Understanding What It Means to Be Born Again: Living a Spirit-Led Life
Micah

You are either alive in the flesh or in the Spirit—but both cannot rule you. The phrase “born again” is often used in Christian circles, but many people struggle to understand what that means. It’s not just about praying a particular prayer or making a religious decision—it’s about a radical transformation that changes how you think, live, and interact with God. Being born again doesn’t mean turning over a new leaf—it means receiving a new life. It’s not self-improvement; it’s a spiritual rebirth. This blog is based on a sermon I preached at Five Lakes Church on January 19, 2025. You can find the sermon video here.

The question is: What does it mean to be born again, and how do we live a Spirit-led life?

What Does It Mean to Be Born New in Christ?

In John 3, a religious leader named Nicodemus approached Jesus at night, seeking answers. He was a man who had devoted his life to religion—following the rules, obeying the law, and doing all the “right” things. But Jesus’ response shattered his expectations:

John 3:3 (NLT) – “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
Nicodemus was confused. “How can an old man be born again?” Jesus wasn’t talking about physical birth—He was talking about spiritual rebirth. Being born again means starting fresh, leaving behind your old way of thinking, living, striving, and stepping into the new life Jesus offers.

You don’t just “join” the Kingdom—you are born into it.
You don’t just modify your behavior—you receive a new identity.
You don’t just believe in Jesus—you become alive in Him.

Think of it this way: When people immigrate to a new country, they often bring parts of their old life with them—their customs, traditions, foods, and traditional ways of doing things. You cannot immigrate into the Kingdom of Heaven. You must be born into it. You don’t bring anything from your old life when you are born again. It’s not about adapting—it’s about being transformed.

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT) – “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

How Does the New Birth Begin?

The process starts with belief. The idea of belief can quickly become overcomplicated by well-meaning people who desire everyone to receive everything God has made available to them. However, Jesus made it clear:

John 3:16 (NLT) – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Faith is the currency that gives us access to the Kingdom. Just like you can’t function in a country without currency, you can’t engage in the Kingdom without faith.

Faith is the key that unlocks the door to new life.
Faith is the hand that reaches out to accept God’s grace.
Faith is the engine that drives transformation.

But belief isn’t just mental agreement—it’s heart transformation. When you truly believe, your desires, actions, and identity shift. Being born again isn’t about becoming a better version of yourself. It’s about becoming an entirely new creation in Christ.

Why Is Living by the Spirit Instead of the Flesh Important?

Every person has two competing forces inside them:
The Spirit – Leading us into life, peace, and alignment with God.
The Flesh – Leading us into selfishness, sin, and separation from God.

Being born again means that our spirit has been made new, but our flesh still tries to take control. That’s why living a Spirit-led life is essential.
To live by the Spirit, you must:

Submit your mind to Christ – Let His truth reshape how you think.
Let the Holy Spirit guide your decisions – Even when it’s uncomfortable.
Put aside your natural inclinations – Resist the urge to follow feelings over faith.
Follow God’s leading – Even when it requires sacrifice.

Romans 8:5 (NLT) – “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit.”
A Spirit-led life doesn’t happen by accident but through intentional surrender.

What Makes Living by the Spirit Challenging?

Living by the Spirit is not easy. Why? Because we have three powerful enemies working against us:

1. The Flesh: The Battle Within
Our carnal nature fights to keep control. The Bible describes three primary ways this happens:
Lust of the Eyes – The craving for more (materialism, comparison, envy).
Lust of the Flesh – The craving for pleasure (addiction, self-indulgence, impurity).
Pride of Life – The craving for status (arrogance, self-sufficiency, rebellion).

We often try to “manage” our sin instead of surrendering it. But you can’t manage what Jesus came to crucify.

2. The World: The Pressure to Conform
We live in a culture that glorifies:
Power over humility
Consumption over generosity
Self-gratification over self-sacrifice

When the world says, “Follow your heart,” Jesus says, “Follow Me.” When the world says, “Do what makes you happy,” Jesus says, “Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.” The world applauds comfort—but the Kingdom demands commitment.

3. The Enemy: The Voice of Deception
Satan’s goal is simple:
Distract you with busyness and entertainment.
Deceive you into thinking you don’t need God.
Destroy your faith by making you doubt God’s goodness.

Ephesians 6:12 (NLT) – “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world.”

Satan doesn’t need to destroy you if he can distract you. That’s why staying rooted in God’s Word is essential. The only way to fight deception is to stand on the truth.

Life Application: How to Walk in the Spirit

Living by the Spirit isn’t passive—it requires an active pursuit of God. If we are truly born again, we should not settle for a life of religious routine. Instead, we should seek everything God has for us, including the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

1. Ask the Right Questions
Too often, people approach faith with a bare minimum mindset:
“Do I have to?”
“How far can I go before it’s sin?”
“Is this really necessary?”

But a surrendered heart asks:
“How can I get closer to God?”
“What more does He want to do in my life?”
“What else has He made available that I have yet to receive?”

Jesus said in Luke 11:13 (NLT):

“If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

The Holy Spirit is not a bonus feature of Christianity—He is the power source. And God doesn’t just want you to receive the Holy Spirit; He wants you to walk in the fullness of His gifts.

2. Ask to Receive Every Gift God Has for You
When you are born again, you are saved from sin and empowered to live a supernatural life. God has not reserved His gifts for a select few. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are available to every believer who asks for and seeks them.

1 Corinthians 12:7 (NLT) – “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”

These gifts include:
The Word of Wisdom – Supernatural insight and divine strategy.
The Word of Knowledge – Revelation of things not known naturally.
Faith – A supernatural ability to believe beyond the ordinary.
Healing – The power to bring physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Miracles – The ability to operate in supernatural interventions.
Prophecy – Speaking forth God’s truth with power and authority.
Discerning of Spirits – Identifying the spiritual forces at work in every situation.
Speaking in Tongues – A heavenly prayer language for spiritual edification.
Interpretation of Tongues – Understanding and communicating messages spoken in tongues.

 

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 14:1 (NLT):

“Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.”

God is not stingy with His gifts. He is waiting for you to ask! Have you ever prayed to receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit? Are you walking in everything God has made available to you? What would change if  you fully embraced the power of the Holy Spirit?

3. Let Go of Fleshly Desires
One of the biggest reasons believers fail to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit is because they are still clinging to the flesh.

Where are you resisting God?
Where are you choosing comfort over calling?
Where are you avoiding surrender?

Galatians 5:24-25 (NLT) – “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

The more we let go of our fleshly desires, the more room we make for spiritual power.

4. Take a Step Toward Jesus
Walking in the Spirit is not about waiting—it’s about moving. What practical action can you take this week?

Maybe it’s finally getting baptized—publicly declaring your faith.
Maybe it’s serving in ministry— and stepping into your Kingdom assignment.
Maybe it’s letting go of bitterness—choosing forgiveness over resentment.
Maybe it’s asking God for the baptism of the Holy Spirit—surrendering fully to His power.

Jesus said in Matthew 7:7-8 (NLT):

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve resisted the Spirit’s leading, and commit to surrendering it this week. Whether it’s stepping into a spiritual gift, breaking free from sin, or embracing obedience, take action.

The Spirit-Led Life is a Powerful Life

The Kingdom of God requires full commitment. You can’t live with one foot in and one foot out. You can’t settle for a powerless Christian life when God has offered you the fullness of His Spirit.

Acts 1:8 (NLT) – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere.”

God’s gifts are not for a select few but for you. But you must ask, receive, and step out in faith. So the question is: Are you walking in everything God has for you?

The Kingdom Requires Full Commitment

When you are born again, you are new. Your old life is gone. The Spirit is now your guide.

Galatians 5:25 (NLT) – “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

You cannot halfway surrender to Jesus. You are either all in or holding back.

Challenge: Identify one area where you’ve resisted the Spirit’s leading and commit to surrendering it this week. Take action, whether it’s baptism, serving others, or addressing a specific sin.

The Kingdom of God demands full commitment—and the reward is eternal.