As we continue our study of 1 John, we pick up at verse 1 of Chapter 5. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John wrote:
“Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves His child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out His commands. This is love for God: to obey His commands. And His commands are not burdensome, 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: 1-5
What does it mean to overcome the world? It simply means to make a conscious decision to walk in the fruit of the Spirit each day which is love, and joy, and peace, and patience, and kindness and goodness, and faithfulness, and gentleness, and self control,(Gal 5:22,23) and thus say no to the pull of the world which is lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, pride and ego(1 John 2:16)
The pull of the world is like a powerful magnet, and since we are in this world (not of it), we must be aware of how easily we can be pulled into its ways. Lust, and pride, and ego can be very subtle. We can wind up walking in them and not even be aware of it. It can be like a dusk turning into darkness, and we don’t notice as it is happening. Therefore, each and every day we must seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, (Christ Jesus) to walk in to be fully conscious of our direction for the day. Once we believe that Jesus is the Christ, that He is born of God our Father out of His love for us, that He is the Son of God, and was sent to save us, and we ask Him into our heart, He enters in, and will never leave us. Unfortunately, we sometimes do not acknowledge His presence because we have our mind on the things and ways of the world. Overcome the ways of the world through faith in Him. Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you know my Father as well. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”(John 14:6,7)
Jesus came to show us the Father, His Love, and to overcome the world. He said, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart ! I have overcome the world.” Amen.
God’s best upon you, and yours, God’s Beloveds.
Poppa B.