Proving Our Faith: The Power of Being Born Again
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into 1 John chapter 5, focusing on the first five verses. This passage emphasizes the importance of proving our faith, not just to ourselves but to others as well. We began by revisiting the questions we've been asking throughout our series: Are you loving your neighbor? Are you obeying God's commands? Are you abiding in Christ? These questions serve as a litmus test for our faith and love for God.
John's letter now shifts to the question of belief, specifically asking, "Are you born again?" This is crucial because being born again is the foundation of our faith. We explored what it means to be born of God, which involves receiving new life and the renewal of our old nature. This transformation is so radical that it can only be described as being born again, moving from death to life.
We also discussed the importance of belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah. This belief is not something we can come to on our own; it requires the Spirit of God to reveal it to us. Furthermore, we examined the necessity of obeying God's commands as a proof of our faith. Obedience is not burdensome but is a natural outcome of truly hearing and understanding God's word.
Lastly, we talked about overcoming the world. This is not something we do on our own but through Christ who lives in us. The world is filled with challenges and evils, but through our faith in Jesus, we can overcome even death itself. This victory is a testament to our faith and the transformative power of being born again.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Radical Nature of Being Born Again: Being born again is not just a minor adjustment but a complete transformation from death to life. This new birth involves receiving new life and the renewal of our old nature, making us new creations in Christ. This radical change is essential for proving our faith. [12:10]
2. Belief in Jesus as the Christ: Believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, is a supernatural revelation that comes from the Spirit of God. This belief is foundational to our faith and is the first proof that we are born of God. It is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, spiritual conviction. [13:51]
3. Obedience as Proof of Love for God: True love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands. In the Hebrew understanding, to hear God is to obey Him. This obedience is not burdensome but is a natural outcome of truly hearing and understanding God's word. [23:57]
4. Overcoming the World Through Christ: Our ability to overcome the world is not through our own strength but through Christ who lives in us. This victory over the world's challenges and evils, including death, is a testament to our faith and the transformative power of being born again. [27:04]
5. The Importance of Self-Examination: Regularly asking ourselves questions like "Have I been born of God?" and "Am I obeying God's commands?" helps us to prove our faith. This self-examination is crucial for ensuring that our beliefs are accurate and that we are truly living out our faith. [30:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Recap of Previous Sermons
[02:54] - Importance of Bringing Your Bible
[04:18] - Introduction to 1 John Chapter 5
[05:52] - The Complexity of Belief Systems
[07:28] - The Uniqueness of Our Church
[10:25] - Personal Reflection on Life Change
[12:10] - Proof 1: Being Born of God
[13:51] - Understanding "Born Again"
[15:34] - New Life and Renewal of Old Nature
[17:11] - The Radical Nature of New Birth
[18:44] - From Death to Life
[20:35] - Proof 2: Obeying God's Commands
[22:11] - The Hebrew Concept of Obedience
[23:57] - Hearing and Doing
[25:39] - God's Commands Are Not Burdensome
[27:04] - Proof 3: Overcoming the World
[28:29] - The Reality of Death and Eternal Life
[30:07] - Self-Examination and Assurance of Faith
[31:48] - Invitation to Believe in Jesus
[33:10] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 John 5:1-5 (NIV)
> "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."
### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 5:1, what is the first proof that someone is born of God?
2. How does 1 John 5:2-3 define love for God?
3. What does 1 John 5:4-5 say about overcoming the world and who is able to do it?
4. In the sermon, what are the three proofs mentioned that show someone is born of God? ([12:10])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to believe that Jesus is the Christ, and why is this belief considered a supernatural revelation? ([13:51])
2. How does the concept of obedience in the Hebrew understanding differ from the Western understanding, and what implications does this have for our faith? ([23:57])
3. Why is the idea of overcoming the world through Christ significant, and how does it relate to the challenges and evils mentioned in the sermon? ([27:04])
4. How does self-examination help in proving our faith, and what are some questions we should regularly ask ourselves? ([30:07])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Have you experienced a transformation that you would describe as being "born again"? If not, what steps can you take to seek this transformation? ([18:44])
2. How can you deepen your belief that Jesus is the Christ in your daily life? Are there specific practices or prayers that can help you strengthen this belief? ([13:51])
3. Think about a recent command from God that you may have been ignoring. What is it, and what steps can you take this week to obey it? ([25:39])
4. In what ways can you demonstrate your love for God through obedience to His commands? Identify one command you find challenging and discuss how you can better follow it. ([23:57])
5. What are some practical ways you can overcome the challenges and evils of the world through your faith in Christ? Share a specific challenge you are facing and how you plan to overcome it with God's help. ([27:04])
6. How often do you engage in self-examination of your faith? What are some questions you can ask yourself to ensure you are living out your faith authentically? ([30:07])
7. Identify one person in your life who may be spiritually dead. How can you share the message of Jesus with them in a loving and impactful way this week? ([20:35])
Devotional
Day 1: The Radical Transformation of Being Born Again
Being born again is not just a minor adjustment but a complete transformation from death to life. This new birth involves receiving new life and the renewal of our old nature, making us new creations in Christ. This radical change is essential for proving our faith. When we are born again, we experience a profound shift in our identity and purpose. Our old ways of thinking and living are replaced by a new, Christ-centered perspective. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The concept of being born again is foundational to the Christian faith. It signifies a total renewal, where our old, sinful nature is replaced with a new, righteous nature. This change is so profound that it can only be described as moving from death to life. As new creations in Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects this radical transformation. Our actions, thoughts, and attitudes should all be evidence of the new life we have received in Christ. [12:10]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: In what specific ways have you seen your life change since being born again? How can you continue to nurture this new life in Christ today?
Day 2: Belief in Jesus as the Christ
Believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, is a supernatural revelation that comes from the Spirit of God. This belief is foundational to our faith and is the first proof that we are born of God. It is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, spiritual conviction. This belief transforms our understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. It moves us from seeing Jesus as just a historical figure to recognizing Him as our Savior and Lord.
This belief is not something we can come to on our own; it requires the Spirit of God to reveal it to us. When we truly believe that Jesus is the Christ, it changes everything about how we live our lives. Our faith in Jesus becomes the cornerstone of our identity and purpose. This belief compels us to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to others. [13:51]
1 John 4:15 (ESV): "Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God."
Reflection: How has your belief in Jesus as the Christ changed your life? What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Obedience as Proof of Love for God
True love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands. In the Hebrew understanding, to hear God is to obey Him. This obedience is not burdensome but is a natural outcome of truly hearing and understanding God's word. When we love God, we desire to follow His commands because we trust that His ways are best for us. Our obedience is a reflection of our love and reverence for Him.
Obedience to God's commands is a tangible way to show our love for Him. It is not about following a set of rules out of obligation, but about living in a way that pleases God because we love Him. This kind of obedience flows naturally from a heart that is fully devoted to God. When we truly hear and understand God's word, we are compelled to obey because we know that His commands are for our good and His glory. [23:57]
John 14:15 (ESV): "If you love me, you will keep my commandments."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to obey God's commands? How can you seek God's help to grow in obedience today?
Day 4: Overcoming the World Through Christ
Our ability to overcome the world is not through our own strength but through Christ who lives in us. This victory over the world's challenges and evils, including death, is a testament to our faith and the transformative power of being born again. The world is filled with trials and temptations, but through our faith in Jesus, we have the power to overcome them. This victory is not something we achieve on our own; it is a result of Christ's work in us.
Through Christ, we have the strength to face and overcome the challenges of this world. Our faith in Him gives us the courage and resilience to stand firm in the face of adversity. This victory is a powerful testimony to the transformative power of being born again. It shows that, through Christ, we can overcome even the most difficult circumstances and live a life that honors God. [27:04]
1 John 5:4-5 (ESV): "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"
Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that you need to overcome through Christ? How can you rely on His strength and victory in your life today?
Day 5: The Importance of Self-Examination
Regularly asking ourselves questions like "Have I been born of God?" and "Am I obeying God's commands?" helps us to prove our faith. This self-examination is crucial for ensuring that our beliefs are accurate and that we are truly living out our faith. It is important to take time to reflect on our spiritual journey and assess whether we are living in a way that aligns with our faith in Christ.
Self-examination is a vital practice for every believer. It helps us to stay grounded in our faith and ensures that we are growing in our relationship with God. By regularly evaluating our actions, thoughts, and attitudes, we can identify areas where we need to grow and seek God's help to make necessary changes. This practice helps us to stay accountable and committed to living out our faith in a way that honors God. [30:07]
2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"
Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your spiritual journey. Are there areas where you need to grow or make changes? How can you seek God's help to align your life more closely with your faith in Christ?
Quotes
1. "We started by asking the question, how do you know that you know God? And we started by getting from the text questions that we can ask ourselves to prove to ourselves if we know God. Are you loving your neighbor? Are you growing strong? Are you loving your neighbor? Are you loving your neighbor? Spiritually, are you obeying God's commands? Are you not loving the world? Are you not believing lies? And are you abiding in Christ?" [01:27] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you have been born of God, then you certainly believe in God, because God doesn't give his divine spirit to someone who doesn't believe in him. And so if you have God's spirit, then that's proof that you do believe in God, that you are born of God. But how can we tell? How can we know for sure? Well, this text that we read, chapter 5, 1 through 5, gives us three proofs, proofs to be able to ask and look at ourselves to prove whether or not we believe in God, whether or not we've been born of God." [12:10] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "To believe that Jesus is the Christ, according to the Bible, is to believe that Jesus is the Christ, according to scripture, is a supernatural thing. It's not something people can really come to on their own and grasp. It takes the spirit of God to reveal that to them, that Jesus is the Christ. Everyone who believes, verse 1, everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God." [13:51] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Simply put, it's being born of God is receiving the gift of new life and the renewal of our old nature. It's receiving new life, and it's a renewal of our old nature. You see the two, how they work together? First off, it's the gift of new life. It is us inheriting new life, like 2 Corinthians 5, 17 says. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new, a new creature, a new creation. Behold, the old has passed, and the new has come." [15:34] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When we are born again, it's just as radical because we actually go from death to life. Not hidden life, suppressed life to life. From death to life. This rebirth doesn't just reform our old nature, it makes us completely new. It doesn't take a decent person and make them a good person. It doesn't take a good heart and turn it into a great heart. It takes a dead heart and makes it come alive. It breathes life into it." [18:44] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you want to absolutely know that you are a child of God, ask yourself, am I obeying his commands? Here's a pop quiz for you. True or false? Does God place a high, emphasis on obedience in scripture? It's kind of a trick question. It actually depends on where you're at, whether the Old Testament or the New Testament. Would you guys be shocked to know that at least in regards to the Old Testament, which was primarily written in Hebrew, there is not a Hebrew word for obedience the way that we understand obedience." [22:11] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "In the Hebrew understanding, obedience followed the hearing. There was no distinction. To hear God meant and implied obey God. There was no hearing apart from obeying. Now, this is very different from our Western Christianity, that we have, where we can sit in church for years and hear and hear and hear and hear and never do. The Hebrew mind would never have understood that because to truly hear is to do. If you don't do, you did not hear." [23:57] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "When we overcome the world, it's not actually us overcoming the world. It's Christ doing it through us. That's who is overcoming. Look at verse 4. For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Why is it important to overcome the world? I know you guys know this, because there's a lot of stuff in this world we need to overcome. A lot of things. Suffering, murder, disease, war, accidents, corruption, hate, bitterness, immorality, destroyed families, arguments, pride, arrogance, hunger, homelessness, wickedness, addiction, envy, pain, hurt, selfishness, greed." [27:04] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We are going to live forever with Jesus or apart from him. We are going to live forever with Jesus or apart from him. We are going to live forever from Jesus. That's a guarantee. We can choose now to die to ourselves so that when all of us reach physical death, we are immediately in the presence of Jesus for an eternal life with him in glory." [28:29] (22 seconds)
10. "Has something so amazing happened in your life that the only way to describe it is to say you have been born again? Have you been brought from death to life? If you haven't experienced that, why not experience that today? Why not just nail that down today? We want to make it as, not easy for you, because that's not an easy decision. But we want to make it as simple of a process that we can for you." [31:48] (34 seconds)
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