1 John 5: Faith in Jesus Overcomes World

Read 1 John Chapter 5

Introduction: The fifth chapter of 1 John is a compelling conclusion to the John’s letter, which emphasizes the power of faith, the importance of prayer, and the assurance of eternal life for believers. By understanding the truths laid out in this chapter, one can be inspired to live confidently in the love of God, with a firm grasp on the victory that comes from our faith in Jesus Christ.

I. The Certainty of Faith in the Victory of God’s Children (1 John 5:1-5)
In these verses, John affirms that belief in Jesus as the Christ makes one a child of God. Our love for God is shown by loving His children and keeping His commandments. This love and obedience is not burdensome because those born of God overcome the world through faith. The victory is our faith itself.

• John 3:16 speaks of God’s love, showing why we should love His children.
• James 2:17 emphasizes faith being demonstrated through actions, relating to obeying God’s commandments.
• Romans 8:37 reassures us of the victory we have in Jesus, echoing the triumph over the world.

II. The Testimony Concerning the Son of God (1 John 5:6-12)
John describes Jesus Christ coming by water and blood, not with water only, and the Spirit is the truth that testifies. This testimony of God concerning His Son is greater than any human testimony. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within them. Rejecting this testimony is akin to calling God a liar. John stresses that eternal life is found in the Son, and one who has the Son has life.

• Mark 1:10-11 recounts Jesus’ baptism by water, where God’s Spirit descends, connecting to the testimony by water and the Spirit.
• Romans 8:16 shows the Spirit testifying with our spirit, similar to the inner testimony mentioned here.
• John 3:36 reinforces the message that belief in the Son brings eternal life while rejecting Him leads to God’s wrath.

III. Confidence in Approaching God in Prayer (1 John 5:13-15)
John writes to assure believers of eternal life, urging them to approach God with confidence in prayer. He assures that if we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears us. Knowing that He hears us means we have what we asked of Him.

• Matthew 7:7 invites us to ask and receive, reflecting the confidence we can have in prayer.
• James 5:16b demonstrates the power of prayer, reinforcing the idea that God listens to the righteous.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:17 encourages continual prayer, aligning with the attitude of confident petition John inspires.

IV. Sin Leading to Death and the Protection of God’s Children (1 John 5:16-21)
This section warns against a sin leading to death, distinguishing it from other sins. John encourages prayer for those committing sin that does not lead to death. He reassures believers that the Son of God protects them and they are safe from the evil one. The letter concludes with instructions to keep away from idols, emphasizing the exclusivity of our loyalty to the true God.

• James 5:20 speaks of saving a sinner from death, likely referring to spiritual death as in John’s warning.
• John 17:15 has Jesus praying for protection from the evil one, as John reassures believers of this protection.
• 1 Corinthians 10:14 warns against idolatry, echoing John’s final command to stay away from idols.

Conclusion: 1 John 5 teaches the believer about the power of our faith, the significance of God’s testimony about His Son, the confidence we can have in approaching God, and the protection we are afforded from sin and the evil one. Embracing these truths inspires a life of love, obedience, and prayer, secure in the knowledge of our victory through Jesus Christ and the gift of eternal life we possess in Him.