How does John 3:6 differentiate between "flesh" and "Spirit" in our lives? Setting the Scene with Nicodemus John 3 records an evening conversation where Jesus tells a respected teacher, “You must be born again.” Verse 6 forms the backbone of His explanation: “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6) Two Births, Two Realities • Physical birth (“of the flesh”) gives us bodily life and a fallen nature inherited from Adam (Romans 5:12). • Spiritual birth (“of the Spirit”) is a supernatural act of God that imparts a new, eternal nature (2 Corinthians 5:17). • The two births are separate and non-overlapping; the first cannot evolve into the second, and the second is never achieved by improving the first. What the Flesh Produces • Limited, earthly perspective (John 3:12). • Slavery to sin’s desires (Romans 7:5). • Inability to please God: “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:8). • Eventual physical death (Romans 6:23). What the Spirit Brings • New inner life: “Even when we were dead in our trespasses, He made us alive together with Christ.” (Ephesians 2:5). • Adoption into God’s family (Romans 8:15-16). • Power to overcome sin (Galatians 5:16). • Fruit that mirrors God’s character—love, joy, peace, and more (Galatians 5:22-23). • Assurance of eternal destiny (Romans 8:11). Living Out the Distinction 1. Recognize the source: – When envy, anger, or self-promotion dominate, that is “flesh.” – When humility, purity, and self-sacrificing love appear, that is evidence of the Spirit. 2. Feed the right nature: – Sow to the Spirit through Scripture meditation, fellowship, worship, and obedience (Galatians 6:8). 3. Walk by the Spirit daily: – Consciously yield decisions to His leading (Romans 8:14). – Confess sin quickly; the Spirit purifies and restores (1 John 1:9). 4. Expect conflict but rely on grace: “For the flesh craves what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.” (Galatians 5:17). Christ’s indwelling Spirit ensures victory is possible. Related Scriptures that Echo the Truth • 1 Corinthians 2:14—natural man vs. spiritual discernment. • Titus 3:5—“He saved us… through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” • Romans 8:5-9—mindset of the flesh contrasted with mindset of the Spirit. John 3:6 calls every believer to rest in the finished work of the Spirit, recognizing that only what He begets is truly alive and lasting. |
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