1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. I. THE MERE LIGHT AND STRENGTH OF NATURE IS NOT ABLE TO SUBDUE THE WORLD. 1. Before we can readily give up all that is dear to us in this world, we must be very sure of something better in the next, and of this we cannot be sufficiently assured by unassisted reason. 2. An authoritative rule of life was wanting to the Gentile world. 3. A sinner by the light of nature cannot tell what will satisfy for sin. 4. To this want of knowledge we add want of strength in the natural man to perform his duty when known. 'Tis not enough that we have eyes, but we must have strength also to walk in the way that is set before us. II. THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IS PERFECTLY QUALIFIED FOR THIS END; for raising a true believer above all the temptations here on earth. 1. The evidence given for the truth of the Christian faith. 2. The helps and encouragements proposed in the gospel for overcoming the world. (W. Reeves, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. |
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