1 JOHN 5: BELIEVERS ARE BORN OF GOD

 

1 JOHN 5:1-4 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. ² By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. ³ In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

  BELIEVERS ARE BORN OF GOD

 5 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him. 

 Our belief in Jesus Christ changes our position in life as being born of God- where there is a spiritual rebirth and God imparts new divine life, making us a children of God. Being born of God made us new- new identity, new mind and new heart, a heart that is thankful and grateful for what Jesus has done for us and that causes us to love Him back. That love

                

HOW DO WE KNOW THAT WE ARE TRULY BORN OF GOD?

 It is when:

 1.   WE LOVE THE CHILDREN OF GOD

 ² This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.

 Natural outcome of being born of God is loving both the Father and His children (fellow believers). Belief and love are always together. It’s not enough to say you believe in Jesus with your mouth but then not care about God’s family. Real belief leads to a changed heart, and that heart shows itself by loving others who also belong to God.

1.   WE LOVE GOD AND DO HIS COMMANDS

 1 John 5:2-3^a 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.

 Loving other believers isn’t just about feelings or words. It’s shown in how we love God and how we live out what He tells us to do. If we say we love God’s children but ignore God or disobey Him, our love is incomplete.You can’t truly care for God’s people if you are not first and foremost loving God Himself. And how do we show love for God? By obeying Him. True love is backed up by actions. Love for God’s family flows out of love for God and is seen in obedience to His commands.

1.   WE OVERCOME THE WORLD THROUGH FAITH

 ⁴ for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith

 Obedience to God builds our faith in which we become overcomers. 

No matter what the world gives such as trials, temptation, fear, rejection, or hardships in life—we do not have to overcome because Jesus already did. If we are born of God, we can live in victory, not defeat.

Our faith in Jesus is our strength. The victory comes through faith in Him.

  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 When a baby is born, there is a new life. The baby is a new being who begins to start life and grow to look like parents.

 A kitten grows up to look like a cat.

A calf grows to look like a cow.

An infant grows to look like an adult human.

 

As baby grows to look like the parents to whom it was born, so we do grow to be more like Jesus who is loving, obedient and victorious when we are born of God.

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prayer,

Heavenly Father, I thank that through Jesus Christ, I am born of God- a new creation, born of Your Spirit and Your Word. Because I am born of You, I declare love will overflow through me to others. I declare that I am obedient to your commands. And I declare that I overcome the world for Your nature of righteousness and victory is imparted to me. Holy Spirit, teach me to live in this reality daily. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

_______________

PASTORA PAULA - JCRC CAMBODIA

 

 

No matter what the world gives such as trials, temptation, fear, rejection, or hardships in life—we do not have to overcome because Jesus already did. If we are born of God, we can live in victory, not defeat.

Our faith in Jesus is our strength. The victory comes through faith in Him.

 

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

When a baby is born, there is a new life. The baby is a new being who begins to start life and grow to look like parents.

 

A kitten grows up to look like a cat.

A calf grows to look like a cow.

An infant grows to look like an adult human.

 

As baby grows to look like the parents to whom it was born, so we do grow to be more like Jesus who is loving, obedient and victorious when we are born of God.

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Prayer,

Heavenly Father, I thank that through Jesus Christ, I am born of God- a new creation, born of Your Spirit and Your Word. Because I am born of You, I declare love will overflow through me to others. I declare that I am obedient to your commands. And I declare that I overcome the world for Your nature of righteousness and victory is imparted to me. Holy Spirit, teach me to live in this reality daily. In Jesus Name, Amen.

1 JOHN 4: LOVE

 

1 JOHN 4:7

 Beloved, let us love one another, because love has its source in God, and everyone who loves has God as the source of his birth and knows God. He who does not love has not come to know God.

Ø When John says "Let Us Love" it Becomes an Invitation.

Apostle John is saying;

• "Join Me in what I am already doing"
• "You are not alone in this"

The "us" includes the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit loving the world through your yielded heart.

Ø When it says "Love is From God" it Becomes Supply

It is a revelation of resource, not mere theology. You hear:

• "You don't have to generate love from your empty well"
• "God’s love is the Source— just come and draw"
• "God’s love in you is inexhaustible"

This addresses burnout, bitterness, and emotional bankruptcy. It will redirect you from self-effort to Spirit-empowerment

 Ø When it says "Has Been Born of God" it Confirms Our Identity

This becomes assurance spoken personally. The Spirit witnesses with your spirit:

• "You love because I birthed you"
• "This desire to love proves My seed remains in you"
• "You are truly Mine"

This combats the accusation of the enemy and the doubt of the flesh

Ø When it says "Knows God" it Becomes a Promise

This is an invitation to deeper intimacy.

• "Love Me by loving them, and you will know Me more"
• "The path to deeper knowledge is practical, not mystical"
• "I am found in the laying down of your life for others"

Self-Meditation:

Love is not a human achievement but a divine gift flowing through human vessels. When I love, I prove my new birth in Him; when I fail to love, I reveal my distance from the Source. Today, let me not ask "How can I manufacture love?" but "How can I abide more deeply in the God who is love?" For as I receive, I will inevitably give. The stream flows from the fountain, and the fountain is God Himself.

 --------------
PASTOR LORENZ - JCRC RIYADH

1 JOHN 3: OUR IDENTITY AS CHILDREN OF GOD

 

1 JOHN 3:1-3 NIV

1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called hildren of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God,  and what we will be has not yet been made known.  But we know that when Christ appears,  we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.

OUR IDENTITY AS CHILDREN OF GOD

IDENTITY ( noun) – condition or character as to who a person or what a thing is; the qualities, beliefs, etc that distinguish or identify a person or thing

📍THE PRIVILEGE 

- We Are  Called Children of God

1 John 3:1See what great love the Father has lavished on us, 

Our identity is not earned – it is given.  Our value is not based on the world– it is based on God’s love. This is not ordinary love. This is divine love.

We were once sinners. We were once separated. We were once lost. But because of God’s love. He adopted us into His family. This is not because we deserve it. This is because God is loving.

Identity is RECEIVED, NOT achieved

📍 THE PROBLEM 

- The World Does Not Understand Us

1 John 3:1The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him. 

Do not be surprised if the world rejects you.  Do not be surprised  if people misunderstand your faith.  Do not be surprised  if you feel different.

Do not seek approval from the world. Seek approval from God

📍 THE PROMISE 

- We Shall Be like Christ

1 John 3:2Dear friends, now we are children of God,……..when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 

We are children of God –but not yet perfected. But one day, when Jesus returns, we will be transformed. No more sin. No more weakness. No more pain. We will be like Him. This gives us hope in suffering.

Our future is secure in Christ.

📍 THE RESPONSE 

- Purify Our Life

1 John 3:3 All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure.

If you truly know you are a child of God, you will desire to live a pure life. Not to earn salvation- but because you already belong to Him. Because holiness is the evidence of our identity.

Live in a way that reflects Jesus.

OUR TRUE IDENTITY

1. WE ARE LOVED BY THE FATHER.

2.  WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD NOW.

3.  WE WILL BE LIKE CHRIST.

THEREFORE, LIVE A PURE AND HOLY LIFE.

YOU ARE NOT ORDINARY.

YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD.

DECLARATION:

Today, I  choose to live as a Child of God. I will think what Jesus thinks, I will do what Jesus would do, I will walk in purity and holiness. I belong to God. I am His child. And I will live for His glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen! 🙏 

Pastora Sherly - JCRC Riyadh

1 John 2: Love, What Will Last

 

1 John 2:15–17

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

Love,  What Will Last.

John warns believers not to love the world—not the people in the world, but the system of values that opposes God.

He identifies three main temptations:

1. Lust of the flesh – sinful desires

2. Lust of the eyes – coveting what we see

3. Pride of life – living for status, power, and recognition

Some things in this world last longer than others. When we invest, we choose things we believe will last or have a future.

But many things people invest in—like bags, shoes, dolls, or even trends—do not last. They are temporary and will eventually pass away.

Colossians 3:2

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

The truth is, only God and His will last forever. So the best investment we can make is to live for Him.

1 John 2:17

Ang mundo at ang mga bagay nito ay pansamantala lang. Pero ang taong sumusunod sa kalooban ng Diyos ay mananatili magpakailanman.

The future of the world is judgment and death, but the future of those who follow God is eternal joy and life. 

Matthew 6:33

But seek  first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you. 

Examine what controls your heart:

📍Is it possessions?

📍Popularity?

📍Personal pleasure?

Choose what is eternal over what is temporary.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, 

Guard our hearts from loving the things of this world. Help us not to be drawn by the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. Teach us to choose Your will over temporary pleasures and to live for what is eternal.

May our hearts love You more than anything else.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

-------------------
PASTORA SHERLY - JCRC RIYADH

2 PETER 3 : STAND FIRM IN TRUTH AND FAITH

 

2 Peter 3:1-4

2 Peter is a letter written to Christians encouraging us to grow in the faith and mature to the point where we are ready for trials and suffering, able to firmly stand in our faith against those false prophets and scoffers coming in, attempting to destroy our faith to our Lord Jesus Christ.

*1 . Remember the promise of the Lord’s return.*

Peter is writing with urgency, reminding us of the sacred words spoken by the prophets and the command given by Jesus through the apostles.  Because he knows that in times of trial and doubt, our hearts need to cling to God’s promises. The Scriptures are not just ancient texts; they are the living Word of God, filled with assurances that fuel our faith and guide our lives. 

In verses 3 and 4, Peter warns us that scoffers will arise, mocking the promise of Christ’s return. These scoffers follow their own sinful desires, challenging our faith with their doubts.

*How do we respond to this?* 

*Do we have doubts?* 

*Are we afraid that our belief system is wrong?* 

We must immerse ourselves in Scripture. Make it a daily habit to read and meditate on Scripture. Let it shape your thoughts and fortify your faith.

*2. Stand firm in our faith.*

* Don’t be swayed by the scoffing and doubts of the world. Remember, the same world that mocks us now is the same world that will one day bow before the King of kings. 

* Peter encourages us to hold on to the truth, to remember that God’s promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, let us remember the promise. Let us immerse ourselves in Scripture and stand firm in our faith. When the world scoffs, we will cling to the truth, knowing that our hope in Christ’s return is not in vain. His promises are our anchor, and His return is our blessed hope.

------------------
PASTOR LORENZ - JCRC RIYADH

2 PETER 2: BEWARE OF SPIRITUAL DECEPTION

 2 PETER 2:1

 BEWARE OF SPIRITUAL DECEPTION 

 Not Every Voice That Quotes Scripture Speaks The Truth

 2 PETER 2:1 But there were false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies even denying the Lord who brought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

 False Teachers exist even among God’s people . They may appear sincere, but their teachings ultimately deny their Master , JESUS CHRIST.

A warning that deception does not always come from outside the church. Sometimes it comes from within, quietly influencing believers and leading them away from the truth.

 FALSE TEACHERS ARE NOT ALWAYS EASY TO RECOGNIZE 

 1. False teachers are often motivated by greed, pride and self- interest.

2. They do not seek the glory of God, but instead pursue personal gain, influence and recognition.

3. They may use spiritual language and sound convincing, but their teachings are dangerous because they slowly lead people away from the truth of the gospel.

Minsan gumagamit sila ng Bible verse.

Minsan magaling sila magsalita.

Minsan nakaka -inspire pa pakinggan.

Pero kung ang itinuturo nila ay hindi Nka sentro kay Jesus at sa True Gospel, it becomes harmful to the believers who are listening.

 AS BELIEVERS, WE MUST :

 1. Be rooted in the Word of God

2. Ask the Holy Spirit for discernment.

3. Test every teaching against the truth of Scripture.

4. Remain faithful to the true gospel of Jesus Christ

  TRUE TEACHING ALWAYS POINT PEOPLE back to JESUS CHRIST and THE GOSPEL, not to human fame, personal success or selfish gain.

 When our foundation is firmly rooted in God’s Word, we will not be easily shaken by misleading voices around us.

 REFLECTION :

 Am I following the voice of truth or am I being influenced by voices that only sound spiritual?

 PRAYER:

 Lord, help us to love and hold firmly to Your Truth. Give us wisdom and discernment so we can recognize what is right and what is false. Guard our hearts and minds so that we may remain faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

-----------------------
PASTORA SHERLY - JCRC RIYADH

2 PETER 1 : GROW IN FAITH

 

For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge…For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:5,8

Growing Faith in Christ

 Peter emphasizes that our life as a Christian begins with our faith in the finished work of Christ and growing with obedience every single day.

However, spiritual maturity is not automatic but we must grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Savior.

If we desire to live to be like Jesus, to live as He commanded us, we need to make every effort to respond in faith, to trust in His promises and to act upon them.

Let us grow by

❇️ Feeding our faith

✝️ consistently nurture our relationship with God through prayer, daily devotion, Bible study, worship.

❇️ Living our faith

✝️ Obedience to His word, serving others and acting on our beliefs, even when challenged, reflecting moral virtues.

Growth is a continuous process, indicating that believers should not become complacent but strive for deeper understanding and obedience to His word that leads to a productive and fruitful life in Christ.

For the knowledge of Jesus is not just mere information but entails God’s transformative power in the life of every believer.

Reflection

Am I actively growing in my faith and knowledge of Jesus, or have I been complacent that I have become short sighted or  unfruitful? 

Prayer

Almighty Father, I pray that our lives be rooted and grounded in Your Son, our Lord and Savior that we may be useful and fruitful. Cause us Lord to have in us the desire to know You more, to grow deeper in our understanding of You. And as we grow, may Your name be glorified in our lives. Amen.

-----------
PASTORA RIVA - JCRC RIYADH