It is important to know that it is faith alone that conquers the sinful world, not some higher order experience for elite Christians. Those who do not have saving faith in Christ do not even see the need to overcome the world because they see the things the world offers as desirable. All who truly know Christ have overcome the world according to John. We will not be defeated by the world’s lusts. It is important that our faith is Biblical faith with theological content. John uses two statements about our faith, Jesus is the Christ and Jesus is the Son of God, to frame being “born of God” (1John 5:1-5:5). It is important to know that overcomers are such because of the blood of Christ and not their own piety. We must reject all forms of pietism that claim a secondary experience beyond faith in Christ is necessary for true victory.

Sermon handout, slides and discussion questions are available under the downloads tab.