Unmasking Worldliness - Bible Witness

Overcomethe WorldDominino dela Cruz Jr.“For whatsoever is born of God overcomeththe world: and this is the victory thatovercometh the world, even our faith. Whois he that overcometh the world, but he thatbelieveth that Jesus is the Son of God?”(1 John 5:4-5).The main focus of the apostle John’s teachingin 1 John 5:4-5 is overcoming the world.In fact, the phrase “overcometh the world”appears three times in these two verses. Ofcourse, the apostle John is not saying thatall people on earth are able to overcomethe wicked system and sinful lifestyle of theworld. He was referring to a special group ofpeople – those who are born of God. In otherwords, only a Christian on this planet has thepotential to live a victorious life though heis living in a sinful world. This sounds veryintriguing to me. So it is good for us to lookat 1 John 5:4-5 closely and meditatively.The assurance of Christian victoryJohn begins by saying, “For whatsoever is bornof God overcometh the world” (1 John 5:4a).The phrase “born of God” tells us that here,John is not talking about professingChristians but truly born-again Christianswhose hearts have been regenerated and whoare indwelt by the Spirit of God. So only a truebeliever has the potential and the capabilityto overcome the world because of hisdynamic relationship with God. This is anunmistakable promise of victory to everyChristian. It is important to note that thisassurance is not given only to an elite groupof Christians but to all genuine Christians.We are told that a soldier in the army ofAlexander the Great was not acting bravelyin battle. When he should have been pressingahead, he was lingering behind. The greatgeneral approached him and asked, “Whatis your name, soldier?” The man replied,“My name, sir, is Alexander.” The generallooked him straight in the eye and said firmly,“Soldier, get in there and fight or change yourname!” Alexander the Great wanted his nameto symbolize courage. In the same way, thename “Christian” must symbolize victoryagainst the world because the Word of Godtells us so.By way of application, a Christian studentis able to overcome peer pressure in hisschool, a Christian employee is able toovercome the compromising environment athis workplace and a Christian businessmanis able to overcome the temptation to cheatin the business world. A Christian has everyreason to live a triumphant life wherever heis because of the seed of new life implanted inhis heart. Yes, it is not easy to overcome theworld. But the Word of God has given us theassurance that though it is difficult, we canovercome it.The word “overcome” is one of the favouritewords of the apostle John. In 1 John 5:4, the12 Bible Witness