1. Wanting to be like the world
1 Samuel 8:1-22

2. “Like ALL the nations” An Evil Request:
A Hurtful Request (1 Sam 8:1-6a)
A Blasphemous Request (1 Sam 8:6b-8)
A Damaging Request (1 Sam 8:9-18)
A Persistent Request (1 Sam 8:19-22a)

3. “Like the world” It Sounds Reasonable (1 Sam 8:4-5)
But It Rejects God’s Authority (1 Sam 8:7; cf. 1 Cor 3:19-21; Col 3:17; Phil 4:9)
But It Forgets God’s Goodness (1 Sam 8:20; cf. 1 Samuel 7; Jas 1:17)
 It Makes Us Feel Accepted (1 Sam 8:5, 20; cf. Ezek 11:12; 2 Cor 6:17; 1 Pet 1:13; Phil 2:15)

4. John 1:1-5 (AMP) – IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), & the Word was with God, & the Word was God Himself. 2 He was present originally with God. 3 All things were made & came into existence through Him; & without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being. 4 In Him was Life, & the Life was the Light of men. 5 And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, & is unreceptive to it].

5. How to overcome wanting to be like the world:
Recognize that it’s a sin needing God’s pardon (1 Sam 12:19, 23; cf. Acts 8:24).
Chart a straight path for your life, & do not turn aside to empty things (1 Sam 12:21; cf. Col 2:8).
Learn what is good & right (1 Sam 12:23; cf. Phil 4:8).
Remember that God is both good & just (1 Sam 12:24-25; cf. Matt 8:10-12; 25:30).

6. How to overcome sin! Faith in Jesus Christ through the Gospel
John 8:24; 20:30-31; Rom 1:16; 10:9-10; Mark 16:16; Heb 11:6
Repent or turn from sins
Luke 24:46-47; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30-31
Confess faith in Christ
Matt 10:32-33; Acts 8:36-38; Rom 10:9-10
Be baptized (immersed) in water
Matt 28:19; Mk 16:16; Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21
Live in obedient faith
Heb 5:8-9; 1 Peter 1:14; Rev 2:10