Overcoming the World

Date: February 20, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – 1 John 5:4

"For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith."

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, I come before you with a humble heart, recognizing that I cannot overcome the challenges of the world on my own. I ask for your help, your guidance, and your strength to face the difficulties I am currently experiencing. Please grant me the faith and the courage to keep moving forward and to trust in your plan for my life. May your love and peace surround me and give me the assurance that I need to face each day with confidence. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

It is believed that the Apostle John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ, wrote this letter, although some scholars have debated this. It was probably written between 90 and 100 AD, towards the end of John's life.

The intended audience was believed to be a group of churches in the region of Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey and the churches were made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

The main purpose of the letter of 1 John is to encourage and strengthen believers in their faith, and to fight against false teachings that were threatening the Christian community. It talks a lot about the importance of love for God and for others. 

John tells them that as children of God, they have the power to overcome the world through their faith in Jesus Christ. By placing their trust in Christ, believers can overcome the negative influences of the world and live according to God's will.

1 John is a call to believers to remain faithful to the truth of the gospel and to love one another. It is a powerful reminder of the victory that believers can claim through their faith in Christ.

Study and Savor – Key Words

"born of God" - This phrase refers to those who have been spiritually reborn through faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that salvation and the ability to overcome the world come from God's grace and not human effort.

"overcome the world" - This phrase means to triumph over the negative influences of the world, such as sin, temptation, and opposition to the gospel. It suggests that believers can have victory over the challenges of life through their faith in Christ.

"victory" - This word signifies a successful outcome or achievement. It implies that believers can be assured of triumph in their spiritual battles because of their connection to Christ.

"faith" - This word refers to a strong belief or trust in God, and specifically in the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is emphasized as the key to victory in this verse and throughout the letter of 1 John. Faith is seen as the means by which believers can access God's power and overcome the world.

Summarize and Share

In the midst of our daily struggles and the constant barrage of negative news and experiences, it can be easy to feel defeated and hopeless. We may feel as though the world is too big, too powerful, and too overwhelming for us to make a difference. But as believers, we have a different perspective. We know that the victory has already been won, and that we can claim that victory for ourselves through faith in Christ.

One of the most beloved hymns of the Christian faith, "Victory in Jesus," echoes this same message. The chorus of the song declares:

O victory in Jesus, My Savior, forever!

He sought me and bought me With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him, And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory, Beneath the cleansing flood.

These words remind us that our victory in Christ is not something we earn or achieve on our own. It is a gift that comes from the love and sacrifice of our Savior, who sought us out and bought us with His own blood. He loved us before we even knew Him, and He continues to love us today, offering us the hope and the strength we need to face the challenges of the world.

When we feel defeated or overwhelmed by the struggles of life, we can turn to 1 John 5:4 and to the words of "Victory in Jesus" as a source of encouragement and hope. We can remind ourselves that we are not alone in our struggles, and that the victory has already been won. We can cling to our faith in Christ, knowing that He is with us every step of the way, and that His power and His love are more than enough to see us through. With this knowledge, we can face the challenges of the world with confidence and joy, knowing that we are victorious in Christ.

I encourage you today to take some time to reflect on your faith and the ways that Jesus has already brought you victory in your life, then give thanks for His love and grace. Then sing Victory in Jesus as a reminder of His truth and let the words speak to your heart and lift your spirits today. 

Bible Cross Reference

John 16:33 - "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This verse from Jesus' own words echoes the message of 1 John 5:4, emphasizing the victory we have in Christ.

Romans 8:37 - "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." Paul's words in Romans similarly remind us that through Christ's love, we are able to triumph over any obstacle or challenge we face.

1 Corinthians 15:57 - "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." This verse emphasizes the source of our victory - not through our own strength, but through God's grace and the work of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This verse reminds us of the importance of faith in our victory over the world, as 1 John 5:4 emphasizes. It tells us that even when we cannot see the end result, we can have confidence in God's promises through our faith in Him.