What does "ABLE TO OVERCOME" mean?

It's not a statement that speaks of our ability to eventually overcome what we are facing, but rather a statement that speaks to the present realities that guide those who place their faith in Jesus.

1 John 5: 4 for everyone born of God overcomes 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.

So, what does life look like that is guided by this reality? and what does it mean to overcome the world?

Overcoming the world through faith in Christ means we live a life radically different from the ways of the world and that we never die.

This changes everything…

Think about it. The greatest threat the world has for our lives is death. This is why we are afraid of sickness, harm, and pain. Not necessarily sickness, harm, and pain itself but the potential that it could lead to death.

Jesus frees us from that fear. His death and resurrection not only pay for our sin but guarantees our resurrection as well. Therefore, we cannot die; we are just relocated to the fullness of the presence of God.

The reality that we have overcome death allows us to live with security, confidence, consistency, and absolute bravery. This reality is what led the apostles and early disciples out of their homes and into the lost people groups of the world. The reality that allowed Stephen to profess faith in Christ in the face of the people about to murder him, the reality that guided Paul back to the mission after shipwrecks, beatings, whippings, and imprisonment.

The realization that death has been defeated allows life to flourish. It allows for hearts to be resilient, emotions to be consistent, and darkness to be attacked.

So start living your life in the fullness that Christ offers. Stop being guided by the condemnation of a world that you have victory over. Stop letting past failure guide your emotions, behavior, and plans. Remember your victory was achieved by your faith, not your actions. It is Christ's actions that conquered death, and our faith in that brings victory. So stop being afraid of what you have done or will do, and experience the freedom brought only by the grace of Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus, you have overcome death. Through Jesus you have overcome sin. Through Jesus, you are able to overcome. So be guided by that reality.