Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
Life has a way of throwing challenges our way. There are moments of joy, but also seasons of struggle, uncertainty, and deep pain. We all face battles – some are visible to the world, while others are buried deep within. In those difficult times, we often find ourselves asking: How do I get through this? How can I truly overcome? The good news is that no matter what we face, God has already declared us victorious in Christ. Our status as overcomers isn’t based on our strength or achievements, but on what Jesus has already accomplished for us. So, take heart. Even when the battle feels fierce, the outcome is certain – because in Christ, we are more than conquerors. In this article, I invite you to walk boldly in the victory that is already yours in Christ.
God has equipped you with everything needed to rise above challenges and become an overcomer. “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Jesus concluded his teaching in John chapters 14, 15, and 16 by stating that in this world, you will encounter difficulties. However, He urged us not to respond to these challenges like someone who doesn’t know Him would. He has given us the strength to be overcomers. Jesus acknowledges that in this world, you will face tribulation, but He encourages us to be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. You might wonder, “What does this mean for me?” To answer that, let’s look at 1 John 5:4-5. “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?” So, He has given us faith to overcome. The NIV says it this way: This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus is the one who has overcome the world, and believers can also overcome through their faith in Him. This scripture helps us understand that Jesus’s triumph equips believers to lead overcoming lives and experience success in their own circumstances. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus faced the world’s challenges and its systems. The question “Who is it that overcomes the world?” refers to anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This belief is foundational for overcoming the world’s trials and reflects what is born of God, as stated in 1 John 5:4-5. Jesus himself declared that He has overcome the world, and this victory is available to all who believe in Him. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. God poses a question: “Who is it that overcomes the world?” He then provides the answer: “Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” We hear Jesus declaring that He has overcome the world, so we can be of good cheer. Additionally, He tells us that He has made provisions for us to also be world overcomers. The key to understanding these two verses lies in the last part of verse 4, where it states, “And this is the victory that overcomes the world: even our faith.”
Through faith in Jesus, believers can access the victory He has already secured. Everyone born of God overcomes the world, and this victory is achieved through faith. In other words, you need to believe that you are who He says you are. It’s beneficial to say this out loud to yourself because faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. So, you can say this with me: “I’m an overcomer because I’m a believer.” We need to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, rather than getting bogged down by the difficulties of the world. This focus empowers us to walk in victory. We must apply this victory to our everyday lives.
" God has equipped you with everything needed to rise above challenges and become an overcomer. "
Believers are not meant to merely survive but to thrive, subdue, conquer, and overcome life’s challenges. You may wonder, why is it that everyone born of God overcomes the world? The answer lies in the transformative power of spiritual rebirth. Being “born of God” refers to a spiritual regeneration that happens through faith in Jesus Christ. What exactly are we meant to overcome? It is the victory over worldly values and systems that are contrary to God’s will. From the moment you wake up in the morning until you go to sleep at night, the world tries to conform you, urging you to adopt its beliefs, perspectives, and responses.
The world encourages us to go with the flow, adhering to unwritten rules and expectations about how people should behave, think, and feel within specific groups or cultures. These norms guide behaviour by defining what is considered acceptable, appropriate, and normal. They are upheld through social approval and disapproval. However, the systems of the world often conflict with the teachings of the Bible. The beliefs and expectations of society are designed to influence behaviour in various situations. Worldly norms dictate what is considered typical, appropriate, and expected, shaping how people interact with one another. Following these norms usually leads to social acceptance and rewards, while not conforming can result in disapproval, sanctions, or even exclusion. To overcome the world means to gain victory over these pressures and temptations. This is important in today’s world because the word of God teaches us that we can either be transformed by renewing our minds to align with God’s word or we can conform to the way the world thinks. So, Romans 12:2 says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will”.
This is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. This victory is not through human effort but through divine empowerment. As stated in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The term “victory” is significant, as it denotes a decisive conquest which conveys a sense of triumph and success. This victory is not a future event but a present reality for believers. Anyone living a godly life faces persecution and opposition, so the phrase ‘anyone born of God overcomes the world’ highlights the importance of this assurance. The victory is not merely personal but communal, as the Christian community draws strength from their shared faith. The Bible also reminds us in Romans 8:37 that believers are “more than conquerors” through Christ. This victory is comprehensive, impacting all aspects of life and enabling believers to live according to God’s will despite external challenges. Faith is the central element in this victory. It is not just faith in oneself, but faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Saviour. This faith is a gift from God, as mentioned in Ephesians 2:8-9. The faith that overcomes the world is active and living, characterised by trust, obedience, and perseverance.
Hebrews 11 provides examples of individuals whose faith enabled them to overcome significant challenges. Living by faith is a radical departure from the widespread worldly, religious and philosophical systems. It requires a commitment to a new way of life, often at great personal cost. This faith is not static but dynamic, growing through trials and being sustained by the Holy Spirit. The Bible explains that the testing of faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” It’s the world that hinders obedience to God’s commandments, making them seem burdensome. However, wherever God’s children live in obedience, they conquer the world through faith. The victory has already been won: “the victory that has overcome the world is this – our faith.”
