Tag: Overcoming the World

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Victory in Faith

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 5:1-5. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on April 23, 2023.

We have a new member in my family, my nephew Nathaniel James. As we played the “Who does the baby look like” game, it reminded me of how children inherit physical characteristics from their parents and families. Similarly, as children of God, we inherit certain characteristics that indicate our belonging to the family of God. In this passage, John explores these interconnected characteristics: faith, love, and obedience.

Faith, Love, & Obedience

John highlights the interconnection between faith, love, and obedience, as they are all linked to one another. He teaches us that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ have been born of God (1 John 5:1). This faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. Furthermore, our love for the Father leads us to love those who are born of Him (1 John 5:1). Our love for fellow believers is an outpouring of our love for God. Moreover, our love for God and obedience to His commandments demonstrate our love for the children of God (1 John 5:2). These characteristics are interconnected, and we cannot have one without the others.

Born-Again Christian

The phrase “born-again Christian” comes from Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus in John 3. Jesus explains that unless one is born again, they cannot see or enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This new birth is not a physical one but a spiritual rebirth. Through faith in Jesus, we become children of God, not by blood or human will, but by God’s divine work (John 1:12-13). Just as a baby inherits physical characteristics from their parents, Christians take on the characteristics of the family of God.

As children of God, we naturally exhibit faith, love, and obedience. Obedience is not a means to earn salvation but a response to the saving grace we have received. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God and not the result of our works. Therefore, obedience is an outpouring of our identity as children of God, rather than a prerequisite for it. As believers, we are called to obey God’s commandments out of love for Him (1 John 5:3). Our obedience is an expression of our faith and love for God.

Similarly, faith is not something we manufacture but is assigned by God (Romans 12:3). It is a gift given to us according to God’s measure (Romans 12:3). While the theological debates around predestination and human will persist, John teaches us that faith, love, and obedience are interconnected characteristics of God’s children.

The outcome of possessing these characteristics is our ability to overcome the world. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego provide a remarkable illustration of this in the Old Testament. Despite facing pressure to renounce their faith and worship foreign gods, they firmly stood their ground. Their response to King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3 demonstrates their unwavering trust in God’s deliverance (Daniel 3:16-17).

Similarly, in Romans 8:37-39, Paul affirms that we are more than conquerors through Christ’s love, and nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God. Our faith, love, and obedience empower us to overcome the challenges and temptations of the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can stand strong in our faith, love unconditionally, and obey God’s commandments.

As children of God, we are called to exhibit the interconnected characteristics of faith, love, and obedience. These traits are not isolated from one another but work together to reflect our identity as God’s family. Our faith is a consequence of our belief in Jesus, assigned to us by God’s grace. Our love for God and obedience to His commandments naturally flow from our relationship with Him. As we embrace these interconnected characteristics, we discover the power to overcome the challenges of the world and experience the unbreakable love of God.

Let us remember that we are called to be faithful, loving, and obedient children of God, reflecting His character and bringing glory to His name. May we walk in the footsteps of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and experience the abundant life that comes from living out these interconnected characteristics.

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Testing the Spirits

Summary of my sermon, based on 1 John 4:1-6. Preached at Greenhills Christian Fellowship Toronto on March 12, 2023.

Tests and exams have never been my favorite, as I always preferred essays and research papers. However, in today’s world, testing has taken on a new level of importance. With the rise of artificial intelligence chatbots like Chat GPT, the need to discern truth from deception has become crucial. In this blog post, we will explore the biblical call to test the spirits and how it helps us navigate the presence of false teachers. By understanding the importance of testing and immersing ourselves in the truth of God’s Word, we can guard ourselves against deception.

Testing Reveals False Teachers

In 1 John 4:1, the apostle John urges believers not to believe every spirit but to test them to determine their origin. He warns that many false prophets have infiltrated the world, spreading deceitful teachings. While some false teachers may be easy to identify, such as those promoting the prosperity gospel, many others employ clever tactics to distort the truth. Despite their outward signs of wealth and success, their message can still deceive those who do not delve deeply into the Word of God.

False teachers often twist and distort the truth to suit their agendas. They may selectively use verses like Philippians 4:19, which speaks of God’s provision for our needs, to justify their own materialistic desires. However, their misinterpretation serves their personal gain rather than aligning with the true Gospel. Examples of pastors owning private jets highlight the stark contrast between their extravagant lifestyles and the teachings of Jesus. Yet, many people fall for their lies due to a lack of biblical knowledge.

To guard against deception, it is crucial to immerse ourselves in the truth found in the Bible. Colossians 2:4 emphasizes the importance of knowing the truth to avoid being deluded by plausible arguments. The Word of God serves as a powerful antidote to falsehoods. As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, all Scripture is breathed out by God and equips us for every good work. By continuously reading and studying the Bible, we increase our understanding of truth and decrease the likelihood of falling for false teachings.

Testing Confesses the Incarnate Jesus

In 1 John 4:2-3, John provides a specific test to discern the spirit of God. He emphasizes the confession that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. The incarnation of Jesus is foundational to the Christian faith. It is through Jesus’ coming in the flesh that redemption, sanctification, and the establishment of His kingdom are made possible. Denying the incarnation is a clear indicator of false teaching, as it contradicts the core tenets of the Gospel.

Testing Overcomes the World

John encourages believers by assuring them that they have overcome the false spirits because the Spirit of God within them is greater than the spirit of the world (1 John 4:4-5). Although the world may turn against believers, they can find solace in the fact that Jesus has already overcome the world. Trials and tribulations may come, but the victory is already secured in Christ.

Testing Listens to the Spirit of Truth

In 1 John 4:6, John highlights the importance of listening to those who speak the truth of God. The Spirit of truth guides believers and helps them distinguish between truth and error. It is essential to seek out reliable, godly resources that align with the teachings of Scripture. By immersing ourselves in the truth, we can cultivate discernment and guard against the deceptive messages that surround us.

In a world filled with false teachers and distorted truths, the call to test the spirits is more significant than ever. By immersing ourselves in the Word of God, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and discerning truth from deception, we can navigate through the sea of lies and hold fast to the unchanging truth. Let us be diligent students of the Bible, constantly seeking to know and apply the truth in our lives. In doing so, we can walk in the light of Christ and share the true Gospel with a world in need of hope and salvation.