December 20 - Evening
"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 the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
- First John 5:4-5
- First John 5:4-5
The Victory over the Kosmos!
The “world” (kosmos) is the system where we live that is without God and exists in a constant state of rebellion against God. We are naturally part of this world system and are destined to perish with it when the wrath of God is revealed.
But, John tells us that, “everyone born of God overcomes the world.” In fact, John says this three times in three quick, progressive sentences:
- “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.”
Each of these statements of “overcomes the world” is intentional and focused on an important truth of the Christian’s conquest over the rebellious system and their escape from a world destined to damnation.
First, “Everyone born of God overcomes the world,” translates the Greek word pan as “everyone,” but its meaning is “whatever” or “everything.” So, the sense here is not the person who is born of God, but the birth itself. It is not us who overcome the world, but the “birth” God gave us. The verb “overcomes” is nikao (“to conquer,” “to carry off the victory,” “to gain a victory,” “overcome”) in the present tense which means it is a victory that is taking place. The person with the birth from God, or the birth itself, is presently progressing and achieving the victory over the world. Again, note the focus of this first of three “overcomes the world” is the new birth that is presently overcoming the world.
Second, “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith,” literally says in the Greek, “The victory that is victorious over the world, our faith.” Here the same verb nikao (where the Nike shoe company gets its name, “victory”), or “overcome,” is in the aorist tense which makes this verb “overcome” a reference to a past event. John describes this past event as “even our faith.” This victory has been secured and is a reference to something the believer has done in the past. It could be their faith in Jesus at the born again experience, but that would be a repeat of what is identified in the first “overcomes the world.” So, this is more likely a reference to the believer’s faith in the Truth and their rejection of the false teachers and the temptation to follow false philosophies of the world. Either way, this “overcome the world” is a past event where the believers demonstrated their faith in the Truth. This act of faith has separated them from the world and seems very similar to the faith of the heroes mentioned in Hebrews 11 who also overcame a wide variety of worldly situations “by faith.” These worldly situations that tempted the faith of the heroes of Hebrews 11 included moral pressure, physical persecution and intellectual compromise. But, by an act of faith at some point in their life these heroes overcame the world at that moment in time.
Third, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” Like the first “overcomes” described above, this verb “overcomes” is in the present tense which describes the continuous “conquering” the Christian experiences over the rebellious world system. This continuous victory is an ongoing experience for “he who believes the Jesus is the Son of God.” Once again, correct doctrine is crucial for the Christian’s continuing victorious experience while living in this fallen world (kosmos). Any doctrinal deviation away from their conviction to the eternal deity of the man Jesus and his involvement in God’s plan including creation, salvation and kingdom reign will interfere with the continuation of the believer’s current victory in the war zone of the kosmos where they must live the rest of their lives.
Hupokrites (Gr) - Hypocrite (Eng) - hupokrites is Greek compound word made of hupo, "under," which indicates something private or secret, and krino, "to judge." Hupokrites was used in Classical Greek to mean "one who answers" and referred to "an interpreter." But, in the NT Jesus never used the word in the classical Greek way, because this word began to be used in the theater to refer to a part played on the stage who would answer or interpret for the chorus of singers and the word began to mean "an actor," "a stage player," and "a pretender."
Do I believe the truth? Do I act according to the truth?
I will make decisions and behave in faith to overcome the disastrous direction of the world.
I will make decisions and behave in faith to overcome the disastrous direction of the world.
Bible Reading Descriptions Here
Personal
Enough income to meet your needs
Church
Spirit of Grace
Nation
Chief Justice
World
Wallis & Futuna Islands
Someone to Quote
"The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak that lies in your chest belongs to the naked; the gold you have hidden in the ground belongs to the poor."
- Basil the Great
- Basil the Great
Something to Ponder
Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were deists (not theists) who believed in God as Creator, but like many men of their age, agreed with the intellectual movement called the Enlightenment. They did not consider Jesus divine, but considered Jesus' life and teaching worthy of imitation; they felt the same way about similar men such as like Socrates. Franklin taught that "nature was a better guide to life than the Bible and Jefferson created his own version of the Gospels, called "The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth," where he deleted all the miracles and divine statements of Jesus.
Here’s a Fact
The Deir Alla Inscription was discovered in 1967 in Deir Alla, Jordan (OT territory of Ammonites). On a wall of a many roomed sanctuary was a prophecy by Bala'am son of Be'or, the same name as the Bala'am of Numbers 22-24. The text is similar to biblical writing, but is nowhere else recorded. The writing on the wall dates from around 800 BC. (Details 1, 2)
Proverb
"Do not say, 'I'll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you."
- Proverbs 20:22
- Proverbs 20:22
Coach’s Corner
Stop and ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” What is the motivation behind your purpose and your goals?
3 John 1
New International Version (NIV)
1 The elder,
To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
New International Version (NIV)
1 The elder,
To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.
9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will not welcome us. 10 So when I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, spreading malicious nonsense about us. Not satisfied with that, he even refuses to welcome other believers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church.
11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone—and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.
13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
1 Peter 4-5
New International Version (NIV)
Living for God
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
To the Elders and the Flock
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.
New International Version (NIV)
Living for God
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. 2 As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 3 For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. 4 They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. 5 But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.
7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Suffering for Being a Christian
12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
To the Elders and the Flock
5 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,
“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Final Greetings
12 With the help of Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, I have written to you briefly, encouraging you and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand fast in it.
13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.