Sermons on 1 John 5:18
The various sermons below interpret 1 John 5:18 by exploring the transformative power of being "born of God" and the resulting ability to overcome sin. They commonly emphasize the distinction between committing sin and living in sin, suggesting that true believers, through spiritual rebirth, are empowered to resist continuous sinfulness. The sermons use vivid analogies to illustrate these concepts, such as a "valve" in the heart that can only be open to God's influence or the world's, and the image of a child holding a father's hand to depict the security believers have in Christ. Additionally, the Greek terms for "born of God" and "sin" are examined to underscore the ongoing nature of sin and the protective assurance provided by Christ against the evil one.
While these sermons share common themes, they also present unique perspectives. One sermon contrasts the security offered by Jesus with the vulnerability of Judas, emphasizing the protective nature of being "born of God." Another sermon introduces the theme of absolute surrender as the key to living in God's blessings, suggesting that true freedom from sin comes through complete submission to God's will. A different sermon highlights the concept of "3D sin," which encompasses sin done by us, to us, and around us, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healing. Meanwhile, another sermon focuses on spiritual warfare, underscoring the believer's victory over the devil and the importance of resisting his influence.
1 John 5:18 Interpretation:
Embracing Freedom Through Surrender and Simplicity in Christ (The Difference Church) interprets 1 John 5:18 by emphasizing the possibility of not continuing in sin as a gift from God. The sermon highlights the Greek term "born of God" to stress the transformative power of spiritual rebirth, suggesting that this rebirth provides believers with the ability to overcome sin. The analogy of a "valve" in the heart, which can only be open to either God's influence or the world's, is used to illustrate the choice believers have in living a life free from sin.
Understanding Sin and Certainty in Our Faith (Arrows Church) interprets 1 John 5:18 by emphasizing the distinction between committing sin and living in sin. The sermon uses the analogy of archery, explaining that sin is like missing the mark, with the bullseye representing perfect holiness. The preacher highlights that while believers may sin, they do not live in a state of sinfulness, as those who are born of God are kept safe from the evil one. The sermon also discusses the Greek term for "sin" and how it implies a continuous action, suggesting that true believers do not persist in sin.
Empowered for Spiritual Battle: Victory in Christ (MLJTrust) interprets 1 John 5:18 by focusing on the concept of being "touched" by the evil one. The sermon explains that the Greek word for "touch" implies a grasp or hold, rather than a mere contact. This interpretation suggests that while the devil can tempt and harass believers, he cannot regain control over them, as they are kept safe by Christ. The preacher uses the analogy of a child holding a father's hand to illustrate the security believers have in Christ, despite the devil's attempts to intimidate them.
1 John 5:18 Theological Themes:
Embracing Grace: The Invitation We Don't Deserve (CrosspointCape) presents a distinct theological theme by contrasting the security offered by Jesus in 1 John 5:18 with the vulnerability of Judas, who allowed Satan to enter his life. The sermon emphasizes that where God is present, Satan cannot dwell, highlighting the protective nature of being "born of God" and the assurance that the evil one cannot touch those who are held securely by Jesus.
Embracing Freedom Through Surrender and Simplicity in Christ (The Difference Church) introduces the theme of absolute surrender as the key to living in the blessings of God. The sermon suggests that true freedom from sin comes through a complete surrender to God's will, aligning with the idea that those born of God do not continue to sin.
Understanding Sin and Certainty in Our Faith (Arrows Church) presents the theme of spiritual security, emphasizing that true believers cannot persist in sin because they are kept safe by Christ. The sermon introduces the idea of "3D sin," which includes sin done by us, to us, and around us, highlighting the comprehensive nature of sin and the need for healing from its effects.
Empowered for Spiritual Battle: Victory in Christ (MLJTrust) introduces the theme of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the believer's victory over the devil through Christ. The sermon highlights the believer's new identity in Christ and the assurance that the evil one cannot regain control over them. It also discusses the importance of resisting the devil and standing firm in faith.
1 John 5:18 Historical and Contextual Insights:
1 John 5:18 Cross-References in the Bible:
Embracing Grace: The Invitation We Don't Deserve (CrosspointCape) references 1 Peter, which advises believers to stay alert and watch out for the devil, who prowls like a roaring lion. This passage is used to support the idea that while spiritual warfare is real, believers are secure in Jesus, as stated in 1 John 5:18. The sermon also references 1 Corinthians, which assures that God will not allow temptation beyond what one can bear, reinforcing the protective aspect of being born of God.
Understanding Sin and Certainty in Our Faith (Arrows Church) references Galatians 5:19 to discuss the "gross sins" that are obvious and often the first to be addressed in a believer's life. The sermon also references James 4:17 to highlight sins of omission, emphasizing the importance of doing what is right.
Empowered for Spiritual Battle: Victory in Christ (MLJTrust) references several passages, including Ephesians 6:10-13, to discuss the armor of God and the believer's ability to stand against the devil's schemes. The sermon also references Colossians 1:13 to emphasize the believer's translation from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ, and John 10:28-29 to assure believers of their eternal security in Christ.
1 John 5:18 Christian References outside the Bible:
Embracing Freedom Through Surrender and Simplicity in Christ (The Difference Church) references the concept attributed to D.L. Moody about the world yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him. This idea is used to illustrate the potential for believers to live a life free from sin through complete surrender to God, aligning with the message of 1 John 5:18.
Understanding Sin and Certainty in Our Faith (Arrows Church) references William Barclay, a British theologian, who describes two kinds of sinners: those who hate their sin and those who revel in it. The sermon uses Barclay's insights to emphasize the danger of becoming desensitized to sin and the importance of repentance.
Empowered for Spiritual Battle: Victory in Christ (MLJTrust) does not explicitly reference any non-biblical Christian authors in the context of 1 John 5:18.
1 John 5:18 Illustrations from Secular Sources:
Embracing Grace: The Invitation We Don't Deserve (CrosspointCape) uses a personal story about attending a gala in an old, noisy car named Georgia to illustrate the feeling of receiving an invitation to a place where one does not belong. This analogy is used to parallel the invitation of grace offered by Jesus, which believers do not deserve but are graciously given.
Understanding Sin and Certainty in Our Faith (Arrows Church) uses the analogy of unicorns to illustrate how people often react defensively to discussions about God, suggesting that such reactions may indicate an underlying awareness of God's existence. The sermon also uses the example of a child's sports tournament to discuss how parental dreams can become idols, illustrating the concept of attachments and idolatry.