Book Of John
Jesus: Teacher of New Birth
July 5-6, 2025
You Can’t Enter Without Being
John 3:3, 5 New International Version
3Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 5Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
- Salvation doesn’t start with trying harder — it starts with starting over.
You Can’t Do It Yourself — It’s a
John 3:6–8 New International Version
6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Ezekiel 36:25–27 New Living Translation
25Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. Your filth will be washed away, and you will no longer worship idols. 26And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. 27And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.
- Sticky Line: You can modify your habits — but only the Spirit can transform your heart.
You’ve Got to Look to the One Who Was
John 3:14–15 New International Version
14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
Titus 3:4–7 New Living Translation
4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
Numbers 21:8-9 New Living Translation
8 Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” 9 So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!
- Healing doesn’t come by working harder — it comes by looking higher.
John 3:14–15 New International Version
14Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
Question to Ask:
What’s the difference between trying to change your behavior and being transformed by the Holy Spirit? Where in your life are you relying on your own strength instead of looking to Jesus for healing or transformation?
Application:
Each day this week, take one moment to stop and simply pray: “Holy Spirit, transform my heart today.” When you’re tempted to “try harder” or rely on your own strength, pause and ask yourself, am I doing this in my own strength, or am I relying on God’s?
Click “EMAIL” below to send the notes to your personal email.