By
Shelby G. Floyd
We thank God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ:
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5: 4-5 NIV). The terms “victory” and “overcomes” in this text translate from the Greek work “nike.” Nike means to be victorious, prevail, conqueror, overcome and win. God wants us to be victorious, not a victim. How do we win?
Victory through the New Birth
We have the victory through the new birth into God’s family: “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well” (1 John 5:1). Jesus said we cannot enter the kingdom of God unless we are born of water and the Spirit. (John 3:3-5).
Victory through Love
Through our love for God and God’s children we have the victory (1 John 5:1). Jesus declared that all men will know that we are his disciples when we love as he has loved us: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (John 13:34 ESV).
Victory through Obedience
Genuine love is always joined with obedience, “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments” (1 John 5:2 ESV). Obedience to God’s word is not a burden when we love God. “This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).Human traditions and man-made rules are heavy loads to carry, but the yoke of Christ is light (Matthew 23:4; 11:30).
Victory over the World
We have the ultimate victory over death and the world through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: “Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (1 John 5:5)? Nike—We WIN! “The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son” (Revelation 21:7).
Copyright © 2012 2020 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved
Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142
shelby@thefloyds.net