Flesh And Spirit
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit”(John 3:6).
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The text before us is actually two texts in one. If your way of life is carnal or man-conscious
and calls for a message regarding the flesh, Jesus’ first statement in the text perfectly addresses
that subject. If your lifestyle is spiritual or God-conscious and requires a message concerning the
Spirit, His further statement fits that need. The truths of the text are very applicable to our lives
and bring us face to face with reality.
For a moment, however, we will consider the two themes together–flesh and Spirit.
Although they are extreme opposites and will never resemble at any point, Jesus did lift them up
together, one in one of His hands and one in the other. While they are separate in their own
worlds, and could never be joined to each other, they are seen together here in a divine snapshot to
reveal their total incompatibility.
In the consideration of flesh and spirit, two worlds are distinguished!
The first world
mentioned, of course, is the world of the flesh. Jesus indicated that this world is the world of
spiritual lifelessness and blindness (see 3:3), the world in which man goes his own way.
Conversely, the second world set forth, the world of the Spirit, is the world in which men are made
alive spiritually, and are miraculously changed from the inside out.
In the consideration of flesh and spirit, two births are declared!
The birth associated with
the flesh is the natural birth, the generative life that issues from a father and mother. The birth
identified with the Spirit is the new birth, the regenerative life that is imparted by the Holy Spirit.
The three times Jesus spoke to Nicodemus of this essential birth, He referred to it as being “born
of the Spirit” (3:5, 6, 8). This is the only hope of ever being a part of the spiritual world.
In the consideration of flesh and spirit, two natures are discussed!
Jesus clearly stated,
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh!” Thus, fleshly attributes are evidenced by the fleshly
nature. From the other perspective, because “that which is born of the Spirit is spirit,” spiritual
traits are witnessed from the spiritual nature. The question then, dear friend, is threefold. In what
world do you operate? With what birth are you associated? And, what nature is set forth in your
life? May God help us to face the truth.
http://www.tomhayes.org/PDF/Devotions/2007/070625FleshAndSpirit.pdf