1. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)1 John 5:4-5

2. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:4-5)1 John 5:4-5

3. 2. The "world" to which John refers are those things in the world that would separate us from God - cf. 1Joh n 2:15-17 a. The lust of the flesh (immorality, inordinate emotions) b. The lust of the eyes (materialism, greed, covetousness)1Joh n 2:15-17 c. The pride of life (vainglory, boasting, arrogance) -- These things can be summarized in one word: SIN 3. There are other things in the world which can hinder our relationship with God, such as... a. Anxiety e. Discontentment b. Boredom f. Fear c. Depression g. Grief d. Despair h. Loneliness -- These emotional states of mind, when not caused by some organic condition, are often the results of SIN as well (perhaps not sinful action, per se, but sinful thinking) 4. For whatever is in the world that might hinder our relationship with God... a. There can be victory in overcoming the world! b. Such victory comes to those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God -- Yes, "Faith Is The Victory!"

4. I. Faith in Jesus Defined A. FAITH IN GENERAL... 1. As defined by Easton's Bible Dictionary: a. Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true trust b. Its primary idea is trust 2. It is a strong conviction or trust in something; as Heb 11:1Heb 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for..." "...and certain of what we do not see." 3. E.g., you have faith that your parents are indeed your parents a. Based upon your trust or conviction in the reliability of their word b. Such trust prompts you to respond accordingly

5. I. Faith in Jesus Defined B. FAITH IN JESUS AS THE SON OF GOD... 1. It is a strong conviction or trust in Jesus: a. Who Jesus is: 1) That He is what He claimed, 2) That He is truly the Son of the living God b. What Jesus did and is doing : 1) That He died on the cross for our sins 2) That His death is truly a sufficient propitiation or sacrifice for our sins 3) That He interceeds for us in heaven c. What Jesus said 1) That He alone provides the way to eternal life 2) That He alone is the way to God, the Father - John 14:6-7John 14:6-7 2. Peter professed this faith in Jesus - John 6:68-69John 6:68-69 a. That Jesus has the words of eternal life b. That Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God - cf. Matthew 16:15-16Matthew 16:15-16 3. When a person has such faith in Jesus... a. They look to Jesus for the solution to any problem they face b. They have trust and conviction that what He says is the right answer or solution c. They are willing to act with trust and conviction on His word - cf. Lk 6:46Lk 6:46 4. For those with an active faith in Jesus, their lives are built on a solid foundation... a. Like a wise man who builds his house on a rock - Lk 6:47-49Lk 6:47-49 b. They are able to weather the storms of life, because their faith in Jesus has prompted them to prepare for whatever comes their way!

6. II. Faith in Jesus Developed A. FAITH COMES FROM EVIDENCE... 1. Many people believe that faith is something blind, that you "just gotta believe" a. It is true that faith is often a strong conviction in "things unseen" - cf. He 11:1He 11:1 b. But there are solid reasons for believing in what you cannot see 1) Just as you believe in George Washington, though you have never seen him 2) Just as you believe in who your parents are, though you can't remember who was there at your birth 2. Other people believe that faith is some gift from God for a select few a. It is true that in one sense faith is a "gift" from God - cf. Ep 2:8; Ro 12:3Ep 2:8Ro 12:3 b. But while faith owes its ultimate source to God, it is available to all 1) For God desires all men to be saved - 1Ti 2:3-61Ti 2:3-6 2) And He desires that which produces saving faith to be proclaimed to all the nations - Ro 1:16; 16:25-26Ro 1:1616:25-26 3. Faith comes from evidence provided by God Himself! a. God provided signs and wonders so that people might believe in His Son - Jn 5:36; 10:37-38; 14:10-11Jn 5:36 10:37-3814:10-11 b. And so the apostles recorded these signs that we might believe - Jn 20:30-31Jn 20:30-31 1) Believe in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God 2) Through such faith to have "life" (i.e., victory over the world!) in His name -- This leads us to the primary source of faith..

7. II. Faith in Jesus Developed B. FAITH COMES FROM THE WORD OF GOD... "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" 1. Even as Paul declared: "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" - Ro 10:17Ro 10:17 a. Faith (trust and conviction) is founded upon what the Word of God reveals b. This is especially true regarding faith in Jesus! - again cf. Jn 20:30- 31Jn 20:30- 31 2. The Word of God produces faith in Jesus by the evidence it provides; for example... a. The Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament b. His signs and wonders recorded in the Gospels c. The testimony of eyewitnesses in the Acts and epistles -- As one meditates upon the Word of God regarding Jesus, faith is developed!

8. II. Faith in Jesus Developed B. FAITH COMES FROM THE WORD OF GOD... 3. Faith in Jesus that leads to victory must come from the Word of God! a. The reason many people do not live victorious lives is a lack of faith b. They have a weak faith because they do not read and study the Word of God! c. Not only is their faith weak, but they often don't even know the teachings of Jesus that can help them to overcome the world!

9. ANXIETY III. OVERCOMING ANXIETY THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO OVERCOME ANXIETY... 1. Certainly because of how it affects our lives and our service 2. It is also a reflection of "little faith" on our part a. E.g., worrying about things like food and clothing - cf. Mt 6:30Mt 6:30 b. E.g., worrying about preserving one's life - cf. Mt 8:25-26Mt 8:25-26 3. "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith; and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." (George Muller)

10. SIN IV. OVERCOMING SIN THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS A. BY PROVIDING THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN... 1. Remission of sins is promised to those who believe in Jesus - Ac 10:43Ac 10:43 a. Made possible by the shedding of His blood - Ep 1:7Ep 1:7 b. Jesus became our "propitiation" (a sacrifice designed to appease) - 1Jn 2:2; 4:9-101Jn 2:24:9-10 c. Through His blood we are "justified" (i.e., declared "not guilty"), and therefore spared from the wrath of God to come - Ro 5:9 Ro 5:9 2. Such forgiveness is promised to those whose faith in Jesus moves them to repent and be baptized - Ac 2:38; 3:19Ac 2:383:19 a. Repentance - that "change of mind" in which we turn from sin to serve God b. Baptism - that "burial" in which we are united with Christ into His death, that we might be crucified with Him and then rise to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-7Ro 6:3-7 3. Forgiveness continues as we repent and confess our sins in prayer - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9Ac 8:221Jn 1:9 -- In this way Jesus deals with the "guilt" of sin (legal and emotional - cf. He 9:14) He 9:14He 9:14

11. IV. OVERCOMING SIN THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS B. BY PROVIDING THE POWER OVER SIN... 1. In Ro 6:6-7, Paul speaks of freedom from sin...Ro 6:6-7 a. "we should no longer be slaves of sin" b. "...has been freed from sin" 2. Later, in Ro 8:1-2,12-13 he describes where this "power" comes from...Ro 8:1-212-13 a. It is "the law (principle) of the Spirit of life in Christ which frees one from "the law of sin and death" b. In particular, how the Spirit enables us to "put to death the deeds of the body" c. With the aid of the Spirit, we now have the help of God to overcome sin! - cf. Ep 3:16,20-21; Php 4:13Ep 3:1620-21Php 4:13 3. The promise of the Spirit was given by both Jesus and His apostles a. To those who believe in Him - Jn 7:37-39Jn 7:37-39 b. To those who repent and are baptized - Ac 2:38-39Ac 2:38-39 c. I.e., to those who obey Him and become "children of God" - cf. Ac 5:32; Ga 3:26-27; 4:6; 5:16Ac 5:32Ga 3:26-274:65:16 -- In this way Jesus deals with the "power" of sin

12. BOREDOM V. OVERCOMING BOREDOM THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS CHANGES OUR FOCUS IN LIFE... 1. Boredom is the result of an obsession with self and material possessions 2. Yet Jesus teaches us to: a. Deny self - Lk 9:23-24Lk 9:23-24 1) People who are obsessed with self are never happy 2) People who lose themselves in service to God are never bored! b. Change the object of your affections - Mt 6:19-21Mt 6:19-21 1) The pleasure of earthly things is fleeting at best, followed by the inevitable letdowns - cf. "the passing pleasures of sin" - He 11:25He 11:25 2) The only permanent possession we have is in heaven, and our affections should be placed on it 3. His teachings are designed to give us great joy - Jn 15:11; e.g., Ac 20:35Jn 15:11Ac 20:35 -- If we have enough faith in Jesus to follow His teachings, we will be attacking one of the root causes of boredom (a pre-occupation with self) B. JESUS ENLISTS US IN SERVICE DESIGNED TO TRULY SATISFY...

13. DEPRESSIONS VI. OVERCOMING DEPRESSIONS THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS ADDRESSES MANY ISSUES THAT CAN DEPRESS PEOPLE... 1. Among many things that can make people depressed, there are such things as: a. Guilt for sins committed in the past b. Concern regarding one's relationship with God in the present c. Fear for what might happen in the future 2. As we have stressed before, what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do, addresses such problems a. He addresses the problem of sin, through His death on the cross! b. He teaches us how to pray, and maintain a healthy relationship with God! c. He gives us hope and promise concerning the future, through His resurrection and ultimate return!

14. DEPRESSIONS VI. OVERCOMING DEPRESSIONS THRU FAITH IN JESUS B. JESUS PROVIDES POSITIVE COGNITIVE THERAPY... 1. Cognitive therapy seeks to help one recognize and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to depression; sample suggestions include: a. Don't set for yourself difficult goals or take on a great deal of responsibility b. Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, do what you can as you can c. Don't expect too much from yourself too soon as this will only increase feelings of failure d. Participate in activities that may make you feel better e. Try to be with other people; it is usually better than being alone 2. In His teachings, Jesus stressed similar principles! a. Reminding us of God's providential love and care – Mt 6:25-32 b. Teaching us where to place our priorities in life - Mt 6:33Mt 6:33 c. Revealing our own limitations - Mt 6:34Mt 6:34 d. Pointing out the kind of selfless service can provide true joy - cf. Jn 13:12-17; Ac 20:35Jn 13:12-17Ac 20:35 e. That God is longsuffering, willing to forgive and comfort the downhearted - cf. Mt 5:3-6; the parable of the Prodigal Son,Mt 5:3-6 Luke 15:11-3215:11-32

15. DESPAIR VII. OVERCOMING DESPAIR THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS PROVIDES HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS... 1. Through His teachings... a. Telling us of God's providential care - Mt 6:30; 7:11; 10:29-31Mt 6:307:1110:29-31 b. Telling us of God's love for the lost - Lk 15:7; Jn 3:16-17Lk 15:7Jn 3:16-17 2. Through His promises... a. Telling us of the abundant life He offers - Jn 4:13-14; 6:35; 10:10Jn 4:13-146:3510:10 b. His promise of the resurrection He offers - Jn 11:23-27 c. His promise of His return and the place He is preparing - Jn 14:1-3Jn 11:23-27Jn 14:1-3 3. Through His actions... a. His death on the cross provides the hope of our forgiveness! b. His resurrection provides the hope for our own resurrection! -- Jesus is truly "our hope"! - cf. 1Ti 1:1 1Ti 1:1

16. DISCONTENT VIII. OVERCOMING DISCONTENT THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS PROVIDES CONTENTMENT... 1. Through His teachings... a. By telling us what is truly important in life 1) Not material abundance - Lk 12:13-15 Lk 12:13-15Lk 12:13-15 2) But being rich toward God! - Lk 12:16-21 Lk 12:16-21Lk 12:16-21 b. By telling us to lay up our treasure in heaven 1) For earthly treasures will decay or be stolen - Mt 6:19 Mt 6:19Mt 6:19 2) Whereas treasures in heaven are safely guarded - Mt 6: 20; cf. 1Pe 1:4 1Pe 1:41Pe 1:4 -- Thus ensuring that our hearts are set upon that which cannot be destroyed - Mt 6:21 Mt 6:21Mt 6:21 2. Through His promises... a. Promising to always be with us - Mt 28:20; cf. He 13:5-6 Mt 28:20He 13:5-6Mt 28:20He 13:5-6 b. Promising God's providential care - Mt 6:30-33; 7:7-11; 10:29-31 Mt 6:30-337:7-1110:29-31Mt 6:30-337:7-1110:29-31

17. FEAR IX. OVERCOMING FEAR THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS TAUGHT THAT FEAR IS INDICATIVE OF LITTLE FAITH... 1. When His disciples were fearful of the storm at sea - Mt 8:23-27 2. When Peter faltered as he went to Jesus walking on the water - Mt 14:25-33 Mt 14:25-33Mt 14:25-33 3. As Jesus taught them not to have fearful anxiety concerning the necessities of life - Lk 12:27-32 Lk 12:27-32Lk 12:27-32 -- As someone put it: "Fear is simply unbelief parading in disguise."

18. FEAR IX. OVERCOMING FEAR THRU FAITH IN JESUS B. JESUS ADDRESSED OUR WORST FEARS... 1. The fear of what we might face in this life a. Jesus promised, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age." - Mt 28:20Mt 28:20 b. With such a promise, we can take courage, as Joshua was encouraged to do - cf. Josh 1:9Josh 1:9 c. With the Lord at our side, what can man do? - cf. He 13:5-6 He 13:5-6 d. The worst that can happen is death, and Jesus addressed that... 2. The fear of death a. His own victory over death frees us from the fear of death - cf. He 2:14-15He 2:14-15 b. Thus Paul could face death with great confidence, even anticipation - Php 1:21-23Php 1:21-23 3. The fear of what comes after death a. Jesus comforted His disciples with the promise that lies ahead - cf. Jn 14:1-3Jn 14:1-3 b. Thus Paul could look forward to what he would receive - 2Ti 4:6-8 (note that it was because he had "kept the faith"!)2Ti 4:6-8 -- When we've overcome these fears through faith in Jesus, other fears will seem petty!

19. GRIEF X. OVERCOMING GRIEF THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS PROVIDES COMFORT TO THE GRIEVING SOUL... 1. As previously noted, Jesus certainly understands our grief a. While in the flesh, He experienced grief - Jn 11:35Jn 11:35 b. Indeed, He became flesh to be better suited to come to our aid - He 2:17-18He 2:17-18 2. He therefore taught His disciples how to find comfort when troubled a. To believe in Him - Jn 14:1-3Jn 14:1-3 b. To keep His commandments, that we might abide in His love - Jn 15:10-11Jn 15:10-11 c. To pray, that we may have joy and peace - Jn 16:24,33; cf. Php 4:6-7Jn 16:2433Php 4:6-7 3. He also provides comfort with the promise of our resurrection - cf. 1Th 4:13-17 1Th 4:13-17

20. LONELINESS XI. OVERCOMING LONELINESS THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS RECONCILES US BACK TO GOD... 1. Paul explained that Jesus' ministry was one of reconciliation - 2Co 5:18-202Co 5:18-20 2. Jesus offered Himself as the only way to God - Jn 14:6Jn 14:6 3. When we keep Jesus' commandments, we are assured of the abiding presence of both the Father and the Son - Jn 14:21,23Jn 14:2123 -- Through faith in Jesus, we can be reconciled to God and thereby never truly be alone!

21. LONELINESS XI. OVERCOMING LONELINESS THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS RECONCILES US BACK TO GOD... B. JESUS ADDS US TO HIS FAMILY... 1. We read where Jesus added people to the church - Ac 2:47 Ac 2:47 2. This "church" is also described as God's house, or family - 1Ti 3:15; cf. 5:1-21Ti 3:15 3. Indeed, Jesus told Peter what His disciples would enjoy in this lifetime, which I understand to be a reference to His church - cf. Mk 10:28-30Mk 10:28-30 -- Through faith in Jesus, we are born into a spiritual family where we should never be alone

22. LONELINESS XI. OVERCOMING LONELINESS THRU FAITH IN JESUS A. JESUS RECONCILES US BACK TO GOD... B. JESUS ADDS US TO HIS FAMILY... C. JESUS' WOULD HAVE US RESPOND POSITIVELY TO LONELINESS... 1. He teaches us to pray, which builds companionship with God a. To pray always, and never lose heart - Lk 18:1Lk 18:1 b. To pray to our Father in secret, where you are one on one with Him - Mt 6:5-6Mt 6:5-6 2. He teaches us to serve, which builds companionship with others - Mt 20:25-28Mt 20:25-28 a. One cannot be alone when they are busy serving others! "Many Christians suffer from loneliness because they are sitting instead of serving." b. Remember, "Many Christians suffer from loneliness because they are sitting instead of serving." -- Through faithful obedience to Jesus, we will establish and nourish relationships whereby we will never be alone!

23. CONCLUSION Believe in CHRIST And let us ALL have faith in HIM Victorious faith in Jesus comes from the Word of God... a. Which is why I cannot overemphasize the importance of feeding upon it daily 1) A lack of knowledge concerning God's word was Israel's downfall - Hos 4:6 Hos 4:6Hos 4:6 2) When people do not have access to His word, they are very weak - Am 8:11-14 Am 8:11-14Am 8:11-14 3) Even Jesus resorted to the Word of God to overcome temptation - Mt 4:4,7,11 Mt 4:4711Mt 4:4711 b. Why deprive yourself of the means that God has given to produce saving faith? - Jm 1:21 Jm 1:21