#4. Bible Study Guide: The New Birth – Born Again by the Spirit

 

1. Lesson Objective

To understand that salvation is not merely a change in behavior but a complete spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit, resulting in new life in Christ.

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2. Opening Prayer

"Father in Heaven, thank You for sending Your Spirit to give us new life through faith in Your Son. Open our eyes to see what it truly means to be born again. May our hearts be receptive to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

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3. Question & Answer Bible Study with Exegetical Commentary

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Q1: What does it mean to be “born again”?

A: It means to experience a spiritual birth by the power of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a new nature.

Verse: John 3:3 – “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.’”

Commentary:

Jesus teaches that physical birth is not enough to enter God’s kingdom. The Spirit must regenerate us, making us alive to God.

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Q2: Why must we be born again?

A: Because by nature we are spiritually dead and separated from God.

Verse: Ephesians 2:1 – “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins.”

Commentary:

No amount of moral improvement can revive a spiritually dead person. Only God’s Spirit can give us new life.

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Q3: How does the Holy Spirit cause the new birth?

A: Through the living and enduring Word of God.

Verse: 1 Peter 1:23 – “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”

Commentary:

The Spirit uses God’s Word to awaken faith in our hearts, leading to repentance and new life.

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Q4: What changes happen when a person is born again?

A: They become a new creation with new desires to follow Christ.

Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

Commentary:

The new birth produces a radical transformation — from the inside out — resulting in a love for God and His Word.

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Q5: Can someone be a Christian without being born again?

A: No. New birth is essential for salvation.

Verse: Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

Commentary:

Christianity is not just a label or tradition — it is the result of the Spirit’s renewing work.

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4. Reflection & Call to Action

• Reflection: Have I experienced the new birth or am I only outwardly religious?

• Call to Action:

  1. Examine your heart to see if you have been made new in Christ.

  2. Spend time in God’s Word daily, inviting the Spirit to transform you.

  3. Share the message of new birth with someone who thinks Christianity is just rules and rituals.

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5. Closing Prayer

"Lord, thank You for the miracle of the new birth. Keep changing me day by day, shaping me into the image of Your Son. Help me live as a testimony of the life You have given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

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