1. 1 John 5:4 is the key passage we are emphasizing in our lesson. 2. As we examine this verse, we see that John mentioned a special "victory." 3. The victory John wrote about is "overcoming the world." 4. According to this verse, "overcoming the world" involves 2 steps. a. Step #1: We must be born of God -- "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." b. Step #2: We must live by faith -- "And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." 5. In our lesson we are examining a number of Scriptures that relate to these 2 steps. 6. Let us begin with the first step. Discussion: I. TO OVERCOME THE WORLD, WE MUST BE "BORN OF GOD"
A. According to John 1:12-13, Christ gives us the power to become God's children when we are born of God. B. Later, Jesus explained this birth process in John 3:3-5 during his conversation with Nicodemus. 1. This new birth is essential for entering God's kingdom. 2. This new birth consists of being "born of water and of the Spirit." C. Some additional information about this birth is found in Titus 3:3-7. 1. It is through this birth that God saves us by His mercy and grace. 2. This birth consists of "the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Spirit." D. Notice how this harmonizes with Acts 2:38-41. E. The first step in overcoming the world is being "born of God." F. This brings us to the second step. II. TO OVERCOME THE WORLD, WE MUST LIVE BY FAITH
A. When we become God's children we enjoy great blessings, but we must understand that God's children have an adversary. 1. This adversary is identified in 1 Peter 5:8. 2. (1 Peter 5:9) He must be steadfastly resisted "in the faith." 3. We must resist Satan because he wants the world to overcome us. B. As we endeavor to live by faith, we will face challenges. C. To continue living by faith as we face these challenges, we must "cast away" certain things. D. Let us consider several things we must cast away so we can live by faith and overcome the world. 1. We must cast away anything that will cause us to stumble (Matthew 18:7-9). 2. We must cast away "the works of darkness" (Romans 13:12) [John showed why in 1 John 1:5-7]. 3. We must cast away our cares (1 Peter 5:6-7) [Paul also dealt with this in Philippians 4:6]. 4. We must cast away fear (1 John 4:18) [love is the alternative]. 5. While we must cast these things away so we can live by faith, . . . E. We must not cast away something very special mentioned in Hebrews 10:35-39. Conclusion:
1. To overcome the world, we must: a. be born of God b. live by faith. 2. Let us close with the blessings that the Lord will give to those who overcome (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-29; 3:5-6, 12-13, 21-22).