The new birth is necessary, because knowledge of Jesus isn't enough to save you. Sound theology doesn't convert. Even the devils have good theology (James 2:9). It take more than mere mental ascent to be delivered. Nicodemus didn't seem to understand that. He was, possibly, a legalist who though we become right with God through the things we do.
The new birth is necessary, because it opens our eyes to the kingdom. Paul says that the god of this age has blinded unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4). They need their eyes to be open. The new birth opens blinded eyes, and makes the kingdom visible and lovely.
The new birth is necessary, but it isn't something we have the power to do. Nicodemus was shocked that Jesus expected him to be born again. Nicodemus basic admits he can't do it, and Jesus tells him that he is right. Flesh gives birth to flesh. Humanity has a fallen nature that is bent away from God. We need God to bring us to life, and turn us toward him.
In the end, we are left with the same message: the new birth is mandatory. But if it is beyond our power what can we do. We can stop hardening our heart toward the Spirit. We can begin to cry out to God for mercy. And we can start looking for the signs of the Spirit's work in our lives.
Evening: We had our Foundations Class (Part 14). It was about Joshua and the Conquest. Although, we followed a brief outline of the book of Joshua we focused most on: Joshua 1:1-11; 5:13-15; 6:17, 22-23, 25; and Joshua 24:14-27. We saw some of the ways that Joshua paralleled Jesus, such as, name, receiving the reigns from Moses, and leading God's people into the Promise Land.
Principles:
- What the Lord commands you to do, he will give you the strength for.
- Faithfulness is success in God's eyes.
- The Lord is our Master, not our servant.
- Faithfulness breeds faithfulness.
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