The Freedom of the Spirit
John 3:7
Marvel not that I said to you, You must be born again.


This wind blows where it lists, as it lists, when it lists, as much as it lists, in what manner it lists, and on whom it lists. This Spirit is a gift, and gifts are free (1 Corinthians 41:1-11).

(Wm. Austin.)If the Spirit bloweth where it listeth, we are not certainly to exclude any place or nation from these blessed gales, or to the Church or congregation we are of; as if He could blow nowhere else. Learn charity.

1. If the Spirit bloweth how He listeth, we do but show our folly to prescribe to Him His way. He knows what best He has to do, how best to manage us to salvation. Learn discretion.

2. If it be as much too only as He lists, it is not sure our merit or desert, if we have more of Him than others, nor perhaps their demerit always, who have less. Whatever it is, it is more than we deserve, both they and we. Learn humility.

3. If it be only upon whom He pleases, it is certainly sometimes upon some we know not. So we have no reason to pass a censure upon any man's soul. Learn to think well of all And so much the rather, in that —

4. He bloweth when He will. If He has not already, He may hereafter breathe upon him or her thou doubtest most. If thou, perhaps thyself, feelest Him not within thee now, thou mayest ere long. Learn hence to despair, neither of thyself nor any one else (Psalm 139:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:5; Romans 11:33; Romans 9:18).

(Dr. Mark Frank.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

WEB: Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.'




Spiritual Movement an Effect of the Spirit's Working
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