GREAT AND WONDERFUL TRUTHS ARE COVERED IN JOHN'S WRITINGS, AND THE 1st EPISTLE HAS MORE THAN MOST

1. Though John had lived to a ripe old age, his message was as fresh as to interest young people
2. With old age generally comes a loss of vision, hope, and a general discouragement in life
3. But John, though he knew the World & its deceit, yet he was full of enthusiasm and hope of joy

Life is a big game, and mankind is being tested. He approached it with real joy!

I.- THE GREAT PROMISES TO THE WINNERS

Those who win are called "Overcomers"- and it is fun to look at the "green stamp" catalogue!

A.- THE BIBLE IS FULL OF PROMISES AND COMMANDMENTS TO THOSE WHO OVERCOME SATAN'S POWERS

1. Matt 5:5 was given by Jesus, and it promised a lot- "The Meek shall inherit the earth"-Believe it!
2. Paul spoke as a command- Romans 12:21- "Be not overcome of evil-but overcome evil with good."
3. John wrote to the young men - I John 2:13,14  "Ye have overcome the wicked one"-statement of fact

B.- SIX YEARS LATER JOHN WAS DIRECTED BY GOD TO WRITE A SERIES OF PROMISES TO OVERCOMERS - Rev 2,3

1. - 2:7 -To eat of the tree of life. Ezekiel and Revelation both speak of this great promise--Adam chased from Garden to keep this from happening
2. - 11- Not to be hurt of the 2nd death
3. - 17- To eat of Hidden Manna, and given a new name, New name written down in Glory
4. - 26- Power over the nations
5. - 3:5- White raiment, and your name in the Book of life
6. - 13- Will be made a pillar in the Temple, with Christ's name written
7. - 21- To sit with Christ on his throne

The Climax- Rev. 21:7- He that overcometh shall inherit all things - eternal Heaven

II.- BUT WE CAN'T WIN!  WE AREN'T ABLE ! !

We need to take a good look at our chances of overcoming anything! We just are not able to win.

A.- PAUL POINTED OUT THE PROBLEM OF THE OLD FALLEN NATURE WHEN HE WROTE ROMANS 7:19

1. We can call this total depravity, our fallen nature, but the fact remains-our old nature lives
2. When I was in school-men hoped for human perfectibility - Technocracy - idealistic answer to need
3. But now Higher education sees no hope so they teach -no truth; no hope; no chance for survival

B.- WHILE WE POSSESS THE KEYS TO HEAVEN (TECHNICAL SCIENCE): WE INSTEAD OPEN DOORS OF HELL!

1. Everything we do turns out backwards- Hitler wanted 3rd Reich-Millennium-PEACE, prosperity,-life
2. The Communists -ideal of a perfect world but instead they make it a living hell for everyone
3. Our founding fathers knew we needed control on man; but modern democratic procedures = Crime

C.- EVEN AS CHRISTIANS, WITH THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL, WE FIND THAT WE CAN DO NO GOOD THING!

1. When it comes to our own strength & works Isa 64:6 "All our righteousness ... are as filthy rags"
2. Prophets & Apostles all tell of an Armageddon, Gethsemane- before peace or paradise with God!
3. Our Christian nation will face stark terror-Algeria, Biafra, Ireland! -self made in America!

Lead articles in Christianity Today- "Burden of God" If God wants anything done- do it Himself

III.- ONLY THE BORN AGAIN ONES CAN WIN !

Neither Prophet nor Apostle offer any hope in ourselves- BUT THEY ALL OFFER HOPE IN CHRIST!

A.- JOHN TELLS US THE ONLY WAY TO BE AN OVERCOMER IS THROUGH GOD'S PLAN -

1. 1 John 2:14- The Young men-"Ye are strong- & The Word of God abideth in you" THIS IS POWER
2. I John 4:4- "Ye are of God, and have overcome the World: -What a great and delightful fact!
3. 4b the reason- "Because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world"!

B.- THE ONLY WAY TO BE AN OVERCOMER IS TO PLACE FAITH IN CHRIST AND BE BORN AGAIN! I John 5:4

1. v. 4a - It is the born ones that overcome the world! The old nature must have new grafted in
2. v. 4b- The victory is found in our faith in God- "The Just shall live by faith" Hab, Rom, Gal
3. v. 5- The way to overcome-"believe that Jesus is the Son of God!" not lightly-but saving faith

C.- SO GOD'S WORD COMMANDS THE CHRISTIAN - GIVE THANKS TO GOD ALWAYS, AS ALWAYS TRIUMPHANT!

1. II Cor 2:14---God always causeth us to triumph in Christ- v.17- our part-honor God's Word
2. Jeremy Taylor 300 years ago How to cure an Evil Nature no medicine, wash, etc. can cure-but A). Faith- firm belief in promises of God; B). Devotion-faithful in spiritual exercise
3. Jesus will make you perfect-when He comes- I John 3:2,3- This is our blessed hope-

Until then-you can't completely cure your evil nature-but it sure is fun trying! try it!

ARE YOU SATISFIED TO LIVE IN SPIRITUAL DEFEAT AS OUR WORLD IS DESTROYED AROUND US? OR DO YOU WANT TO WIN?

1. Confess Christ as your Savior Loud, Long, Often, and start right now!
2. Develop an appetite for God's loving grace and faithfulness in being where He speaks!
3. Busy yourself- seeking first the Kingdom of God and Its righteousness- & life will be joy.