Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That which is born of the flesh is flesh - This is the answer to the objection made by Nicodemus in Joh 3:4. Can a man enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born? Our Lord here intimates that, were even this possible, it would not answer the end; for the plant will ever be of the nature of the seed that produces it - like will beget its like. The kingdom of God is spiritual and holy; and that which is born of the Spirit resembles the Spirit; for as he is who begat, so is he who is begotten of him. Therefore, the spiritual regeneration is essentially necessary, to prepare the soul for a holy and spiritual kingdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That which is born, &c.--A great universal proposition; "That which is begotten carries within itself the nature of that which begat it" [OLSHAUSEN]. flesh--Not the mere material body, but all that comes into the world by birth, the entire man; yet not humanity simply, but in its corrupted, depraved condition, in complete subjection to the law of the fall (Rom 8:1-9). So that though a man "could enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born," he would be no nearer this "new birth" than before (Job 14:4; Psa 51:5). is spirit--"partakes of and possesses His spiritual nature."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Marvel not that I said unto thee,...., For Nicodemus was quite astonished, at this doctrine of the new birth; it was altogether new to him, and unheard of by him; nor could he understand, nor conceive in what manner it could be: ye must be born again; in "four" of Beza's copies, it is read "we"; but as Christ was not begotten in a carnal way, or descended not from Adam in the ordinary way of generation, he was not carnal and corrupt, nor in the least tainted with sin; and so stood in no need of regeneration; wherefore such a reading must be rejected. There is a necessity of the regeneration of those, who are the chosen of God, and the redeemed of the Lamb; and of them only can the words be understood; for as for others, they neither can, nor will, nor must be born again: but the people of God "must"; partly because it is the will of God; it is his purpose and resolution, that they shall be regenerated; he has chosen them, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto salvation by Christ: this is the way and method of saving sinners he has fixed upon, namely, not to save them by works of righteousness, but by grace, and according to abundant mercy, through the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost: and partly, because of the case and condition of men, which requires it; for whereas the chosen people of God, are predestinated to the adoption of children, and are taken into the family of God, and are heirs to an inheritance, it is necessary they should have a nature, temper, and disposition of mind, suitable to the inheritance they are to enjoy; which they have not in their natural estate, and which is conveyed to them in regeneration: besides, their carnal minds are enmity to God, and it is necessary that they should be friendly to him, which cannot be without regeneration; nor can they, till they are born again, please God, or do those things which are pleasing to him: to which may be added, which Christ has before suggested, and which shows the necessity of it, that without it, no man can either see, or enter into the kingdom of God. To take off the surprise of Nicodemus, our Lord instances in a common natural case, and to which this affair of regeneration may be compared, and by it illustrated.
Jesus and Nicodemus
5Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.6Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. 7Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Holy Spirit, Why Some Can't Receive Him
By A.W. Tozer7.3K35:59Holy SpiritGEN 4:8MAT 5:10MAT 22:14JHN 3:6JHN 10:27ACT 9:3HEB 12:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to hear and recognize the voice of God. He compares Christians to a generation that is odd and different from the world. The speaker highlights the historical separation between the church and the world, but notes that in modern times, it has become difficult to distinguish between Christians and non-Christians. He concludes by stating that true Christians are those who are touched by God, hear His call, and respond to His message.
Loved With Everlasting Love - Part 3
By Paris Reidhead3.3K45:11Everlasting LoveMAT 4:19JHN 3:6ACT 2:422TI 3:15JAS 2:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the process of receiving the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of being awakened to the danger of self-love and selfishness, and being convicted of one's sins. The preacher explains that when the Holy Spirit seals believers, they are able to receive the broadcast from the antenna of Calvary, which leads to repentance and faith. He also highlights the different types of faith, including head faith (intellectual ascent), dead faith (religious rituals), and heart faith (totality of being). The sermon encourages listeners to have a genuine, heartfelt faith in God.
(Genesis) Genesis 10 Intro
By J. Vernon McGee2.9K04:55GenesisGEN 9:20MAT 6:33MAT 26:41JHN 3:6GAL 2:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Noah and his sin of getting drunk. The purpose of this story being recorded is to show the weakness of the flesh and to encourage the children of Israel in their journey to the land of Canaan. The preacher emphasizes that although we may not struggle with the same sin as Noah, we can still be displeasing to God if we live in the flesh. The sermon also touches on the misconception of life and the universe, highlighting the excessive spending on space exploration while neglecting spiritual matters.
Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 5
By T. Austin-Sparks2.5K54:18Seeing JesusLUK 1:35JHN 1:12JHN 3:6JHN 16:331JN 3:11JN 5:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the significance of being a child of God and highlights the divine intervention that occurs in the process of new birth. The common misconception of placing the responsibility of the new birth on man is addressed, with the speaker emphasizing that it is a result of God's intervention from heaven. The speaker also mentions the suffering that Mary, the mother of Jesus, experienced as a result of her obedience to God's word. The sermon concludes with the idea that the cross reveals the true thoughts and intentions of people's hearts.
A Clear Gospel Message - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.1K09:22JHN 3:6This sermon delves into the crucial concept of being born again as emphasized in the Bible, highlighting the necessity of true repentance and understanding of sin for genuine salvation. It addresses the misconception of salvation based solely on good deeds or religious practices, stressing the foundational importance of being spiritually reborn through the Holy Spirit. The message draws from the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, illustrating that even a morally upright and religious person like Nicodemus needed to experience a spiritual rebirth to enter God's kingdom.
Spiritual Life - a Humble Spirit
By Stephen Kaung1.5K1:06:06Spiritual LifePSA 51:10ISA 57:15EZK 36:26MAT 8:22LUK 9:55JHN 3:6EPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the condition of our spirit in our spiritual life. He asks the audience to reflect on the state of their spirit, whether it is filled with bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, or bondage. He encourages them to seek a spirit of love, courage, sound mind, wisdom, and humility. The speaker also highlights the significance of having a right spirit before entering into conferences or gatherings, as it determines our ability to receive grace and overcome the attacks of the enemy.
Religious Hell
By Sammy Allen1.3K1:04:06PSA 119:105JHN 3:6JHN 6:63EPH 2:8HEB 12:8JAS 1:261JN 2:12In this sermon, the preacher poses six questions to determine if someone has truly been born again. The questions include whether the Holy Spirit lives in them, if they have become a new creature, if they love the brethren and the church, if they love the word of God, and if they experience chastisement when they do wrong. The preacher references Hebrews 12:8, which states that those without chastisement are not true sons. He also shares personal anecdotes about individuals who made professions of faith and the importance of preaching on specific topics, such as sin and hail. The sermon concludes with a call for preachers to stand up.
Birthed of God
By B.H. Clendennen1.1K29:46MAT 6:9MAT 11:12LUK 16:16JHN 3:3JHN 3:6ROM 8:141CO 15:35GAL 4:6EPH 2:6PHP 3:20COL 3:2This sermon emphasizes the profound relationship with God as our Father that is established through the Holy Spirit at the moment of spiritual birth. It highlights the importance of recognizing God as our Father through the lens of Calvary, rejecting the notion of revisiting past traumas for inner healing, and embracing the new identity as a child of God with supernatural possibilities. The sermon challenges believers to live out their new vocation in the kingdom of God with a transcendent perspective, understanding the violent spiritual battle for their place in the kingdom and the necessity of a desperate, violent pursuit of God's purpose.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Foundations - Spiritual Life
By Stephen Kaung80651:48GEN 2:7GEN 3:6JHN 3:6ROM 6:6ROM 7:15ROM 8:13GAL 5:16HEB 2:7This sermon delves into the creation of man, the purpose of God in creating humanity, the choice between living for oneself or living for Christ, the battle between the spirit and the soul, and the importance of defeating the enemy in our lives to fulfill God's purpose. It emphasizes the need to live for Christ, even in the face of difficulties, and to allow the life of Christ within us to grow and mature, enabling us to be used by God to overcome the works of the enemy.
Foundations - Divine Life
By Stephen Kaung71451:48GEN 2:7JHN 3:6ROM 7:15GAL 5:17This sermon delves into the creation of man, the purpose of God in creating humanity, the struggle between the spirit and the soul, the importance of living for Christ, and the ultimate victory over the enemy through the life of Christ within believers. It emphasizes the choice between living for oneself or living for God, highlighting the need to surrender to Christ and allow His life to grow within, leading to maturity and victory over sin.
Why Are We Here?
By Ernest O'Neill60332:00MAT 4:17MRK 1:15LUK 9:23JHN 3:6ACT 17:30ROM 10:91JN 1:9In this sermon, a father and son engage in a conversation about the purpose of life. The father repeatedly asks the son why they are alive, but the son is unable to provide an answer. The father attends his son's graduation and sees a sign that says "the search for truth," which he believes is the purpose of the university. The father continues to ask his son about his studies, hoping to find an answer to the question of why they are alive. The sermon concludes with the message that God, as a loving father, knows every aspect of our lives and is constantly working to guide us towards our unique purpose. The speaker emphasizes the importance of getting to know God in order to discover our true calling and achieve eternal life.
Oneness With God in His Purpose
By T. Austin-Sparks4SonshipSpiritual BirthJHN 3:6GAL 4:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound nature of the Christian calling, which is not merely about forgiveness and the promise of heaven, but about being part of God's grand purpose to create a heavenly people through sonship. He illustrates this through the life of Abraham and the miraculous birth of Isaac, highlighting that true sonship is a supernatural act of God, requiring a new birth by the Spirit. Sparks urges young Christians to grasp the enormity of their calling and the necessity of spiritual rebirth, which is foundational to the Christian life. He also discusses the process of divine training that follows this new birth, preparing believers for their future roles as manifested sons of God. Ultimately, he reassures that the struggles faced in life serve to develop spiritual maturity and responsibility in God's children.
Elisha and the Sons of the Prophets
By T. Austin-Sparks3Resurrection LifeSpiritual Maturity1SA 19:182KI 2:3JHN 3:6ROM 8:61CO 2:14GAL 5:24PHP 3:10T. Austin-Sparks explores the relationship between Elisha and the sons of the prophets, emphasizing their spiritual immaturity and the need for true understanding of God's ways. He highlights the transition from priestly to prophetic ministry, where the sons of the prophets were trained to declare God's mind directly, contrasting their initial flippancy towards Elisha with their eventual recognition of his authority. Sparks warns against spiritual pride and the dangers of relying on human reasoning rather than the power of resurrection life embodied in Elisha. He illustrates the necessity of spiritual discernment and the importance of being grounded in Christ to fulfill their prophetic ministry effectively. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper acceptance of the implications of resurrection life in the believers' lives.
Repentance and Conversion
By George Whitefield3GEN 25:22MAT 7:23MRK 16:16JHN 3:6ACT 3:192CO 5:172CO 6:2PHP 3:8George Whitefield emphasizes the importance of true conversion, highlighting the need for repentance and being converted to have sins forgiven and experience spiritual renewal. He points out that conversion involves a deep inner change, not just external reformation, and stresses the necessity of depending on the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Whitefield underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion, stating that it is a divine work that cannot be achieved through human effort alone. He warns about the consequences of not being converted, emphasizing the urgency of seeking salvation and finding true rest for the soul before it's too late.
The Enduement of Power
By Oswald J. Smith2Holy SpiritEmpowerment for MinistryZEC 4:6MAT 7:7JHN 3:6JHN 6:63ACT 1:8ROM 8:261CO 2:4GAL 5:22EPH 3:162TI 1:7Oswald J. Smith emphasizes the necessity of the Holy Spirit's power for effective ministry, arguing that true success in evangelism comes not from talent but from divine empowerment. He reflects on the historical impact of the Spirit on the apostles and the need for modern ministers to seek this same anointing through deep prayer and humility. Smith warns against relying on human abilities, asserting that without the Spirit, ministry is ineffective and lacks spiritual fruit. He calls for a return to earnest prayer and a genuine pursuit of the Holy Spirit's presence to witness true conversions and revival. The sermon serves as a challenge to preachers to evaluate their reliance on the Spirit for their effectiveness in ministry.
Compromise Is Costly
By A.W. Tozer2Spiritual IdentityCompromiseMAT 6:24JHN 3:6ROM 12:22CO 6:14GAL 5:17EPH 5:11COL 3:2JAS 4:41PE 2:91JN 2:15A.W. Tozer emphasizes the dangers of compromise within Christianity, arguing that the Church's entanglement with the world leads to a loss of its true identity and purpose. He warns that such a union results in a hybrid entity that is both contemptible to the world and abominable to God. Tozer stresses that true Christianity is rooted in the new birth through the Holy Spirit, not in external affiliations or manipulations. He calls for a serious commitment to the Word of God, urging believers to recognize the spiritual essence of their faith. The sermon serves as a wake-up call for Christians to examine their relationship with the world and to uphold the distinctiveness of their faith.
The Christian and Psychic Force
By Watchman Nee1Spiritual WarfareDiscernmentGEN 2:7EZK 36:26MAT 7:15JHN 3:6ROM 8:22CO 11:14GAL 5:16EPH 5:181TH 5:211JN 4:1Watchman Nee addresses the latent psychic force within humanity, emphasizing that while Adam possessed miraculous abilities at creation, these powers became hidden after the fall. He warns that Satan seeks to control and exploit this latent power, leading to confusion between divine miracles and those produced by human psychic abilities. Nee highlights the importance of discerning between the workings of the Holy Spirit and the manipulations of the enemy, urging Christians to rely on God's spirit rather than their own soul power. He concludes by stressing the need for vigilance against deception in spiritual matters, as the enemy continues to exploit human abilities for his purposes.
Deliverance From the Flesh
By Watchman Nee1DeliveranceCo-Crucifixion with ChristJHN 3:6ROM 8:3GAL 5:19GAL 5:24COL 2:11Watchman Nee emphasizes that true deliverance from the flesh comes through the cross of Christ. He explains that while regeneration occurs through belief in Jesus' substitutional death, believers must also experience co-crucifixion with Christ to overcome the flesh's desires. Nee highlights that the flesh cannot be educated or cleansed but must be crucified, allowing believers to walk in the Spirit. He encourages those new in faith to understand the significance of the cross and the necessity of dying to the flesh to live victoriously. Ultimately, the path to freedom from the flesh is through identifying with Christ's death and resurrection.
The Man Child
By T. Austin-Sparks1JHN 3:6T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the concept of sonship in representative fullness, emphasizing that the revelation of Christ in the believer's heart leads to the conception of Christ within. He highlights that sonship is not achievable by human effort but is solely a work of God, beyond the will or mind of man. The sermon delves into the formation of Christ within the church through ministry and discipline, culminating in the birth of the man child as a crisis and act of rapture. It explores the wrath of Satan against sonship in full expression and the ultimate victory when the man child is caught up to God's throne, signifying the establishment of divine principles in the heavenlies.
The Pain of Cross-Bearing
By A.W. Tozer0SacrificeDiscipleshipLUK 12:51LUK 14:26JHN 3:6JHN 7:5A.W. Tozer addresses the challenges of true discipleship in 'The Pain of Cross-Bearing,' emphasizing that many Christians compromise their faith for the sake of peace and acceptance, particularly within family dynamics. He argues that true allegiance to Christ may require difficult choices, including the potential severing of familial ties, as the call to follow Jesus often leads to division rather than harmony. Tozer highlights that the essence of the cross is misunderstood by those who prioritize earthly relationships over spiritual commitments, urging believers to embrace the cost of discipleship without fear of rejection from loved ones.
No Breath No Life.
By Horatius Bonar0The Role of the Holy SpiritSpiritual VitalityISA 64:6EZK 37:8MAT 7:22JHN 3:6JHN 20:22ACT 1:8ROM 8:112CO 5:17GAL 2:20JAS 2:19Horatius Bonar emphasizes the necessity of the 'breath of life' in the spiritual life of individuals and congregations, using Ezekiel 37:8 to illustrate that mere appearance or sound doctrine is insufficient without the Holy Spirit's life-giving presence. He outlines four stages of spiritual renewal, highlighting that a church or individual may seem alive yet lack true vitality if they do not possess the Spirit. Bonar warns against self-deception, where one may mistake orthodoxy, religious practices, or good works for genuine faith. He concludes that without the breath of life, all efforts are in vain, leading to an imperfect, unhappy, and unsuccessful existence. The sermon calls for a deep, personal connection with God to truly embody the Christian life.
The Supernatural Death and Resurrection of Christ
By T. Austin-Sparks0Supernatural Nature of ChristThe Church as a Supernatural BodyDEU 21:23MAT 16:18JHN 3:6ACT 2:4ROM 6:91CO 15:54GAL 2:20EPH 1:4COL 1:181PE 1:3T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the supernatural nature of Christ's death and resurrection, arguing against the notion that Jesus' death was merely that of a martyr. He asserts that Christ's death is a spiritual power that addresses the root cause of death—sin—and leads to victory over it, while the resurrection is a divine act that underpins the foundation of Christianity. Sparks highlights that the Church itself is a supernatural entity, birthed by the Holy Spirit and existing in God's eternal plan, rather than a human creation. He calls for a recognition of the divine origin of the Church and its ongoing supernatural sustenance through the Spirit. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the necessity of discerning the spiritual from the natural in understanding the Church's mission and existence.
Regeneration
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual GrowthRegenerationPRO 20:27EZK 36:26JHN 3:6JHN 3:14Watchman Nee discusses the concept of regeneration, explaining that unregenerated man is spiritually dead and separated from God, with his soul and flesh dominating his life. He emphasizes that regeneration, which occurs when one believes in Jesus, allows the Holy Spirit to enter and enliven the spirit, leading to a transformation where the spirit governs the soul and body. Nee outlines the three stages of a believer's life post-regeneration: the flesh, the soul, and the spirit, highlighting that while regeneration is complete, spiritual maturity is a process. He reassures believers that struggles with sin do not negate their regeneration, as they are still growing in their faith. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit's work in regeneration is foundational for a believer's spiritual journey.
Realm of Spirit
By John Follette0LUK 24:13JHN 3:6JHN 16:13ROM 8:51CO 2:101CO 2:14GAL 5:25EPH 5:18COL 3:2John Follette preaches about the importance of living a life in the Spirit, emphasizing the need to keep our spirits open and sensitized to God's continuous flow and movement over us. He encourages believers to allow the Spirit to bring a deposit of God-likeness and spiritual reality into their inner consciousness, transforming them over time. Follette highlights the necessity of coming into an inner consciousness of the vast realm of the kingdom of God and discovering the laws and principles in the spiritual realm for a fulfilling life. He urges listeners to be practical in the natural realm while living with God in the spiritual realm, making discoveries of truths and principles through diligent pursuit and study.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That which is born of the flesh is flesh - This is the answer to the objection made by Nicodemus in Joh 3:4. Can a man enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born? Our Lord here intimates that, were even this possible, it would not answer the end; for the plant will ever be of the nature of the seed that produces it - like will beget its like. The kingdom of God is spiritual and holy; and that which is born of the Spirit resembles the Spirit; for as he is who begat, so is he who is begotten of him. Therefore, the spiritual regeneration is essentially necessary, to prepare the soul for a holy and spiritual kingdom.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
That which is born, &c.--A great universal proposition; "That which is begotten carries within itself the nature of that which begat it" [OLSHAUSEN]. flesh--Not the mere material body, but all that comes into the world by birth, the entire man; yet not humanity simply, but in its corrupted, depraved condition, in complete subjection to the law of the fall (Rom 8:1-9). So that though a man "could enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born," he would be no nearer this "new birth" than before (Job 14:4; Psa 51:5). is spirit--"partakes of and possesses His spiritual nature."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Marvel not that I said unto thee,...., For Nicodemus was quite astonished, at this doctrine of the new birth; it was altogether new to him, and unheard of by him; nor could he understand, nor conceive in what manner it could be: ye must be born again; in "four" of Beza's copies, it is read "we"; but as Christ was not begotten in a carnal way, or descended not from Adam in the ordinary way of generation, he was not carnal and corrupt, nor in the least tainted with sin; and so stood in no need of regeneration; wherefore such a reading must be rejected. There is a necessity of the regeneration of those, who are the chosen of God, and the redeemed of the Lamb; and of them only can the words be understood; for as for others, they neither can, nor will, nor must be born again: but the people of God "must"; partly because it is the will of God; it is his purpose and resolution, that they shall be regenerated; he has chosen them, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto salvation by Christ: this is the way and method of saving sinners he has fixed upon, namely, not to save them by works of righteousness, but by grace, and according to abundant mercy, through the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost: and partly, because of the case and condition of men, which requires it; for whereas the chosen people of God, are predestinated to the adoption of children, and are taken into the family of God, and are heirs to an inheritance, it is necessary they should have a nature, temper, and disposition of mind, suitable to the inheritance they are to enjoy; which they have not in their natural estate, and which is conveyed to them in regeneration: besides, their carnal minds are enmity to God, and it is necessary that they should be friendly to him, which cannot be without regeneration; nor can they, till they are born again, please God, or do those things which are pleasing to him: to which may be added, which Christ has before suggested, and which shows the necessity of it, that without it, no man can either see, or enter into the kingdom of God. To take off the surprise of Nicodemus, our Lord instances in a common natural case, and to which this affair of regeneration may be compared, and by it illustrated.