Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP 29 March 2020
Text: 1 Peter 1
Title: “Born again through the word of God” 1 Peter 1:23

INTRODUCTION

1. The purpose of God sending Jesus to the world

a) That He might redeem the world

b) That He might give salvation

c) That He might bring glorious blessings to believers

2. The plan of God

a) To help mankind to believe in the Lord

b) To help people to become “born again” (1 Peter 1:2e)

c) To make us His “born-again children”

A. THE VITAL TEACHING OF BEING “BORN AGAIN”
John 3

1. It was taught by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself

a) This was first explained to Nicodemus, an esteemed teacher of Israel

b) Despite his being a renowned scholar, he could not comprehend this teaching
easily

c) This is a teaching that goes beyond mere comprehension

d) This is doctrine that has to be experienced

e) Without this new birth we cannot see the kingdom of God! (John 3:3)

2. Questions by a deeply puzzle Nicodemus

a) How can a man be born when he is old? (John 3:4a)

b) Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born? (John 4:4b)

c) Nicodemus thought only of the physical birth process!

d) He could not fathom the concept of being “born again”

3. Highlights of the features of the spiritual new birth

a) Unless he is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5)

i) Water as an emblem of the Spirit of God

ii) Water is an emblem of life

iii) The Spirit of God will bring this new life to the individual

b) Two types of birth distinguished

i) That which is of the flesh John 3:6a

ii) That which is of the Spirit John 3:6b

c) Another emblem of the Spirit- “Wind”

i) It blows where it wishes

ii) You hear the sound of it

iii) You cannot tell where it comes from

iv) You cannot where it goes

v) So is everyone born of the Spirit (John 3:8)

4. Another question by Nicodemus
How can these things be? (John 3:9)

a) It was beyond his field of studies

b) It was beyond his experience

c) Nicodemus had been taught that only by the careful keeping of the Law of God
would one see the Kingdom of God!

d) He was mistaken. He was essentially wrong!

5. Powerful truths that the Lord Jesus had to explain

a) This was a great truth that came from heaven (John 3:12)

b) Jesus was the Son of Man who came from heaven with this word (John 3:13)

c) He had come to offer eternal life to all who would believe in Him (John 3:16)

d) This offer of eternal life comes because of God’s great love for mankind

e) This is an invitation that is still applicable to all today:

i) To believe in Jesus

ii) To receive eternal life

iii) To experience being “born again”

iv) This is a living hope given by a living God

B. A VITAL WORD OF EXHORTATION FROM THE APOSTLE PETER

1. He echoes what the Lord Jesus taught

a) He was an original disciple

b) He had heard what Jesus taught

c) He had been personally trained by the Lord Jesus Himself

2. The features that Peter sought to highlight:

a) The work of the Spirit is acknowledged
“Through the Spirit” (1 Peter 1:22)

i) He sanctifies us (1 Peter 1:2)

ii) He indwells God’s servants (1 Peter 1:11)

iii) He ministers alongside (1 Peter 1:12)

iv) He helps us to obey God (1 Peter 1:22)

v) He gives regeneration
He enables us to be born again (John 3:3)

b) Born again through the Gospel
“Through the word of God” (1 Peter 1:23)

i) The vital role of the Word of God (1 Peter 1:23)

i) The Word is alive (1 Peter 1:23)

ii) The Word abides forever (1 Peter 1:25)

iv) The Word is the Gospel (1 Peter 1:25)

C. OUR CHALLENGE

1. To check our salvation in Christ

a) Do we understand what it means to be “born again?”

b) Have we experienced the life-giving water of the Spirit of God?

c) Have we experienced the wind of the Spirit of God?

d) Are we able to see/ understand the kingdom of God?

2. Look for these wonderful features:

a) There is a living hope in our hearts

b) There is love for the Lord Jesus

c) There is joy inexpressible

d) There is a desire to be obedient children

e) There is an appreciation of the place of God’s Word

CONCLUSION

1. Born again
Let us revel in this great reality

2. Growth
It is natural as new-born babes to desire growth
God has provided all we need to grow well

3. Share the Gospel

a) There are many who are not born-again
Though they may be going to Church for many years

b) Let the reality of God’s love compel us to share our faith in Christ Jesus!

BORN AGAIN

When we were born, our parents had hopes and plans;

They were prepared to give their best, and do all they can!

But life has a way to thwart the best designs intended;

And many are sometimes left baffled and stranded!

Thank God that He has an alternative to offer Man;

He knows that we need a Saviour to manage our plans;

He offers a Second Chance in life through being Born Again!

This was a deep and profound truth that Jesus needs to make plain.

God sends His Spirit to give us needed regeneration;

Through faith in Jesus, we will have true salvation.

More than sins pardoned, and a cleansed heart, are given;

He also grants certainty of a wonderful Home in Heaven.

We are Born Again, with a great eternal destiny in mind;

Our part is to discover God’s will and find power divine.

We are Born Again that we may have a life that is fruitful;

This is our great Second Chance to have a life that is bountiful!

Charles Tan

Inspiration: John 3; 1 Peter 1:3