FAITH, OBEDIENCE AND VICTORY 1 John – Part 6 7/28/2025 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:1-5 NIV 1. Faith in Jesus Christ Verse 1: "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." - Belief is the Foundation Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12 NIV 2. Love for God and His Children Verses 1-2: "Everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands." Our faith in Jesus naturally leads to love for God and for other believers. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47 NIV True love for God is shown through obedience to His commands. If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15 NIV 3. Obedience to God's Commands Verse 3: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome." Obeying God's commands brings true joy and fulfillment. I run in the path of your commands, for you have broadened my understanding. Psalm 119:32 NIV 4. Victory Through Faith Verses 4-5: "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." Through our new birth in Christ, we have the power to overcome worldly temptations and struggles. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the source of our victory. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37 NIV Walk in the victory and love that comes from faith in Jesus. Talk About It 1. How does your belief in Jesus as the Christ shape your daily decisions and actions? 2. How do you currently show love for other believers? Are there specific individuals or groups within your church community that you feel called to love more intentionally? 3. How can you change your perspective on God's commands from viewing them as burdensome to seeing them as a source of joy and freedom? 4. What practical steps can you take this week to strengthen your faith, love others, obey God's commands, and walk in victory 5. How can you support and encourage others in your faith community to live out these truths from 1 John 5:1-5?