Empowered by . . .

As Nicodemus is wrestling with all that Jesus is saying about being ‘born again,’ Jesus says something that I’m sure only exasperated Nicodemus’ confusion, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” (John 3:5)

Water and Spirit?

For Nicodemus, he is wrestling with this new revelation that his ancestry, membership in the Sanhedrin, and his works are not enough. They do not lead to the new birth that Jesus is talking about. Instead, he is challenged to be born of water and Spirit. We never find out how Nicodemus responded. Later in John 7:50-52, he shows courage protesting against the condemnations of Jesus without giving him a hearing and in John 19:40, Nicodemus brings a lavish gift of spices to anoint the body of Jesus after his death. But beyond that, we just don’t know.

Water and Spirit. Have you been born in water and Spirit? What does that mean to you?

Water is a little more clear, I think, to most of us. Being born in water connects us with baptism which is the sign and seal of our forgiveness through the blood of Jesus Christ. To be born of water is to be forgiven by the work of Christ.

What about born of Spirit? Most of us would remember what happens at Pentecost in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit comes upon the believers and they are forever (not just in that event) transformed. They are ‘filled’ with the Holy Spirit. Tongues of fire rest upon their heads and they speak in languages they never learned. Soon after, Peter testifies to Jesus and thousands come to faith. And from this point on, the church explodes from a very small group of believers to a movement that spans the entire known world. These forgiven believers, after having been born of the Spirit, go on to fulfill what Jesus said to them, that they would do even greater things than Him. (See John 14:12)

My point here is not to bring up the ongoing debate of two baptisms. Some Christian denominations believe that based on what you see with Nicodemus and what happens at Pentecost, that we are to experience two unique baptisms: one by water – one by Spirit. These can occur at different times and often the baptism of the Spirit is confirmed with the gift of tongues (not speaking different known languages, but speaking a spiritual language that only a Spirit-filled interpreter can decipher).

My point is this: Too many of us have not embraced the truth that we are not only forgiven, but we are empowered (filled) with the Holy Spirit. We believe our eternity is all set, yet we live the rest of our lives dependent upon our own power. The Spirit dwells within us, but we are not dependent or interested in the Spirit’s leading. Imagine how different our lives would be if we lived every moment knowing that God Himself was with us and would give us the power to do what we can’t do ourselves.

Maybe we’ve misinterpreted our understanding of one of the most often quoted Scripture passages: Philippians 4:13. It says, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” We view this verse similar to how we view Olympic athletes. Look at their hard work, their commitment. Look at all the support they receive from family, teammates, their countries. Wow, it’s amazing what THEY do. And it’s true, THEY do it. No one empowers them to ski the moguls or skate with such precision. THEY do it. Maybe we see God as the cheerleader who sits in the stands or the coach who’s prepared us for the event or the family that has been there all along. So then, with God’s help, I go do it. I do it with His strength. But what is so important for us to embrace is that we are called to a life of letting God be the one who acts in us. I don’t do it; He does. He does it through me. Yes, I have to be a willing vessel, but when the time comes to stand on the podium, He deserves the medal, not me.