Overcomers

Follow Along with the Message

"For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world--our faith. (5) Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (6) This is the One who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and with the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. (7) For there are three that testify; the Spirit and the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. (9) If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater; for the testimony of God is this, that He has testified concerning His Son. (10) The one who believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself; the one who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning His Son" (1 John 5:4-10).

Overcomers.  Nike, winners, champions.

HOW DO WE OVERCOME? (by faith)

     "Take courage, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  Resurrection displayed the victory and pattern.

      How did Jesus overcome?  He trusted the Father.  Walked in unity with the Father.

     "Abraham believed God and God counted it as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).

      Those born of God share in His eternal life.

     "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom" (Acts 14:22).

     Faith IS the victory.

     "I have prayed for you that your faith not fail" (Luke 22:32).

     "Do not fear, only believe" (Mark 5:36).

"If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, and stoop to build 'em up again with worn-out tools" (Kipling).

HOW DO WE FIND FAITH? (by receiving God's witness)

Two witnesses necessary.  God give three.  Not people, rather events, moments that give His testimony.

     WATER--baptism.

     BLOOD--cross

SPIRIT--Pentecost, the presence of God's Spirit in conviction and comfort and sanctification

LORD'S SUPPER OBSERVANCE--God's use of symbols

WHAT IS GOD SAYING? 

"And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. (12) He who has the Son has the life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have the life" (1 John 5:11-12).

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When did you win?