Whatsoever is born of God
1 John 5:4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Being "born of God" is the essence of our spiritual transformation. In John 3, Jesus speaks to Nicodemus about being "born again," a spiritual rebirth that comes through the Holy Spirit. To be born of God is to receive a new nature, one that is aligned with Christ, empowered by the Spirit, and marked by divine purpose.
When you are born of God, you are no longer defined by your past or your failures. Your identity is rooted in the righteousness of Christ, in His victory over sin and death. You are no longer a slave to fear, condemnation, or worldly systems. The old has passed away, and all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Being born of God means that you belong to a different realm, the Kingdom of Heaven. And in this Kingdom, you are no longer subject to the powers of darkness that rule the world. This new birth positions you as a child of God, with all the rights, privileges, and power that come with it.
Overcoming the world is a life victory gotten from being born of God. The scripture says "whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world." What is "the world" in this context?
The world here refers to the systems, values, and powers that are opposed to God. It includes sin, temptation, and the forces of evil that seek to draw us away from our relationship with God. The world is characterized by pride, lust, materialism, and the rejection of God's truth.
But for those born of God, overcoming the world is not just a possibility; it is a reality. This overcoming is not because we have the strength within ourselves, but because of Christ in us. As Jesus said in John 16:33, "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
Victory is inherent in the new birth. When you are born of God, the power of the Holy Spirit dwells in you, enabling you to live a life that is victorious over sin, temptation, and every force that comes against you. To overcome the world means that you are no longer controlled by its temptations and values, but instead, you live according to the Spirit of God.
If we are born of God and are called to overcome, how do we practically live as overcomers in the world?
1. Abide in Christ: Jesus teaches in John 15 that apart from Him, we can do nothing. To overcome, we must remain in a living, active relationship with Him, drawing our strength and sustenance from His life.
2. Stand on God’s Word: The Word of God is our weapon in spiritual warfare. When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He overcame by speaking the Word. We must know and declare God’s promises in the face of trials and temptations.
3. Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 tells us to "walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh." To overcome the world, we must live in step with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide, convict, and empower us.
4. Cultivate Faith: Faith is like a muscle that grows through exercise. We cultivate faith by spending time in God’s Word, in prayer, and by remembering the testimonies of God's past faithfulness in our lives.
In conclusion, as children of God, born of the Spirit, we are not victims of the world but victors through Christ. 1 John 5:4 assures us that whatever is born of God has the power to overcome the world and this victory is accessed through our faith.
Whatever challenges, trials, or temptations you face today, know that in Christ, you are more than a conqueror. Hold fast to your identity in Him, walk by faith, and live in the victory that He has already won for you. As you do, you will experience the truth of His promise: “Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.”
God bless you.
Prayer key:
1. Lord, thank you for the blessing of your word today in Jesus Christ name.
2. Lord, help me to hold fast unto the new life I found in you in Jesus Christ name.
3. Lord, grant me the grace not to go back to my old self in Jesus Christ name.
4. Thank you Lord for answered prayers in Jesus Christ name. Amen.