I John 5:4-5 NKJV
[4] For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. [5] Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Beloved,
As children of God, we are more than conquerors and we have already overcome the world. But what is meant by “the world,” and what and who overcome the world? It is important to have answers to these questions so we can always live in the reality of the advantage we have in Christ. These are the insights I will be providing in the next few days. Let’s start by understanding the world.
The Bible gives us guidance into recognizing the world.
I John 2:16-17 NKJV
[16] For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
We see in the scripture above that the world is powered and guided by the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. This a scripture that you should always use to weigh your aspirations and intentions, your thoughts, words and actions. Why do you want what you want? What is driving you? Do you just want to be known of men, caring less what God thinks of you? Do you see a thing and crave it uncontrollably? Are your emotions in charge of your life? Such mindset is of the world and therefore, cannot overcome the world.
Another characteristic of the world is that it passes away, 1 John. 2:17. The world and the things in it are ephemeral. When you see standards that are constantly changing, they are of the world. This is why you should not chase trends or what is in vogue. They cannot overcome the world as they are bound to pass away with it. You must stay with the ancient landmarks, Proverbs 22:28.
The world is also full of cruelty, Psalm 74:20. Cruelty and wickedness is a symptom of the influence of the world. People who do not care whose ox is gored as long as they achieve what they want are of this world. No matter how it appears now, such a mindset cannot overcome the world.
Having learnt to recognize the world and its influence, next time, we will look at what can overcome the world.
I commend you to God and to the word of His grace.
I call you blessed. I call you NATIONS.
