25/05/2025
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DYLzH7w7PaF7t5XEBM9zya
Text: John 3:3 – “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’”
Introduction:
There is a deep cry in the heart of many believers to know God intimately. We want to feel His presence, hear His voice, and walk with Him daily. But we often overlook the foundational truth: intimacy with God is only possible through spiritual rebirth. Without it, no matter how religious, emotional, or disciplined we are, we will lack the capacity to relate with God on His level.
In John 3:3, Jesus addresses Nicodemus, a respected teacher, and tells him that being born again is not a suggestion—it is a requirement to see, know, and experience the Kingdom of God.
I. The Identity Crisis in the Church
Many people are faithful in church but spiritually distant from God.
Like Nicodemus, they have religion, titles, and knowledge—but lack intimacy.
The root problem is often the absence or misunderstanding of spiritual rebirth.
Quote:
“You cannot be intimate with a God you have not encountered through the Spirit.”
II. What is Spiritual Rebirth?
Definition:
Spiritual rebirth is the supernatural transformation of the human spirit by the Holy Spirit, through faith in Christ. It is a new beginning, a new life from above.
Biblical References:
2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”
Titus 3:5 – “…the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
Key Point:
It is not moral improvement or emotional excitement; it is a divine implantation of God’s life within us.
III. Why Spiritual Rebirth is the Foundation of Intimacy
1. It Gives Us Access to God's Presence
Without spiritual rebirth, we are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1).
Only a spirit made alive can commune with the Living God (John 4:24).
2. It Restores Relationship, Not Just Religion
Adam lost intimacy with God in Eden due to sin.
Jesus restores it through the new birth (Romans 5:10).
3. It Activates Spiritual Senses
Before new birth, we cannot discern spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14).
The born-again believer can now hear God, sense His presence, and receive His love.
4. It Aligns Our Identity with God’s Nature
We receive the Spirit of adoption, crying “Abba Father” (Romans 8:15).
Intimacy thrives when we know whose we are.
IV. Characteristics of Those Who are Spiritually Reborn
1. Hunger for God’s Word and Presence
2. Love for Holiness and Righteousness
3. Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
4. Desire for Fellowship and Worship
5. A lifestyle of prayer and communion with God
Example:
A newborn baby desires milk; likewise, a newborn in the Spirit craves spiritual things (1 Peter 2:2).
V. The Hindrances to Intimacy Without Spiritual Rebirth
Religious Spirit – Focus on rules without relationship.
Unregenerate Mind – Can’t perceive God’s ways.
Guilt and Shame – The unreborn man feels condemned and unworthy.
Lack of Spiritual Discernment – Cannot recognize or respond to the Spirit.
VI. How to Experience Spiritual Rebirth
1. Conviction of Sin (John 16:8)
2. Repentance and Faith in Christ (Acts 2:38)
3. Receiving Christ as Lord and Savior (John 1:12)
4. Receiving the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:9)
VII. Maintaining and Growing in Intimacy Post-Rebirth
Daily fellowship through prayer and Word.
Worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Obedience and surrender to the Holy Spirit.
Fasting and spiritual disciplines to sharpen focus on God.
Avoiding spiritual contamination (worldliness, unforgiveness, pride).
Conclusion:
Spiritual rebirth is not a finish line—it is a starting point for deep and lasting intimacy with God. You can only enter His presence, understand His voice, and walk in His will when you have been born of the Spirit.
Call to Action:
If you have not experienced this new birth, ask Jesus to transform your heart today.
If you are born again but have lost intimacy, return to your first love and renew fellowship through the Spirit.
Prayer of Salvation & Renewal:
Lord Jesus, I realize that I cannot know You or see Your Kingdom unless I am born again. I repent of my sins. I believe You died for me and rose again. I ask You to cleanse me, renew me, and give me a new heart. Fill me with Your Spirit and bring me into deep intimacy with You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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