August 23, 2009, 1 John 5:1-5

August 23...  "How to Beat the World" 1 John 5:1-5

Icebreaker: Have you ever purposely lost a competition? Explain.

                Everyone lost to win.  That's why God's promise of victory is so encouraging.  The reason for assurance of victory in our walk with God is John's subject this week.

1 John 5

¹Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. ²By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. ³For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. ⁴For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. ⁵Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

In this passage, the word believe is used twice, love is used five times, and observe and keep are used one time each. Based on their use in this passage, what would you say are three characteristics of an "overcomer"-in verse 4?

V3 - Why can commandments seem burdensome? Consider the requirements, and the temptations

V4 - Read John 16:33 - Why have we overcome the world? What specifically happened in this instance - what demonstrable victory can we point to? Luke 24:1-7 Why is this objective?

The term whatever applies to more than people, can you explain the principle to which it applies? Hebrews 11:1

The customs, opinions, and interests of the world constantly attack our faith, how do you demonstrate victory over its influence?