John 3:7
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Marvel not, &c.--If a spiritual nature only can see and enter the kingdom of God; if all we bring into the world with us be the reverse of spiritual; and if this spirituality be solely of the Holy Ghost, no wonder a new birth is indispensable. Ye must--"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. After those universal propositions, about what "a man" must be, to "enter the kingdom of God" (Joh 3:5) --this is remarkable, showing that our Lord meant to hold Himself forth as "separate from sinners."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wind bloweth where it listeth,.... For ought any mortal can say, or do to the contrary: and so the Spirit of God is a free agent in regeneration; he works how, and where, and when he pleases; he acts freely in the first operation of his grace on the heart, and in all after influences of it; as well as in the donation of his gifts to men, for different purposes; see Co1 12:11; and this grace of the Spirit in regeneration, like the wind, is powerful and irresistible; it carries all before it; there is no withstanding it; it throws down Satan's strong holds, demolishes the fortifications of sin; the whole posse of hell, and the corruptions of a man's heart, are not a match for it; when the Spirit works, who can let? and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, nor whither it goeth; as the wind, though its sound is heard, and its force felt, it cannot be seen; nor is it known certainly, from whence it comes, and where are the treasures of it; from whence it begins, and where it ends; so is the grace of the Spirit of God in regeneration to a natural man; it is imperceptible, indiscernible, and unaccountable by him, Co1 2:14. So is every one that is born of the Spirit: he is regenerated by grace, that is, as free and sovereign, as powerful and irresistible, and as secret and imperceptible, as the wind is: and seeing so ordinary a thing as the blowing of the wind is of such a nature, and so little to be accounted for; regeneration by the Spirit of God, who is comparable to the wind, and whose name so signifies, need not be thought so marvellous and astonishing, though the natural man discerns it not, and cannot account for it. The beauty and propriety of this simile will more appear by observing, that the same Hebrew word, is used both for the wind, and for the Spirit of God; it is used for the "wind", in Gen 3:8; and in other places, and for the Spirit of God, in Gen 1:2, and elsewhere: and so likewise the Greek word is used for them both, for the wind in this place, and often for the Holy Ghost: and it may be observed, that the Holy Spirit, because of his powerful, comfortable, and quickening influences, is compared to the wind, especially to the south wind, in some passages of the Old Testament, which Christ might have in view, Sol 4:16. What our Lord here says, concerning the wind, is confirmed by all experience, and philosophical observations; the rise of winds, from whence they come, and whither they go, cannot be ascertained; the treasures of them are only with God, and known to him; see Ecc 11:5.
John 3:7
Jesus and Nicodemus
6Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. 7Do not be amazed that I said, ‘You must be born again.’8The wind blows where it wishes. You hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Birth and Death in the Christian Life
By Leonard Ravenhill14K1:08:32New BirthISA 66:2JHN 1:29JHN 3:3JHN 3:5JHN 3:71JN 2:291JN 3:9In this sermon, the speaker shares various anecdotes and observations to emphasize the importance of accepting Christ. He mentions a man who hired a harp player and was captivated by the transcendent music. The speaker also references a news story about a newborn animal instinctively knowing how to nurse, contrasting it with the helplessness of human babies. He recalls attending a conference in Dublin where George Handel first performed the Messiah outside of Germany. The speaker warns against relying on material possessions and worldly pleasures, emphasizing the need for a supernatural connection with Christ.
Americas Only Hope
By Keith Daniel5.0K1:19:36Revival Praying2CH 7:14MAT 18:3JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ACT 3:19ACT 17:301PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep concern and sorrow for the state of the country and the erosion of freedom of speech. He recounts a powerful experience where he witnessed a building burning down after praying for it to happen. The preacher also shares his burden for the land and his own family, acknowledging the absence of a father figure in their lives. He describes a disturbing scene in a large church where evil music was playing and people were dancing, prompting him to pray for God to intervene. The sermon emphasizes the need for self-respect and the consequences of disregarding it.
(John - Part 14): Ye Must Be Born Again (The Once Born and the Twice Born)
By A.W. Tozer4.4K50:53ExpositionalMAT 6:33JHN 3:71CO 15:22In this sermon, the preacher discusses four important concepts taught in the Bible. The first concept is that there are two heads of the human race: Adam, the head of the natural race, and Christ, the head of the redeemed race. The preacher emphasizes that this teaching is not just a religious belief, but a reflection of the way things truly are. The second concept is that there are two kingdoms in which these two groups exist, and sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between them. The third concept is the importance of being born again, which the preacher explains is a logical and reasonable process. Lastly, the preacher highlights the revolutionary nature of Jesus' teaching in John 3, emphasizing that it surpasses any other religious teaching in its significance.
Hell of Hell
By Reggie Kelly2.1K1:04:12HellJHN 3:72CO 5:11HEB 10:31In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the reality and eternal nature of hell. He describes it as a place of torment, where liquid waves of fire splash against the walls and beasts with bat-like wings sting and gnash upon the inhabitants. Satan himself is said to mock and laugh at those in hell. The preacher urges the audience to believe in the Bible and warns against the dangers of rejecting Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of salvation to avoid the horrors of hell. He references Mark 9:43, where Jesus speaks about the seriousness of hell and suggests that it is better to lose an eye than to go to hell with both eyes.
Worship - Preoccupation With God
By Leonard Ravenhill2.0K1:30:22WorshipGEN 1:1EXO 20:24EXO 24:1JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ROM 8:37PHP 3:14In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging that he has previously preached on the topic of being born again, but feels the need to cover it again due to its importance in our lives. He emphasizes the significance of worship and how it is a demonstration of our allegiance and recognition of God's superiority. The preacher shares the story of the woman with the alabaster ointment, highlighting the depth of her worship and sacrifice. He also mentions the importance of prayer, missionary work, and raising up ministers in a church as indicators of its spiritual temperature.
The Gospel for the Days of Noah
By Rolfe Barnard1.5K44:08Days Of NoahMAT 6:33MAT 24:32JHN 3:7ROM 12:182CO 5:171PE 3:18REV 21:21In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the current state of violence and riots happening in various places, including America. He mentions being present during the riots between white and colored people in Detroit, Michigan. The preacher emphasizes the importance of complete submission to the rule of King Jesus as the only way to endure the judgment on the earth. He also references the story of Noah and the ark, highlighting the moment when God shut the door and locked it from the inside. The sermon concludes with a plea for the audience to seek refuge in the house of God and to hold onto the eternal word of God.
Saved but Perishing
By Paris Reidhead1.4K48:24False ConversionJHN 3:1JHN 3:7JHN 3:14JHN 3:36In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a chemical being transformed into a vegetable, then a cow, and finally a man to illustrate the process of spiritual transformation. He emphasizes that our efforts to change ourselves through self-discipline or positive thinking are in vain. Instead, it is only through the grace of God and belief in Jesus Christ that we can escape perishing and enter into the kingdom of God. The preacher also highlights the misconception that people in the world are happy and fulfilled, pointing out that their happiness is often artificial and dependent on external substances.
Ye Must Be Born Again
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.2K17:35Born AgainPSA 119:105ISA 1:18JHN 3:7ROM 1:182TI 3:16HEB 4:12HEB 5:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wrath of God that is revealed against all ungodliness of men. However, he also highlights the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of being born again and being transformed by God from a sinner to a child of God. The preacher emphasizes the need for a genuine love for God's word and a desire to live according to His commandments. He also encourages believers to be vigilant against the enemy's attacks and to pray for the salvation of others.
The Miraculous Conception
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K51:37ConceptionMAT 6:33LUK 1:26LUK 1:38LUK 2:43LUK 2:49JHN 3:3JHN 3:7In this sermon, the preacher discusses the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ and its implications for humanity. The birth of Jesus by divine intervention through Mary demonstrates the natural depravity of man and the need for a sinless substitute for redemption. It also establishes a precedent for spiritual regeneration and demonstrates the principle of imparted life. The preacher emphasizes the moral responsibility of believers to align their actions and decisions with the purpose for which Jesus Christ lives in them.
The Truth in Jesus (Part 2)
By Ron Bailey1.1K45:08TruthJHN 2:25JHN 3:7ROM 5:1ROM 6:1ROM 6:21In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of sin and its consequences, particularly death. He emphasizes that the scripture reveals the reality of sin and its impact on the world. The preacher also highlights the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of different Bible truths and how they shape our understanding of God's plan. He uses examples from the book of Romans and the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea to illustrate these points. The sermon concludes with a reminder that it is through faith in Jesus Christ that we can find justification and peace with God.
What Happens in the New Birth? Part 2
By John Piper1.0K38:09JER 33:8EZK 36:25JHN 1:12JHN 3:5JHN 3:7This sermon delves into the concept of the new birth as a supernatural miracle initiated by the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes the need for a new life, not just a new religion, and the experience of the supernatural within oneself. The sermon explores the significance of being born of water and the Spirit, highlighting the cleansing and forgiveness that precede the transformation of the heart into one that treasures Jesus above all else. The message concludes with an exhortation to receive Jesus as the sin-forgiving, transforming treasure of life through faith.
1 John 5
By Robert F. Adcock96138:58JHN 3:7JHN 3:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love and obedience in the Christian faith. He highlights the incredible benefits that believers receive through salvation and encourages them to fully understand and appreciate these blessings. The preacher references John 3:16 as a reminder of God's love for the world and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He also reflects on the rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing the profound significance of His death on the cross for the salvation of mankind.
Belfast Easter Conference 1964
By Tom Bentley93231:121CH 29:5PSA 37:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:7JHN 10:16ROM 12:1In this sermon, the speaker recounts a challenge he received from a young Chinese student who questioned the reality of the living God. The student pointed out that believers in a dead God would not be able to walk across fire, as some devotees of a particular God did in their religious ceremony. The speaker reflects on how to respond to this challenge and convey the truth of the living God and the gospel. He also expresses gratitude for the success of their gospel meetings and the conversions they have witnessed. The sermon concludes with a discussion of the Lord's work in Bolivia and the importance of consecrating oneself to the service of the Lord.
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.
The Fact of God's Love
By Paris Reidhead81330:34Love Of GodGEN 1:1GEN 1:26NUM 21:8MAT 6:33JHN 3:7JHN 3:16ROM 8:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their experience of being called to pastor a Presbyterian church in Osacus, Minnesota many years ago. They prayed about what message to deliver and chose John 3:16 as their verse. The speaker discusses the concepts of penalty, privilege, resolve, and moral government in relation to the law. They emphasize that the law is given out of love and is meant to protect society. The speaker also addresses the concept of the Trinity, using the analogy of light consisting of three different rays to explain the nature of God.
Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-01 Studies in Daniel 01
By Joseph Balsan72956:26ISA 55:6DAN 12:4MAT 24:14JHN 3:3JHN 3:7ROM 5:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of adapting to one's surroundings and being open-minded. He mentions the challenges faced by four young men in Israel who were influenced by the culture around them. The speaker also discusses the significance of accepting God's gift of salvation and recognizing His power and generosity. He then transitions to discussing the book of Daniel, specifically focusing on the historical fulfillment of events in the first six chapters and the visions of the four empires in chapters 2 and 7. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the audience to be stirred and obedient to God in a time of spiritual decline.
If Any Man Be in Christ, He Is a New Creature
By Jack Hyles72746:36MAT 6:33JHN 3:7ROM 6:61CO 6:42CO 5:171PE 1:23In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being born again in order to go to heaven. He uses the analogy of three men, all born as sons of Adam, to illustrate the concept. One man, who attends a liberal church and does not hear the gospel, remains in his old nature and does not experience salvation. The preacher highlights the conflict between the old nature and the new nature in a believer's life, showing that even after being born again, the old nature still exists. He emphasizes the need to choose the new nature and live according to God's will.
The Musts of Christs Commandment
By Ian Paisley48235:39MAT 24:6MAT 26:53MRK 13:10LUK 2:49JHN 3:7JHN 4:4In this sermon, the preacher explores the parallelism between two chapters in the Gospel of John: chapter 3 and chapter 4. The preacher highlights the parallel of identity between two characters introduced in these chapters - a religious man and a reprobate woman. Despite their different backgrounds, both characters are representative of fallen humanity. The preacher emphasizes that both sinners are in need of the same gospel message, which is the love of God demonstrated through the gift of His only begotten Son.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 113
By Don Courville41527:50Radio ShowLAM 2:9JHN 3:7ACT 20:28ACT 20:31ROM 12:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and warning others about the corruption of the word of God. He highlights the need for accurate translations based on an uncorrupted text. The preacher also encourages generosity and reminds the congregation that God will bless those who give. He then shifts the focus to revival, expressing the belief that the land is due for a spiritual awakening. The sermon concludes with an invitation to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and be born again.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 486
By Don Courville32125:23Radio ShowGEN 37:23PSA 27:14PSA 40:3MRK 8:36JHN 3:7ROM 10:13In this sermon, the preacher shares the story of Edith, who built a small mud brick dispensary in the Belgian Congo with a gift of 10 pounds from two blind ladies. Over the course of 20 years, this tiny work grew into a medical crusade operating in nine countries around the world. The preacher emphasizes the power of giving one's life to God and the potential impact it can have. The sermon also discusses the importance of surrendering to God's sovereignty and the need to let go of personal glory and possessions.
Gospel of John (2nd Yr Study 17 of 19, Chap19)
By G.W. North14059:58Christian LifeMAT 3:17MAT 27:35MRK 15:24JHN 3:7JHN 19:34JHN 21:241JN 5:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the path of Jesus and fully committing to Him. The preacher highlights the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, specifically focusing on the moment when a soldier pierced Jesus' side and blood and water flowed out. The preacher encourages listeners to understand the depth of God's love and to live their lives as a fulfillment of scripture. The sermon concludes with a reminder to share the Gospel with others and to recognize Jesus as the true King.
"The Once-Born and the Twice-Born"
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual IdentityNew BirthJHN 3:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical distinction between the 'once-born' and 'twice-born' individuals, explaining that being born again is not merely a religious teaching but a vital truth that classifies humanity into two groups: those who are in Adam and those who are in Christ. He stresses that the new birth is essential for entering the Kingdom of God, as it transforms individuals from the flesh to the Spirit, leading to eternal life. Tozer warns against the dangers of unbelief, which stems from a lack of confidence in Christ as the true reporter of heavenly truths. He calls for self-examination regarding one's spiritual lineage and destiny, urging listeners to recognize the importance of their allegiance to either the kingdom of flesh or the kingdom of God.
Resist Not, Grieve Not, Quench Not
By G. Campbell Morgan0The Holy SpiritSpiritual ResponsibilityJHN 3:7JHN 4:14JHN 7:38ACT 7:51ROM 12:12CO 13:5GAL 5:22EPH 4:301TH 5:191PE 4:10G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the new responsibilities that come with the privileges of the current age, which also bring significant perils, particularly the dangers of resisting, grieving, and quenching the Holy Spirit. He explains that resisting the Spirit is a peril for those not born again, grieving the Spirit pertains to those indwelt by Him, and quenching the Spirit relates to those equipped for service. Morgan urges believers to self-examine their faith and warns against actions that may cause sorrow to the Holy Spirit, ultimately hindering God's purposes. He concludes with a call to loyalty and obedience to the Spirit's leading, highlighting the importance of waiting on God for guidance in service.
Repentance ("Ye Must Be Born Again")
By Hans R. Waldvogel0New BirthRepentanceMAT 4:17LUK 13:3JHN 3:7JHN 14:6ACT 17:30ROM 1:182CO 5:17GAL 5:16EPH 1:31JN 1:9Hans R. Waldvogel emphasizes the necessity of repentance and being born again to truly worship God in spirit and truth. He critiques the current state of the church, likening it to a circus where true worship is absent due to a lack of genuine transformation in individuals. Waldvogel asserts that God commands all men everywhere to repent, warning that without repentance, one remains under God's wrath. He illustrates the transformation from sinner to son of God, highlighting the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and living a life aligned with God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a return to recognizing Jesus as the King who demands obedience and repentance from all.
The Creation and Consecration of the Ark
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual JourneyThe Ark of the CovenantEXO 30:25PSA 84:5JHN 1:4JHN 3:7JHN 6:38JHN 7:46JHN 10:10ROM 12:12CO 5:171JN 4:17T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Ark of the Covenant as a representation of the greatness and glory of the Lord Jesus Christ, illustrating how the ark's journey reflects the spiritual journey of God's people. He explains that just as the ark moved inwardly and deeper into the life of God's people, so too must Jesus move from being an objective reality to a subjective experience in the lives of believers. Sparks highlights that true Christian life begins with the new creation in Christ, which is entirely a work of God, and that believers must recognize their heavenly citizenship and the eternal life they receive through Him. He concludes by stressing the importance of consecration, where the blood and oil symbolize atonement and the Holy Spirit's life, affirming that believers are wholly for God.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Marvel not, &c.--If a spiritual nature only can see and enter the kingdom of God; if all we bring into the world with us be the reverse of spiritual; and if this spirituality be solely of the Holy Ghost, no wonder a new birth is indispensable. Ye must--"Ye, says Jesus, not we" [BENGEL]. After those universal propositions, about what "a man" must be, to "enter the kingdom of God" (Joh 3:5) --this is remarkable, showing that our Lord meant to hold Himself forth as "separate from sinners."
John Gill Bible Commentary
The wind bloweth where it listeth,.... For ought any mortal can say, or do to the contrary: and so the Spirit of God is a free agent in regeneration; he works how, and where, and when he pleases; he acts freely in the first operation of his grace on the heart, and in all after influences of it; as well as in the donation of his gifts to men, for different purposes; see Co1 12:11; and this grace of the Spirit in regeneration, like the wind, is powerful and irresistible; it carries all before it; there is no withstanding it; it throws down Satan's strong holds, demolishes the fortifications of sin; the whole posse of hell, and the corruptions of a man's heart, are not a match for it; when the Spirit works, who can let? and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, nor whither it goeth; as the wind, though its sound is heard, and its force felt, it cannot be seen; nor is it known certainly, from whence it comes, and where are the treasures of it; from whence it begins, and where it ends; so is the grace of the Spirit of God in regeneration to a natural man; it is imperceptible, indiscernible, and unaccountable by him, Co1 2:14. So is every one that is born of the Spirit: he is regenerated by grace, that is, as free and sovereign, as powerful and irresistible, and as secret and imperceptible, as the wind is: and seeing so ordinary a thing as the blowing of the wind is of such a nature, and so little to be accounted for; regeneration by the Spirit of God, who is comparable to the wind, and whose name so signifies, need not be thought so marvellous and astonishing, though the natural man discerns it not, and cannot account for it. The beauty and propriety of this simile will more appear by observing, that the same Hebrew word, is used both for the wind, and for the Spirit of God; it is used for the "wind", in Gen 3:8; and in other places, and for the Spirit of God, in Gen 1:2, and elsewhere: and so likewise the Greek word is used for them both, for the wind in this place, and often for the Holy Ghost: and it may be observed, that the Holy Spirit, because of his powerful, comfortable, and quickening influences, is compared to the wind, especially to the south wind, in some passages of the Old Testament, which Christ might have in view, Sol 4:16. What our Lord here says, concerning the wind, is confirmed by all experience, and philosophical observations; the rise of winds, from whence they come, and whither they go, cannot be ascertained; the treasures of them are only with God, and known to him; see Ecc 11:5.