Faith is the Victory

Text: 1 John 2:18-27; 4:1-6; 5:1-5

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Opening Hook

Taco Bell salsa packet ("Too Good Not to Be True")

Humorous claim for free tacos for life

B. Series Recap: Our Journey Through 1 John (Weeks 1-5)

Week 1 – The Reality of Jesus (incarnation)

Week 2 – Our Identity as God's Children (confidence)

Week 3 – Walking in the Light (advocacy of Jesus)

Week 4 – The Transforming Power of Faith (obedience)

Week 5 – Investing in Eternity (eternal perspective)

C. Transition to Today's Focus

Two conspicuous omissions in 1 John: baptism and the Holy Spirit

Both implicitly present in today's passages

The troubling reality: we live in dangerous times with false teaching

Introduction of "the antichrist"

II. THE THREAT: Antichrists and False Teachers (1 John 2:18-27; 4:1-6)

A. Understanding "The Last Hour" (2:18)

Definition: The entire period between Christ's first and second comings

Supporting Scripture:

Acts 2:16-17 (Joel's prophecy fulfilled)

1 Corinthians 10:11 (ends of the ages)

2 Timothy 3:1 (difficult times in last days)

Hebrews 1:1-2 (God has spoken through His Son)

Illustration: Soccer match in sudden-death overtime

Next goal ends the game

Could happen any second OR continue for hours

We live in this tension

B. Understanding "The Antichrist" (2:18, 22; 4:3)

Popular misconception: One individual at the end of time

John's actual teaching: Multiple antichrists already present

Existed in first century

Will continue until Christ returns

Key identifying characteristic: Deny Jesus came in the flesh

Three essential truths embedded in John's warning:

Jesus of Nazareth is the divine Word of God

Jesus is fully divine AND fully human

Jesus alone provides eternal life

Historical note: Many have tried predicting; all have failed

No predictions from John (or this preacher!)

C. The Reality of False Teachers Today

Prosperity Gospel teachers (deny sacrifice and suffering)

Theological liberals (deny incarnation/resurrection)

Moral relativists (reject absolute truth)

Cultural Christianity (Jesus as teacher, not divine Lord)

D. John's Command: "Test the spirits" (4:1)

Can't trust everyone claiming to speak for God

Active discernment required

E. The Bottom Line

We live in the last days

Forces actively oppose the gospel

This reality feels frightening and overwhelming

F. Transition to Hope

Acknowledgment: This would be depressing if we stopped here

The bad news sets up the best news

The darker the threat, the brighter the hope

III. THE PROTECTION: We Have an Anointing (1 John 2:20-21, 26-27)

A. The Promise of Anointing (2:20-21)

"You have an anointing from the Holy One"

You know the truth

No lie comes from the truth

B. The Permanence of Anointing (2:26-27)

Written to warn about those trying to lead astray

The anointing remains in you

It teaches you about all things

It is real, not counterfeit

Command: Remain in Him

C. Connection to Baptism and the Holy Spirit

While not explicitly mentioned, the implication is clear

Anointing connects to baptism

Supporting Scripture: Acts 2:38

Repent and be baptized

For forgiveness of sins

Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

Conversion = washing away sins + receiving the Holy Spirit

D. The Holy Spirit's Protection

Provides discernment

Helps distinguish truth from error

Protects from false teaching

E. We Also Have Scripture

John's readers may have had the Fourth Gospel

We have the entire New Testament

God's Word reveals truth from falsehood

We don't have to live in fear

F. Illustration: The Counterfeit Test

Counterfeit detector pens for $100 bills

Real bills (cotton-linen) = pen stays faint yellow

Fake bills (wood-pulp) = pen turns dark

Application: We have tools (anointing + Scripture) to detect counterfeit teachers

IV. THE PROMISE: Greater Is He Who Is In You (1 John 4:4)

A. The Favorite Verse Declaration

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them"

"Because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world"

NASB: "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world"

Personalized: "Greater is He who is in ME than he who is in the world"

Congregational participation: Say it together

B. One of Scripture's Greatest Promises

At baptism/anointing, we received the Holy Spirit

This empowers us to overcome whatever the world throws at us

When we access this power, we can overcome anything

C. Supporting Scriptures for Overcoming

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil

Overcome evil with good

1 Corinthians 10:13

No temptation except what is common

God is faithful

He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear

He provides a way out

D. The Power to Resist

Resist false teaching

Resist temptation

Resist losing faith

We have an anointing!

E. Freedom from Spiritual Anxiety

Contrast: Don't like sudden-death games (anxiety about losing)

John's message: Don't have to live with spiritual anxiety

Three certainties:

We're loved by God

We can be confident in our salvation

We can face fiercest storms knowing God is victorious

V. THE VICTORY: Born of God Overcomes the World (1 John 5:1-5)

A. The Faith That Overcomes (5:1-5)

Everyone who believes Jesus is the Christ is born of God

We show love for God's children by loving God and keeping His commands

God's commands are not burdensome

Everyone born of God overcomes the world

This is the victory: our faith

Who overcomes? Only the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God

B. The Question: Do You Believe?

Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?

VI. CONCLUSION: Bringing It Home

A. Summary of Our Situation

We live in the "last hour" (sudden-death period)

False teachers are real and present

The antichrist spirit opposes God's truth

This can be terrifying

B. What John Wants You to Know

You are NOT defenseless

You are NOT alone

You are NOT powerless

C. What You Have

An anointing—the Holy Spirit living in you

Scripture—God's Word revealing truth

The church—a community discerning together

The promise—the One in you is greater than the one in the world

D. Four Faith Questions

Do you believe Jesus is the Son of God?

Do you believe He came in the flesh?

Do you believe He died for your sins?

Do you believe He rose from the dead?

E. The Already-Accomplished Victory

If you believe, you HAVE already overcome (not "will")

The victory is already won

Your faith connects you to Christ's victory

F. Too Good Not to Be True

The promise sounds impossible:

First-century letter to persecuted people

Promises fragile humans can overcome the world

Promises ability to resist deception

Promises standing firm until Jesus returns

Why it's true:

Jesus is who He says He is

Fully God, fully human

Crucified for our sins

Raised for our justification

Central claim: It's not too good to be true; it's too good NOT to be true

G. The Real Question

Not: "Can you overcome?"

But: "Will you believe it?"

Will you live like it's true?

Will you access the power already dwelling in you?

H. Final Promises Based on Your Need

If you're weak → He is strong

If you're confused → He provides clarity

If you're afraid → He offers confidence

If you're not yet a believer → Today is your day to receive this anointing