Song Numbers

Faith Is The Victory

1 Jn. 5:1-5 [1] Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. [2] By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. [3] For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

[4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. [5] Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Born of God or begotten of God = A reference to the new birth Overcometh = indicates a continuing struggle with a continuing victory

Faith is essential to salvation

Heb. 11:6 [6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him

Jn. 8:24 [24] I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

The Gospel saves those who believe – Rom. 1:16-17 [16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Belief + baptism = salvation from sin – Mk. 16:16 [16] He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned

Faith is necessary for living the Christian life

1 Cor. 13:13 [13] And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

We walk (live) by faith 2 Cor. 5:7 [7] For we walk by faith, not by sight

1 Pet. 1:9 [9] Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls

I. What is faith?

It is the substance (confidence) of things hope for; the evidence (assurance) of things not seen

Heb. 11:1 [1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Faith expresses itself in action Js. 2:26 [26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Gal. 5:6 [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

II. How do we obtain faith?

Rom. 10:17 [17] So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God

Jn. 20:30-31 [30] And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: [31] But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Jn. 6:44-45 [45] It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. [46] Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

III. Faith is the victory that overcomes:

1. Atheism, skepticism and doubt Ps. 14:1 [1] The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.

Ps. 19:1 [1] The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

2. Worry, anxiety and fear Many suffer from anxiety and its related problems Millions seek escape in alcohol and drugs Suicide is on the increase

Phil. 4:6 [6] Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Rom. 8:28 [28] And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

3. Dread of death All must die Heb. 9:27 [27] And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Christ died so that we might not be in bondage to the fear of death – Heb. 2:14-15 14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

4. The world Jn. 12:31 [31] Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out -Satan is prince of this world

We must not love the world – 1 Jn. 2:15-17 [15] Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. [17] And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Eph. 6:16 [16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

1 Jn. 5:4 [4] For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

O for a faith that will not shrink, Though pressed by every foe That will not tremble on the brink Of any earthly woe

References – Article by Rod Rutherford; Outlined Commentary on 1 John, by Bob Winton