What is the meaning of 1 John 5:4?

Everyone born of God

“because everyone born of God…” (1 John 5:4a)

• New birth is God’s supernatural work (John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8).

• It marks a decisive change of identity—no longer children of wrath (Ephesians 2:3-5) but children of God (1 John 3:1).

• This rebirth is not optional for Christians; it is the foundation of Christian life and the starting point of victory.

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Overcomes the world

“…overcomes the world.” (1 John 5:4a)

• “World” refers to the fallen system opposed to God (1 John 2:15-17).

• Overcoming is not occasional or partial; it is the ongoing result of being born of God (Romans 8:37, “we are more than conquerors”).

• Practical evidence of overcoming:

– Turning from habitual sin (1 John 3:9).

– Resisting worldly values (James 4:4).

– Standing firm under persecution (John 16:33, “take courage; I have overcome the world”).

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This is the victory

“And this is the victory that has overcome the world…” (1 John 5:4b)

• Victory is singular and definitive—secured once for all at the cross (Colossians 2:14-15).

• Believers share in Christ’s triumph, much as Israel shared in David’s victory over Goliath (1 Samuel 17), even though only one fought the battle.

• The tense “has overcome” underscores an accomplished fact; we live from victory, not toward it (Hebrews 10:14).

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Our faith

“…our faith.” (1 John 5:4c)

• Faith is the God-given means by which we appropriate Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9).

• Genuine faith rests on the testimony of God, not feelings or circumstances (1 John 5:10-11).

• Faith expresses itself in obedience (James 2:17).

• When faith falters, we fix our eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

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summary

New birth makes us God’s children, and that identity guarantees victory over the hostile world system. The triumph is already won through Christ; we experience it daily by trusting Him. Faith links us to His accomplished victory, empowering us to reject sin, resist worldly pressures, and live as overcomers until the final consummation.