1 John 5:1-5
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is begotten by God, and everyone who loves the father loves (also) the one begotten by him.
2 In this way we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.
3 For the love of God is this, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,
4 for whoever is begotten by God conquers the world. And the victory that conquers the world is our faith.
5 Who (indeed) is the victor over the world but the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
--------------------------
This passage discusses the power that is available to us as obedient believers. I think it also touches on spiritual maturity in verses 3-5. For the mature Christian, God’s commandments are not burdensome, they are a path to victory over the “world” (ie, the flesh).
Too often I fail to claim this victory by letting the “world” get in the way. As I do that I move further away from Christ. But if we can remain in Christ (by keeping his commandments), that power is there.
This is a nice companion to the parable of the vine and the branches. Remain in Christ, and we will bear fruit.
