WORD OF THE WEEK = "BORN AGAIN": Discovering Your Brand New Life in Christ.
- Thad DeBuhr
- Jul 16
- 12 min read
Let's face it, some of the most important things Christians should know are also the hardest to talk about. Most awkward conversations about faith happen because we're just not ready. Think about it: we train and practice for so many other things in life.
Got a new product at work? We learn all its benefits and practice what to say. Looking into investing or retirement? We do our homework, ask experts, and learn the jargon. Starting a new hobby? You bet we research all the tools and gadgets.
The truth is, we know how to study, research, and practice talking about stuff that truly matters to us. So, let's take those same skills and use them to become better at sharing our faith. We can learn to weave God's Word and key parts of our faith into everyday talks without it getting weird.
That's exactly what this Word of the Week study guide is for. We're going to dig into one of the most basic ideas in our faith: being Born Again. It's crucial to understand what it means, how Jesus taught it, and how others explained it. But it's just as important to know how to bring it up in regular conversations.
So, grab your journal and a pen, pour another cup of coffee, and get ready for some hands-on training. We're here to help you go from awkward to awesome!
Word of the Week: Born Again – Your New Beginning
The concept of "born again" is a cornerstone of Christian theology, famously articulated in John chapter 3, where Jesus speaks with Nicodemus. Understanding their conversation is crucial to grasping the full significance of being "born again."
Before you dive in, pause here and read John 3:1-9 in two or three different Bible translations. I would suggest the NLT and one of these, ESV, NKJV, NIV, NASB. Bonus points if you take the time to write it out before moving on!
The Setting: A Secret Meeting Under Cover of Night
Nicodemus, a prominent Pharisee and Jewish leader, visited Jesus "by night" (John 3:2). His high position made openly associating with Jesus risky. This nocturnal visit suggests a mix of curiosity, a desire for private inquiry, and perhaps fear of his peers. Nicodemus respectfully acknowledged Jesus's divine authority, setting the stage for a theological discussion.
The Crux of the Conversation: "Born Again" (γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν)
Jesus immediately stated, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Nicodemus was perplexed, asking how an old man could be physically reborn (John 3:4).
This highlights the brilliant double meaning of the Greek phrase γεννηθῇ ἄνωθεν (gennēthē anōthen).
γεννηθῇ (gennēthē): means "to be born."
ἄνωθεν (anōthen): means both "again" (Nicodemus's interpretation) and "from above" (Jesus's intended meaning, referring to a spiritual birth from God).
Jesus clarified, "unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:5). He emphasized that what is born of flesh is flesh, but what is born of the Spirit is spirit. This spiritual birth is a divine, not human, act of regeneration.
The Significance of the Conversation
This conversation is profoundly significant, establishing spiritual rebirth as the fundamental requirement for entering God's kingdom. It moves beyond external adherence to the law, which Nicodemus meticulously observed, to an internal, supernatural transformation. Jesus showed that mere physical lineage or religious observance is insufficient; a radical, inward change by God's Spirit is needed to truly "see" and "enter" the kingdom of God.
Parallels in Hebrew Thought: A Deeper Understanding
While the phrase "born again" is distinctly New Testament Greek, the underlying concept of spiritual transformation and renewal has deep roots in Hebrew thought, providing a rich backdrop for Jesus's teaching:
Conversion of Gentiles: In ancient Judaism, a Gentile who converted to Judaism was indeed considered "like a child newly born" in a legal and spiritual sense. This involved ritual immersion (mikvah), symbolizing a complete break from their past life and an entry into the covenant community of Israel. This cultural understanding of "rebirth" in a spiritual or communal context would have been familiar to Nicodemus.
Heart Circumcision: The Old Testament frequently speaks of the need for an inner transformation, a "circumcision of the heart" (Deuteronomy 30:6, Jeremiah 4:4). This was not about a physical ritual, but about a spiritual cutting away of stubbornness and idolatry, leading to a heart wholly devoted to God. This resonates strongly with the idea of a spiritual rebirth that changes one's innermost being.
New Covenant and New Heart: Prophets like Jeremiah (31:31-34) and Ezekiel (36:26-27) foretold a "new covenant" where God would write His law on the hearts of His people, and give them a "new heart" and a "new spirit." These prophecies speak of a radical, divine act of renewal and regeneration that profoundly changes individuals from the inside out, aligning their desires with God's will. This is precisely what Jesus describes as being "born of the Spirit."
In conclusion, the story of Jesus and Nicodemus offers a foundational teaching on salvation: the profound spiritual regeneration that originates "from above." This concept, deeply rooted in both Hebrew Scriptures and Jesus's teachings, ultimately points to the new life brought about by the power of God's Spirit.
How to Talk About Being "Born Again": A Modern Believer's Guide
You've got a powerful and essential truth to share! Helping someone understand what it means to be "born again" is like opening their eyes to a whole new dimension of life with God. Here's a guide to help you confidently and compassionately talk about this profound concept with others.
1. Understanding "Born Again" in Simple Terms
Before you talk to others, make sure you're clear on it yourself!
The Core Idea: Being "born again" isn't about physical re-birth. It's about a spiritual new beginning that God gives us. It's like moving from spiritual death to spiritual life, from being separated from God to having a real, living relationship with Him.
Think of it like this:
A new nature: Imagine having a fresh start, a clean slate, and a new way of seeing and wanting things. That's what happens spiritually.
A new family: You become a child of God, part of His spiritual family.
A new purpose: Your life gets a new direction and meaning, centered on God.
Key Scripture for You to Remember:
John 3:3, 5-7 (Jesus to Nicodemus): "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God... unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." (Emphasize the spiritual nature).
2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (This beautifully describes the result of being born again).
1 Peter 1:3: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (Points to God as the source of this new birth).
2. When to Bring It Up: Weaving It Into Conversation
You don't need to force the topic. Look for natural openings where the concept of a new beginning, purpose, or overcoming struggles might fit.
When someone expresses dissatisfaction with life: "I just feel like something is missing," or "I wish I could start over."
Your response might be: "Many people feel that way. You know, Jesus talked about a way to have a real 'new beginning' that changes everything from the inside out."
When discussing struggles with sin or bad habits: "I keep trying to change, but I just can't."
Your response might be: "It's so hard to change on our own, isn't it? The Bible talks about how God can actually give us a whole new nature that helps us desire to live differently."
When talking about meaning or purpose: "What's the point of it all?"
Your response might be: "For me, finding true meaning came when I discovered what the Bible calls being 'born again.' It's like receiving a whole new spiritual life and purpose from God Himself."
When sharing your own testimony (briefly): If you're talking about your own spiritual journey, the "born again" concept can naturally fit in.
Your response might be: "My life really changed when I invited Jesus in and experienced what the Bible calls being 'born again.' It was like hitting a reset button on my soul."
When people ask about "what Christians believe":
Your response might be: "At the heart of it, being a Christian means having a personal relationship with God, which starts with a spiritual transformation the Bible calls being 'born again.'"
3. How to Share the Idea: Simple Language and Clear Steps
Tip 1: Avoid Jargon at First. Instead of immediately saying "born again," start with more accessible phrases like "spiritual new beginning," "fresh start with God," or "new life from God." Once they grasp the concept, you can introduce the specific term and its biblical origin.
Tip 2: Focus on the "Why." Why do we need to be born again? Because our natural human state is spiritually separated from God due to sin (Romans 3:23). We can't fix this separation on our own. God provides the solution.
Tip 3: Use Analogies (like Jesus did!).
A spiritual birth: Just as a physical birth brings you into a new family, a spiritual birth brings you into God's family.
A new seed: God plants a "seed" of divine life within us (1 John 3:9), changing our desires.
A new spiritual DNA: We receive God's nature (2 Peter 1:4).
Tip 4: Emphasize God's Role. This isn't something we do; it's something God does for us when we respond to Him in faith. It's His gift.
Sample Conversation Flow:
Listen & Connect: Start by listening to their questions or struggles.
Introduce the Need: "You know, the Bible teaches that all of us, deep down, are kind of separated from God, even if we don't realize it. It's like we're born into a spiritual condition that keeps us from truly knowing Him." (Refer to Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God").
Introduce God's Solution: "But the amazing news is that God loves us so much that He made a way for us to have a fresh start, a completely new relationship with Him. Jesus called this being 'born again' or 'born from above' because it's a spiritual work that God does in us." (Refer to John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.")
Explain the "How": "It's not about doing enough good things, but about believing in Jesus and inviting Him to change you from the inside out. When you put your trust in Him, God gives you a brand new spiritual life. It's like becoming a new person on the inside." (Refer to Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." and Revelation 3:20 - "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.")
Explain the Outcome: "When you're born again, you start to see things differently, you have a new desire to follow God, and you know you're part of His family. It's a real relationship that grows over time." (Refer to 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.")
4. What to Do Next: If Someone is Receptive
If someone expresses genuine interest and wants to experience this "new birth," guide them gently and clearly.
1. Clarify Their Understanding: Ask questions like:
"From what we've talked about, what does 'being born again' mean to you?"
"Why do you think this is something you need?" This helps you gauge their understanding and address any lingering confusion.
2. Explain the Decision (Repentance and Faith): Being born again involves two key responses on our part:
Repentance: Turning away from our old way of life (sin) and turning towards God. It's a change of mind that leads to a change of direction.
Faith: Believing that Jesus is God's Son, that He died for our sins, and rose again, and entrusting our lives to Him.
3. Guide Them in a Simple Prayer: Emphasize that the prayer itself isn't magic, but it's an expression of their sincere heart turning to God. Encourage them to pray in their own words, or you can guide them with a simple prayer like this:
"Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and that I need a new start. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. I want to turn away from my old ways and follow You. Please forgive me for my sins. I invite Jesus into my life right now to be my Lord and Savior. I want to be born again, to receive new life from You. Thank You for your love and for making me a child of God. Amen."
4. What Happens Next? (Immediate Encouragement and Support)
Assurance of Salvation: Reassure them that if they prayed sincerely, God has heard them and they are now His child. You can point to scriptures like Romans 10:9-10: "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved."
The Holy Spirit: Explain that God's Holy Spirit now lives inside them to help them (John 14:16-17).
Next Steps for Growth:
Baptism - Your First Public Step! The very next step after inviting Jesus into your life is baptism. This is a public declaration of your new faith in Jesus. It symbolizes that your old life of sin has "died" with Christ, and you are "raised" to a new life with Him. It's an outward sign of the inward change God has done in your heart. In the Bible, new believers were often baptized immediately after believing!
Acts 2:38-41: After Peter preached, people asked what to do, and he told them to repent and be baptized. "So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls."
Acts 8:36-38: The Ethiopian eunuch, after hearing about Jesus from Philip, immediately asked to be baptized. "And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him."
Acts 16:30-33: The Philippian jailer and his household were baptized "without delay" after believing. Talk to a pastor or a trusted Christian friend about how you can take this important step.
Start Digging into God's Word: God's Word is a lamp to your feet and a light for your path (Psalm 119:105). It's full of God's wisdom, commandments, and instructions for living this new life. To help you learn the Bible in bite-sized chunks and explained in a way that makes sense, you can start tuning into the Your Jesus Journey Daily Bible Podcast.
Pray: Explain that prayer is simply talking to God, sharing their thoughts, thanks, and requests with Him.
Find a Christian Community: Strongly encourage them to find a good church where they can grow, learn, and be supported. Offer to help them find one if they don't know where to start.
Share Their Decision: Encourage them to tell someone else about their decision to follow Jesus and be baptized!
And here's the best part: Our team is here to walk with you on this journey! If you have more questions as you start digging into God's Word, or if you'd like to meet up to discuss what you're learning from the Bible or the podcast, please let us know. We would love to explore it together.
Contact us: YourJesusJourney@Gmail.com
Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
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We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!
This is excellent instruction and vital to discipling others!