Super, Overcoming Overcomers

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God 

I’m teaching a series in the book of 1st John at the church I pastor. This week, we are at one of the most powerful statements about those who are in Christ — we are overcomers. Interestingly, the word is used three times in just two verses, 4-5. Our English word comes from the Greek word, nikao. It means victory. The Greeks had a goddess of victory, Nike,  and, yes, there is an athletic shoe by the same name. 

Victory! Christ followers are victorious. Here are a few key principles to keep in mind to live a victorious life:

Remember that Satan is defeated. His power has been loosened by the effective work of Jesus [1 John 3:8]. Furthermore, he and his cohorts will be dealt a final, eternal blow [Revelation 20:10]. 

Reflect on the power in your life. "Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" [1 John 4:4]. The same power that defeated Satan lives in you. 

Resist Satan. Don’t give in to him through ignorance of his ways or exposing yourself to temptation. 

Redress yourself with the full armor of God. Keep your spiritual armor on at all times. Never go into spiritual warfare without the proper protection [Ephesians 6:11].

Renew your mind by taking “every thought captive in obedience to Christ” [2 Corinthians 10:3-4]. 

Recommit to pray. Pray, pray, pray! Prayer is a means to unleash the power of God. So be fervent and faithful in it [James 5:16].

One more thing. Paul said an interesting thing about being overcomers in his letter to the Roman Christ followers [Romans 8:37]. Our English translations use the word “conquerors,” but it’s the same Greek word, nikao. But here, Paul added another word to it, huper, meaning, over, above and beyond. We are beyond overcomers (conquerors), more than overcomers, overcoming overcomers; in fact, we are super, overcoming overcomers!

Victory is sweet. Enjoy it every day!

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4-5