One Who Overcomes

“Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father loves the child born of Him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:1-5

Today we are pushing seven billion people in this world. Of that total, about two billion would be classified as “Christians” in the sense of living in areas where Christianity is the prevailing religion. Only a small segment of that figure would be authentic Christians. If you are a believer, you are obviously in the minority. Yet the Scriptures confess that you are one of the few who has “overcome the world” through your trust in Jesus (1 John 5:5).

Overcoming the world means that you are not conformed to the dominant philosophy of the culture in which you live. As a disciple of Christ, you exhibit the uncommon characteristics of another world - the kingdom of heaven. Overcoming the world also means that you have escaped the corruption that pollutes the world. Your sin is forgiven, your guilt removed by the death of Jesus Christ.

You are a new creature in Christ with a new nature that is not ruled by the passions of sin. Yes, you wrestle with unruly impulses; but you are no longer subservient to their tyranny. Christ is your Master. You are an overcomer in Christ.

“You...have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4