Title: Born of Water and Spirit

Title: Born of Water and Spirit

Key Verse: John 3:5

"Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.'"

Introduction:

Every human being is born into this world through water — the amniotic fluid in a mother’s womb. When the water breaks, birth begins. It is God's beautiful design for natural life.

In John 3, Jesus meets a religious man named Nicodemus and tells him something shocking: “You must be born again.” Not of flesh, but of water and the Spirit. Just as our first birth brings us into the physical world, our new birth brings us into God's Kingdom.

Let’s explore this idea deeper: What does it mean to be “born of water and Spirit”? Why is it necessary for salvation?

Main Point 1: The Symbolism of Natural Birth Through Water

Exposition:

In the womb, the baby grows in the amniotic sac — full of fluid. This “water bag” is essential for life and protection. When the time for birth arrives, the water breaks and the baby is born.

Jesus uses this natural truth to explain a spiritual one. Just as life begins in water physically, new life in Christ also begins with water and Spirit.

Reflection:

Isn’t it amazing that both natural and spiritual life are linked to water? God has placed His message even in the process of childbirth. He is showing us that without passing through water, there is no entry into life.

Scripture References:

Psalm 139:13 – “You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Ecclesiastes 11:5 – “You do not know how the body is formed in a mother’s womb.”

John 3:6 – “That which is born of flesh is flesh, and that which is born of Spirit is spirit.”

Illustration:

Just like a baby is not truly "born" until it comes out of the water bag, a believer is not spiritually born until they pass through the waters of baptism and receive the Spirit of God.

Main Point 2: The Necessity of Spiritual Birth Through Water and the Spirit

Exposition:

Jesus said clearly — no one can enter the Kingdom of God unless they are born of water and Spirit. Water here represents baptism. Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit's work in renewing and transforming our hearts.

Reflection:

Baptism is not a tradition; it's a spiritual transition. It's not just about going under water — it’s about dying to sin and rising to new life. The Spirit breathes life into what was once dead.

Scripture References:

Romans 6:4 – “We were buried with him by baptism into death… so we may walk in newness of life.”

Titus 3:5 – “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 2:38 – “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Illustration:

Think of baptism as a doorway. If a person stands outside the door, they may hear the music, but they’re not inside the celebration. Baptism is how we step into the life Christ offers — and the Spirit is the one who turns on the light inside.

Main Point 3: Baptism and Spirit are the Start, Not the Finish

Exposition:

Being born again is not the end of our journey — it’s the beginning. Once we are baptized and receive the Spirit, we must walk by the Spirit, grow in Christ, and become fruitful.

Reflection:

Many stop at baptism and think, “It’s done.” But the Holy Spirit calls us daily to live a new life, to leave sin behind, and to walk as sons and daughters of God.

Scripture References:

Galatians 5:16 – “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”

Philippians 1:6 – “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

Illustration:

Imagine a child born but never learning to walk, speak, or grow. That's what it’s like if we’re baptized but not walking with the Spirit. The new birth must lead to new life.

Application:

Have you been truly born again? Not just physically — but spiritually?

Have you entered the waters of baptism with a heart of repentance?

Are you walking daily with the Holy Spirit, living a transformed life?

If not, this is the day to say: “Lord, I want to be born again — not just of water, but by Your Spirit too.”

Conclusion:

We were born into this world through a water bag. That was the beginning of our natural life. To enter God's Kingdom, we must go through another kind of water — baptism — and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

“Unless one is born of water and Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”

Don’t stop at your first birth. Be born again today — of water and the Spirit — and step into eternal life.