1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. I. WHAT IT IS IN THE WORLD THAT THE CHRISTIAN HAS TO OVERCOME. 1. Its allurements. The world holds out many fair, enticing charms. It addresses the senses and imagination. Its temptations, are artfully varied. 2. Its terrors. II. HOW THE CHRISTIAN'S FAITH ENABLES HIM TO OBTAIN THE VICTORY OVER THE WORLD. 1. Faith enables the Christian to overcome the allurements of the world — (1) By showing him the vanity and unsatisfying nature of all earthly enjoyments. (2) By pointing out to him the dangerous consequences of the unlawful pursuits of worldly men. (3) By filling his soul with those pure and spiritual delights which produce a disrelish for the perishing pleasures of sin. 2. Faith enables the Christian to overcome the terrors of the world — (1) By the gracious supports which it yields under every trial. (2) By setting before him the example of the great Author and Finisher of our faith. (3) By the glorious hopes with which it inspires him.Conclusion: 1. This subject furnishes us with a rule by which to judge whether our faith be genuine. 2. The danger of worldly prosperity. Apt to produce pride, self-sufficiency, forgetfulness of God, insensibility to spiritual objects. 3. The benefit of sanctified affections. They aid us in the exercise of faith. (D. Black.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. |
    |