John 16:33; 1 John 2:15-17; 4:4; 5:1-5

Introduction:

1. This may seem like a repetition of victory over sin, but there is more to victory over the world than just sin, though sin is part of the world.

2. We will ponder this element of victory in two key senses: over the tribulation inherent to being in but not of the world (John 16:33), and over the love of the things of the world (1 John 2:15-17; 5:1-5).

3. In the process, we will likewise ponder the means of obtaining this victory.

Discussion:

I. Victory Over Tribulation

A. In John 16:33, Jesus made no bones about the tribulation inherent to the world.

B. One reason is that the world hates Him and His for not being of or like them (John 15:18-21; 17:14; 1 John 3:1, 13; cf. 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 4:4).

C. Another is the curse it lies under due to sin (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12; 8:20-23).

D. Such creates distress that threatens our faith, but Jesus has overcome the world assuring us that:

1. Nothing can tear us from Him ( Romans 8:31-39).

2. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4; cf. John 12:31; 1 John 3:8).

E. Knowing this, we face life’s distresses/tribulations victoriously (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:6).

II. Victory Over Worldliness

A. This assurance of victory over the world’s pressures empowers victory over its allurements.

B. In 1 John 2:15-17, John called his readers to avoid the love of the world.

C. He summarized these things in three elements: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.

D. James and Peter highlight the destructive nature of such lusts (James 4:1-5; 1 Peter 2:11).

E. As we saw last week, prior to Christ’s sacrifice, we were enslaved to such.

F. But now, we have victory over them in Christ (1 John 3:1-3; 4:4-6; 5:1-4).

III. The Means of Victory

A. Knowing that Christ overcame the world and empowers us to do so begs the question of means.

B. Again, we have received the revelation we need.

1. All who have been born of God overcome the world (1. John 5:4), so we must learn how this is.

2. In John 3:3-5, we learn such occurs when one is born of water and the Spirit.

3. 1 Peter 1:22-25 ties this to obedience to the word, as does 1 John 5:1-5.

4. 1 John 5:4-5 ties it to faith which likewise comes from hearing the word (Romans 10:17).

5. So, if we believe and obey the word about life anew, delivered by the Spirit, we have victory.

C. Romans 6:1-7 speak to the moment when new life begins, believers baptism (cf. Colossians 2:11-14).

D. 1 John repeatedly described this new life:

1. Keeping the commands as He did (2:3-6).

2. Practicing righteousness (2:28-3:3; 3:10).

3. Loving as He loved (3:14; 4:7, 11-13; 5:1).

4. Again, manifest in our keeping His commandments (5:1-3).

E. In short, faithfully walking in His light is the assurance of victory in Jesus (1 John 1:5-10).

Conclusion:

1. The world is a powerful enemy to humanity, but Jesus overcame the world.

2. All who are in Him, born of God likewise overcome the world.

3. Faith is the victory, so life’s greatest question is, do we have saving faith or not?

Further Food for Thought

1. Do you face a tension between your knowledge of these things and their application?

2. How can we better help each other facilitate more fully experiencing that which we know?

3. Can you identify any impediments to your victorious life in Christ?