Sermon Tone Analysis

Intro

Text - John 16.7; 1 John 4.4

Title - The Believers’ Advantages

Background

John was writing from 2 different perspectives -

pre-resurrection

post- resurrection

When Jesus began to express His imminent departure, the disciples began to be sorrowful.

But Jesus explained the need for Him to go away.

He will no only die, He will also rise from the grave!

His death and resurrection will pave the way for the “Helper” to come!

Fast forward to the Holy Spirit dispensation -

we overcome, because there is something in us that gives us the advantage over the works of the enemy -

the One that is IN US - the Holy Spirit - is greater the the devil in the world!

Main Point

The Holy Spirit inside is the the Christian’s great advantage over the devil and the world

What is “advantage”?

a position of superiority

any state, circumstance, opportunity or means specially favorable to success

Advantage versus fighting chance

fighting chance - a slim opportunity for victory through great effort

advantage - predisposed conditions

Which means -

Satan has a fighting chance because (1) he is powerful and smart; and (2) God is giving him allowance to do his schemes

But, a born again, Spirit filled Christian will always have the advantage over Satan, because “the One who is inside this Christian is greater than Satan”!

Key Points

Children of God are “predisposed” to win!

In this life, some people are born with the advantage - rich; in a good environment; etc.

Your sins are forgiven!

there is nothing that stands between you and God!

you can go to God anytime - especially in times of trouble!

God’s favor gives you the advantage

Micah 7:8–9 (NKJV)

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy;

When I fall, I will arise;

When I sit in darkness,

The Lord will be a light to me.

I will bear the indignation of the Lord,

Because I have sinned against Him,

Until He pleads my case

And executes justice for me.

He will bring me forth to the light;

I will see His righteousness.

Note -

being predisposed to win does not guarantee the winning.

It only gives you the advantage, but other factors must come into play.

If new birth predisposed us to win -

Knowledge of the Word of God equips us to win!

You were given knowledge concerning the Word of God

From 1 John 2.12-14

you have known him who is from the beginning

you have known the Father

Knowledge of Jesus helps know the Father

Knowledge of God gives wisdom

If knowledge of God equips us for victory -

The Abiding Word of God ensures the victory!

God grants us our desires towards fruitfulness

The Abiding the Word means abiding in the Spirit -

Conclusion

Samson was a type of a Christian -

he was born with a big advantage -

he was born an Israelite

he was predisposed to become strong physically

but, he traded his advantage for the pleasures of the world, and lost it

his enemies were amazed at his strength and potted to find out the source of his great strength

Judges 16.5 “And the lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Entice him, and find out where his great strength lies, and by what means we may overpower him, that we may bind him to afflict him; and every one of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.””

You already have the advantage over the enemy -

by your birth

dont go back to the world

by your knowledge f God

dont neglect your personal study of the word

by the Holy Spirit that abides in you

dont neglect your daily fill of the Holy Spirit

Don’t trade your advantage with the pleasures of this world

Satan already knows where your great strength lies!

he will use his schemes to take away your advantage

song - i will overcome