It is amazing how Jesus makes those who follow Him "more than conquerors" by grace through faith. I don't know about you, but at times I would be pleased to settle with being a conqueror. Everyone would love to walk in victory, overcome all obstacles, and have success in our endeavors. The victory Christ provides, however, does not mean we always "win," experience the triumph David did in slaying Goliath of Gath, or involve public recognition. This spiritual victory is primarily internal: the choice to deny self, refuse to sin, and humble ourselves. It is David refusing to slay King Saul when he had opportunity and encouragement to do so--and also refused to even speak against God's anointed. It was not by might or power but by the Spirit of God David overcame and was more than a conqueror.
The apostle made this connection with overcoming the world and faith in 1 John 5:1-5: "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" God is infinitely greater than this world, and those born of God through faith in Jesus overcome the world. Jesus overcame sin and death not by conquest but by humbling Himself in obedience to His Father in heaven. Reliance upon God by the weak and meek enables us to walk in victory and be more than conquerors. Walking in love towards others begotten of God is evidence our faith in God is genuine.
Jesus commanded His disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you." This command of Jesus is not burdensome because He has supplied an example to follow and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to do so. Paul begins his description of God's love in 1 Corinthians 13 by saying this love "suffers long and is kind." It is love marked with enduring suffering and continuing to be merciful, compassionate, and caring. This selfless love was manifested continually in the life of Jesus and ultimately was demonstrated on Calvary. Our feelings of love are temporary; our storehouses of love have their limits. Having been overcome by the eternal, infinitely love of God we are compelled by God's grace to love others. It is faith that surrenders to God which removes the mountains of ungrace and selfishness in our hearts and causes us to overcome the world.
The apostle made this connection with overcoming the world and faith in 1 John 5:1-5: "Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?" God is infinitely greater than this world, and those born of God through faith in Jesus overcome the world. Jesus overcame sin and death not by conquest but by humbling Himself in obedience to His Father in heaven. Reliance upon God by the weak and meek enables us to walk in victory and be more than conquerors. Walking in love towards others begotten of God is evidence our faith in God is genuine.
Jesus commanded His disciples, "Love one another as I have loved you." This command of Jesus is not burdensome because He has supplied an example to follow and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to do so. Paul begins his description of God's love in 1 Corinthians 13 by saying this love "suffers long and is kind." It is love marked with enduring suffering and continuing to be merciful, compassionate, and caring. This selfless love was manifested continually in the life of Jesus and ultimately was demonstrated on Calvary. Our feelings of love are temporary; our storehouses of love have their limits. Having been overcome by the eternal, infinitely love of God we are compelled by God's grace to love others. It is faith that surrenders to God which removes the mountains of ungrace and selfishness in our hearts and causes us to overcome the world.
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