Overcoming the World

Scripture – 1 John 5:1-5: ¹Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. ²This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. ³This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, ⁴for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. ⁵Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage sort of summarizes the Christian journey from infancy to maturity. I believe Jesus is the Christ – the One sent by God to be the Savior of the world. I accept Him into my life and begin loving Him by obeying His commands. His commands are not burdensome, but life-giving. As I grow in my walk with Him, I discover that more day by day. A lot of the times I find it is fun to follow Christ. There’s a joy in that commitment that lifts me up and above the concerns of this world. And on my best days, I have, indeed, overcome the world. So I live with great freedom from the concerns and hassles of life.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It’s an interesting journey. I kind of slide back and forth a bit. Yet in the overall picture, I keep moving (or being moved) forward. I will stay open to Christ’s transforming work. I will live in freedom today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I can do this only because of you. Thank you for your grace, your strength and your perspective. Lift me again this day. Use me as you will.