1Jn 5:4-5 says, "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?" The Greek word for overcometh, nikao, means to conquer, subdue, prevail, get the victory over. This victory comes by our faith in Jesus Christ. Because our Lord Jesus is an over comer; when we have a living, active faith in Him, we are over comers as well. This is a reality that the apostles lived in, and it turned the world upside down. When we understand this concept as the apostles did, it will radically change our life. Let’s get into The Word of God.

John 16:33 says, " These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." In many Christians minds, their victory in life is subjective. In other words, it is dependant on their circumstances. If they are in good health, have money in the bank, are getting along with their spouse and kids, and have no problems - then they’ll agree that they are over comers. However, if their circumstances are not good, then they don’t see themselves as over comers. In contrast to this subjective attitude, the Bible makes clear that you are an overcomer because of your faith in Jesus Christ. It has absolutely nothing to do with your circumstances. It is a Biblical fact. It is a spiritual reality.

Jn 16:33 says that we should be of good cheer, even in trials and troubles. Why? Because Jesus over came the world. If we are in Christ, then we overcome the world. It is that simple. We must walk by faith, and not by sight. We must live the spirit led life. If you visited the apostle Paul in prison, and saw him beat, whipped, bloody, and chained up in the lower parts of a dungeon - you might say to Paul, "Paul, it doesn’t look like you’re a victor. You don’t look like an overcomer. In fact, it looks like the opposite is true." Do you know what Paul would say to you, Christian? He would say, "Why are looking at my circumstances? What does that have to do with me being an over comer? Can’t you see that I am in Christ, and Christ is in me? I live my life for His glory, and I’ll die for His glory. These chains have nothing to do with the fact that I am more than a conqueror."

You see, Paul lived a Christian life few of us can relate to. He lived a crucified life. His life was hid in God. The truth and reality of God’s Word was so superior to anything he experienced, his experiences simply didn’t matter. Sometimes he was hungry, sometimes full. Sometimes rich, sometimes poor. Sometimes accepted, sometimes rejected. But all the time in communion and fellowship with Jesus Christ. He counted all his credentials as dung. He just wanted to know Jesus more and more (Philp 3:3-10). Does that describe you? Do you want that to describe you?

In Romans 8:35-37, Paul said we (born again Christians) are more than conquerors in tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword. So, obviously our circumstances do not dictate our victory over the world - our faith in Jesus does. The world just thinks we are crazy - and with good reason. The natural man cannot understand the things of the spirit, because they must be spiritually discerned (1Cor 2:6-16). Yet, we as Christians need to know the truth, and walk in it. It really doesn’t matter what the world thinks. They don’t understand the things of God.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t expect the good things of God to be manifest in our life; but our faith should not hinge on it. Our faith should be in God’s Word, despite what we see or don’t see. Is your faith in Jesus only relative to what you experience? If it is, you’re totally missing the boat. Jesus said we must whole heartedly believe, and the we will see (Mk 11:23). Sometimes we acknowledge that Scripture, but we often don’t live it. We often focus only on the seeing, and not on the believing - but that is wrong. We must not shake our fist at God and say His Word is wrong, because something didn’t happen the way we thought it should. Once again, that is a subjective faith. It is not based on the truth of God’s Word, but on your experience. We must discern between spiritual truth and present circumstances. I believe many people do not have enough respect for God’s Word to do this. However, if you want to truly be an over comer, you must do it. Ask yourself this: In my sight, is God’s Word true, and every man a liar (Rom 3:4)? It needs to be a yes. Let’s live the life God intended for us to live. Let’s live as over comers in Christ. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!