Faith, Part 3 of 3Sample

Faith overcomes the world

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5)

Jesus Christ conquered the world through His death and resurrection. Those who are united to Him by faith share in His triumph. Believers are “more than conquerors.” Not because they themselves are so strong, but “through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

This victory is not political, but primarily spiritual. “The world” here implies the devil with his demonic powers and sin. Apart from the Lord Jesus, no one can resist their temptations. This is not only an external enemy, but this evil also resides in our hearts! From ourselves, we are already so affected by sin that we naturally do the wrong thing. Only when we have been set free by Jesus can we overcome these temptations.

The Lord Jesus has already triumphed. But only when He returns will His victory become fully visible. Then the devil will be destroyed, sin and its consequences will disappear, and Jesus will become King over all the earth. Believers may also share in that victory, as John hears in a vision, “You [=Jesus] have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)

Do you feel able to “overcome the world”? In what respect do you or do you not? What do you need for this?