
In Romans 8:15 Paul states that God has given us (believers in Christ) "the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father.'" First, the Holy Spirit is a gift by God to believers in Jesus Christ (Acts 2:28). Second, the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of adoption) brings us into a close, affectionate relationship with God as our heavenly Father where we like children call him "Abba," the equivalent of "Daddy" or "Papa" (Ref. 4).
The Spirit of adoption that we receive as God's adopted children is more pleasant than the spirit of bondage which is in the world. In Romans 8:15 Paul says that the Spirit we have received is not the spirit of bondage [slavery] (Ref. 5). The spirit of bondage keeps people in slavery to sin (John 8:34) and in fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). In contrast, through the redemptive work accomplished by Christ (Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:7), we are freed from slavery to sin and death (John 8:31-36, Romans 8:1-2). Through his Son, Jesus Christ, God has adopted us into a loving relationship with himself as our heavenly Father and us as his beloved children. God has given us -- his beloved adopted children -- the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of adoption.
Prayer. Thank you, Father, for your plan to adopt us as your children through your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for the redemptive work of Jesus which has freed us from the power of sin and fear of death. Thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit which enables us to cry out, "Abba! Father!"
Related Lessons
"Our Adoption as God's Children" - Galatians 4:4-7 "Becoming a Child of God" - John 1:12 "What is Redemption?" - Ephesians 1:7 |
Daily Bible Verse(Published on my Bluesky account) AuthorMr. Whitney V. Myers. Christian. For more information, please visit the Author Page. Posting ScheduleI plan to provide new postings about once a month. Planned Topics(subject to change) Recent Posts(most recent three publications) Popular Posts(top 10) Categories
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