Faithway Baptist Church
Feeling Defeated? Remember this… | 1 John 5:4-5 | Pastor Schwanke | Sunday Worship
Theme: Hope in the Dark: Confronting fear, depression, & spiritual darkness through the power of Christ
Sermon Title:Feeling Defeated? Remember this…
Bible Verses: 1 John 5:4-5
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INTRODUCTION: FEELING DEFEATED? REMEMBER THIS…
Are you facing discouragement, criticism, or spiritual struggle? You’re not alone! In today’s message from 1 John 5:4-5, discover how the Christian life is not a story of defeat, but a testimony of victory—no matter what’s going on around you. Let’s see what real overcoming faith looks like!
SUMMARY: LIVING IN VICTORY—NOT DEFEAT
"For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" (1 John 5:4–5)
– The call to live as overcomers is for every believer.
– Our victory isn’t based on performance, but on new birth and living faith in Jesus Christ.
Let’s break down three truths about overcoming from God’s Word:
VICTORY BEGINS WITH A NEW BIRTH
– 1 John 5:4a teaches: "For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world."
– The Greek word "nike" (yes, like the sneakers!) means "victory" or "overcome."
– When you’re born again, God gives you a new identity and spiritual DNA. You’re not just surviving—you’re overcoming!
– Your victory doesn’t depend on self-discipline or willpower. It’s a supernatural change: a new heart, new desires, and a new direction through the Holy Spirit.
– "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature..." (2 Corinthians 5:17)
– Being born again is the foundation of overcoming—this is where your victorious journey truly begins!
FAITH ANCHORS US IN CHRIST’S FINISHED BATTLE
– 1 John 5:4b: "And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."
– The victory is already accomplished—past tense—because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
– Faith is not a feeling. It’s trust in Christ’s finished work, no matter your circumstances.
– Even when storms come, our faith lifts us above the waves—just like Peter walking on water when he kept his eyes on Jesus.
– The heroes of faith (Hebrews 11) didn’t overcome by effort alone, but by trusting God’s promises, even when they didn’t see results right away.
– When doubts come, remember: You’re anchored in the finished work of Jesus. You don’t fight for victory—you fight from victory!
OVERCOMERS ARE MARKED BY BELIEF, NOT PERFORMANCE
– 1 John 5:5: "Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?"
– Overcoming is for every believer, not just the “spiritually elite.”
– Victory is about your confession—believing that Jesus is the Son of God. It’s not about being perfect, but about belonging to Christ, who has already won.
– Jesus said, "I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
– The enemy still thrashes, but his end is certain—like a snake whose head has been crushed.
– Your identity as an overcomer is secured by faith, not by having it all together. Even when you struggle, your victory is guaranteed in Jesus.
LIVING OUT VICTORY—NO MATTER WHAT
– When you feel defeated, let God’s truth reshape your perspective.
– You are born again to win.
– Your life is anchored in a finished battle.
– You are marked by belief, not perfection.
– Even if the enemy is noisy, your victory is already won!
APPLICATION: WALK IN CONFIDENCE
– Let the Holy Spirit remind you: "You are an overcomer!"
– Let your faith shine in your business, your home, and your daily choices.
– Remember, overcoming the world doesn’t mean you’ll never face trouble. It means you have a Savior who’s already conquered for you.
– You’re on the winning side—today, tomorrow, and forever.
CALL TO ACTION
– If this message encouraged you, LIKE the video, SHARE it with someone who needs hope, and SUBSCRIBE for more Bible teaching every week!
– Need prayer or want to share your testimony? Drop a comment below—we’d love to connect with you.
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Faithway Baptist Church
https://FaithwayBaptistChurch.com
Leesburg, VA