Message Outline
1 John 2:12-14 (reference)
Children: You have real victory because your sins have been forgiven, and you know the Father.
Young Men: You have real victory because you are strong in Christ through the Spirit of God in you.
Fathers: You have real victory through Jesus, your first love.
1 John 2:15-17
1 John 2:16
Our battle against sin is rooted in desire and pride.
James 1:13-15
We must end our love affair with worldly, sinful things and set our affection on Jesus.
Colossians 3:1-2
Victory is found only in Christ, and only by faith.
John 16:33, Romans 8:37, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 2:14.
1 John 5:4
Going Deeper Questions
Ice Breaker Question: have you ever been on a team that had an obvious advantage by having the best player on it? Describe that time.
1 John 2:12-14 12I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. 13I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. 14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
What blessings or spiritual truths does John associate with each of these groups:
Children
Young Men
Fathers
How do John’s words encourage YOU as you strive to find real victory in Jesus?
1 John 2:15-17 15Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.16For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
What are the types of sinful/worldly things fall into each category?
Desire of the flesh (anything that brings comfort or pleasure):
Desire of the eyes (anything that makes us covet what we see):
Pride of life (whatever makes us look down on others):
From the message: We must end our love affair with worldly, sinful things and set our affection on Jesus. Is there a specific area (or a specific thing) that is a very difficult struggle for you?
Passages to consider: John 16:33, Romans 8:37, Philippians 4:13, 1 Corinthians 15:57, 2 Corinthians 2:14. Victory is found only in Christ, and only by faith. What do you think it means to rely on Christ for victory, rather than fighting in your own strength and power? How easy/difficult is that for you to do?
Prayer: Pray for victory in areas of life where you find yourself struggling with your desires and pride.