1 John 5:4: For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.
The Greek goddess of victory was Nike, which also happens to be the name of a United States aerial missile. Both of them are named for the Greek word nike (NEE-kay) which simply means victory. But what does victory have to do with maturing love?
Christians live in a real world and are beset with formidable obstacles. It is not easy to obey God. It is much easier to drift with the world, disobey Him, and “do your own thing.” But the Christian is “born of God.” This means he has the divine nature within him, and it is impossible for this divine nature to disobey God. If the old nature is in control of us, we disobey God; but if the new nature is in control, we obey God. The world appeals to the old nature and tries to make God’s commandments seem burdensome. Our victory is a result of faith, and we grow in faith as we grow in love. The more you love someone, the easier it is to trust him. The more our love for Christ is perfected, the more our faith in Christ is perfected too; Faith and love mature together. 1
Loving Him
If we want to live in that victory, then we must separate ourselves from worldliness. Look up these verses and receive His Word for your victory over the world.
- Friendship with the world (James 4:4)
- Spotted by the world (James 1:27)
- Loving the world (1 John 2:15–17)
- Conformed to the world (Rom. 12:2)
And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:17
Loving Others
We have victory because our faith is in the Victorious One. – TWEET IT
Make Me Like You
Lord, thank you for gaining and sharing the victory with us.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 524–525). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
