Overcomer - Beginnings

Overcomer - 9/21

Introduction

We just started a new eight week series called Overcomer: Winning Against the Seven Deadly Sins. All of us face temptations of various kinds.  Sometimes we win those battles but at other times we lose.  So what do we do?  How do we increase our odds of consistently winning the battle within?  

In these daily devotionals which coordinate with the Overcomer series we’ll provide biblical passages and personal insights designed to help shape us into overcoming Christ-followers.

Read I John 5:1-5

1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. 2 This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. 7 So we have these three witnesses— 8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree. 9 Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. 10 All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son.

11 And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.

Memory Verse
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the son of God.  
1 John 5:5 NIV

Reflect

Questions to Consider

Read the passage again slowly.  What are some keys to becoming an overcomer listed here?

Looking ahead for the next 8 weeks what are 2 specific ways would like to overcome the temptations around you in the world?

Prayer

Father in heaven, thank You for loving me first. I want people to know that I am a follower of Jesus in the way I show my love for you and for all the people around me.  Show me the areas of my life where I am most vulnerable to temptation.  Change my heart so that I can consistently overcome the world by your strength and grace. Amen.

Share

Gather some family friends together and read the passage. Then ask this question:

In light of this passage what could we do to support each other in standing strong against temptation? What helps you to stand strong?

DFM Nation

Next Sunday Pastor Glenn will dive into an in depth teaching on the ways Humility will overcome Pride.  Take a moment to pray for and invite someone to attend with you.