OVERCOMING LIFE –I Jn 5:1-5

The characteristics of an overcoming life

Faith :- (vs 1) continue in faith throughout life

2. Love :- both God & believers

Obedience :- (vs 2,3) the genuine proof of love- constant obedience- ‘keep’

TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES :- JAMES 4:13-17

1. Presumptuous plans:- Pr 27:1 – boasting of tomorrow; Is 56:12- indulgence; Lk 12:19- many years of enjoyment

2. The brevity of life :- Ja 4:14- like a vapour; Jb 7:6- like a flying shuttle; Ps 39:5-only a hand breathe; Ps 103:15-16- like a grass; I Chro 29;15- like a shadow.

3. The right use of time :-

a. Realise : Ps 90:12

b. Remember : Ecel 12:1

c. Responsibility : Eph 5:15,16

d. Representing : Col 4:5.

Causes of procrastination :-

a. Wordly entanglements – Ge 19:16

b. Family cares – Mt 8:21; Lk 9:61

c. Unbelief – Ac 17:32

d. Personal Convenience – Ac 24:25

The loss opportunity: example

Jer 8:20 – for repentance (Mt 27:3)

Mt 25:10 – for preparation

Mt 26:40 – for sympathizing (Gal 6:10)

Lk 19:41, 42 – for accepting Christ.

Lk 13:25 – for entering.

· Ze 8:21 – Hastening to the place of prayer.

· Mt 28:7- Haste in delivering the message

· Lk 14:21 – Haste in giving the invitation

OBEDIENCE

1. God the Father :-.Deut 11:27; Jos 24:24; I Sa 15:22; Ac 5:29,32 ; I Jn 5:3

2. Lord Jesus Christ :- Jn 14:15, 23; Heb 5:9

3. The Holy Spirit’s leading:- Rom.8:14; Ac 5:32; Gal 5:16

4. The Word of God –teaching:- Rom 6:16-17; PS 119:105; II Ti 3:16

5. In the family:- Eph 6:1-2 (children to parents)

Tit 2:5 ; I Cor 14:34-35 (wife to husbands)

I Pe.5:5 ; Col 3:18-22- (young to old)

6. In the professional life :- Eph 6:5-9

7. To the government :- Rom 13:1-8; I Pe 2:13-15

8. In the Church :- Heb 13:7,17; II Thess. 2:15; 3:4,6,14 (to leaders)

Eph 5:21; Phil 2:3; Tit 2:15 (others)

Jesus example : Jn 17:4, 5:34; Phil 2:8; Heb 5:8; Rom, 5:19

Paul’s example: Ac 9:6; 26:19

What He expects from us : Lk 6:46; Phil 2:12