The sermon continues the discipleship series by asking what must happen before anyone can truly grow spiritually. After hearing Jesus say, 'Follow Me,' and seeing that God alone gives growth, the church turns to the first word in the discipleship growth cycle: born. Before anyone can be planted, rooted, growing, fruitful, or useful, spiritual life must begin. Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus shows that even religion at its best cannot create that life.

Nicodemus comes to Jesus with Scripture knowledge, moral discipline, religious reputation, and sincere interest. Yet Jesus does not tell him he is almost ready for the kingdom. He says, 'You must be born again.' The need is deeper than improvement. Sinners need cleansing from guilt and new life in the heart. Ezekiel 36 supplies the background: God promises to sprinkle clean water, cleanse His people, remove the heart of stone, give a new heart, and put His Spirit within them. Regeneration is not something we accomplish for God; it is something God performs within us.

Jesus then compares the Spirit's work to the wind. We cannot see the moment the Spirit gives life, but we can see the life the Spirit gives. New birth produces a new direction: desire for God's Word, love for Christ, conflict with sin, love for God's people, and a heart learning to approach God as Father. Yet the sermon refuses to make assurance rest on perfect signs. Evidence matters, but faith looks finally to Christ lifted up for sinners, because everyone who believes in Him has eternal life.