ACTIVE FAITH CHURCH NIGERIA

 SERMON TITLE: HOW FAITH WORKS

TEXT: 1 John 5:1–5

PREACHER: Pastor Emmanuel Peters C.

INTRODUCTION

Faith is not just a religious concept; it is a divine force that connects us to God and empowers us to live victoriously in a fallen world. In this sermon, we will examine how faith works, using 1 John 5:1–5 as our foundation. We will explore the Greek meanings of key words, unpack what it means to be born of God, what it means to overcome the world, and how faith is the very victory that makes us more than conquerors.

TEXT: 1 John 5:1-5 (KJV)

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?

Verse-by-Verse Breakdown with Greek Insights

1 John 5:1

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God…”

Greek: Pas ho pisteuōn (Πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων) – “Everyone who keeps on believing”

“Born of God” – gegennētai ek tou Theou (γεγέννηται ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ)

This is perfect passive indicative, meaning it is a completed action with ongoing results. It describes a spiritual birth initiated by God, not man.

✅ To be born of God means:

You have received God’s divine life.

You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You have a new nature that reflects God's character.

You have access to God's power, promises, and victory.

➤ Faith works by believing the truth about Jesus — that He is the Messiah, the Anointed One.

1 John 5:2

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.”

Love is not merely emotion; it is obedience to truth.

Greek for "keep" – tēreōmen (τηρῶμεν) – to guard carefully, to observe diligently.

Faith is expressed and demonstrated by a lifestyle of love and obedience.

1 John 5:3

“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

Greek: "grievous" – bareiai (βαρεῖαι) – burdensome, heavy, oppressive.

➤ When you’re born of God and walking by faith, obeying God is not a struggle—it becomes a joy.

💡 Faith works through love (Galatians 5:6). Obedience is the overflow of a heart transformed by love.

1 John 5:4

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.”

Greek: "overcometh" – nikaō (νικάω) – to conquer, prevail, subdue.

Greek: "victory" – nikē (νίκη) – a decisive conquest, not a struggle.

Greek: "faith" – pistis (πίστις) – confident trust, firm conviction, divine persuasion.

✅ To overcome the world means:

You rise above temptation, sin, pressure, and worldly systems.

You dominate your environment instead of being dominated by it.

You walk in dominion and not defeat.

🌟 Faith is the victory – not just the means to victory, but the victory itself.

When you truly believe, you are already victorious — not trying to win, but enforcing your win!

1 John 5:5

“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

The word “believeth” again is pisteuōn – present continuous, meaning a lifestyle of faith.

This faith isn't just mental agreement — it's a life rooted in trust and surrender to Jesus.

🎯 Only those who truly believe in Christ can overcome the world. Without faith, you're bound by its systems. With faith, you're above them!

How Faith Works – Key Principles

1. Faith begins with a revelation of Jesus

You must believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

Faith connects you to the new birth.

2. Faith expresses itself through love and obedience

Love for God and His children is the proof of faith.

Obedience is not forced, but a fruit of love.

3. Faith empowers you to overcome the world

The world includes sin, fear, doubt, temptation, sickness, poverty, pride, and persecution.

Faith lifts you above all that is against the knowledge of God.

4. Faith is the victory

Faith is not only the method but the manifestation of triumph.

Faith is your spiritual force to conquer any challenge.

CONCLUSION:

If you are born of God, you already carry the seed of victory inside you. Faith is how you activate that victory. Your belief in Jesus is not just about heaven—it’s about dominion now.

🗣️ Declare this by faith:

"I am born of God. I overcome the world. My faith is the victory that overcomes!"

ALTAR CALL / CALL TO FAITH:

If you’re not born of God, this faith victory cannot work in your life. But today, you can be born again. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and receive Him as your Savior and Lord. Let the victory of faith begin in your life today.