The Victory That Overcomes The World – 1 John 5
‘For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?’ — 1 John 5:4–5
The word ‘world’ in the Bible can refer to creation, to all people, to things of the flesh, or to a system made up of people whose values, beliefs, and morals are in distinction and rebellion to God’s. This last meaning is how the word ‘world’ is used in 1 John 5:4-5 and frequently throughout the book of 1 John.
Notice the following about this world system from 1 John:
- All that is in the world is not of the Father and those who love the Father should not love this world (2:15-16).
- This world system is going to pass away, but those who do the will of the Father abide forever (2:17).
- The world does not recognise the sons of God just as it did not acknowledge Christ (3:1).
- The world hates Christians (3:13).
- This world has goods that we should use to be a blessing to others (3:17).
- There are many false prophets in the world (4:1).
- The spirit of antichrist is in the world (4:3).
- God is greater than the world (4:4).
- The world listens to the false prophets of the world (4:5).
- The whole world lies in wickedness (5:19).
The list above shows us that ‘the world’ is a powerful system to be reckoned with. It is diametrically opposed to God, to Christ, to Christ’s followers, and to all that God is for. It is let by Satan, the god of this world, and his false prophets.
Despite the power of this world, God is greater than the world and we can overcome the world as 1 John 5:4-5 tell us. The way we overcome the world is to believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
Our hope, our confidence, and our victory are found not in our own wisdom but in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He has already defeated the works of Satan and cast down principalities and powers, and when we believe on Him, His victory becomes our victory. If we are in Him, we are overcomers because He is the ultimate Overcomer.
Let the Lord fight your battles for you today. Trust in Christ. Look to Him. Believe on Him, and by faith claim the victory that is already yours in Christ!