1 John 5:4: The Victory That Has Overcome the World--Our Faith

1 John 5:4
[4] For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (ESV)

I like being on the winning team. I imagine you do also. I was born in Pennsylvania and have been a Philadelphia Eagles fan for most of my life. It wasn't until this past year that the Eagles finally won the Super Bowl. I spent a lot of years wishing and dreaming about what it would be like to be a fan of a winning team. It was such a great feeling to know that my team won.

Now, as exciting as it was for me to watch a sports team win, I was not actually part of the team. But, I want you to imagine with me what it would be like to be a professional football player. Also, imagine with me that you were drafted to be on a team that was 100% guaranteed to win the Super Bowl! No player on any team has that guarantee, but imagine if you were on a team that did. Wouldn't that inspire and encourage you?

Friend, you have been drafted to be part of something much greater than a sports team. You are a soldier in the Lord's army. He is currently warring with the prince of the power of the air. The ancient serpent, Satan, leads the team. His team we can refer to as the world. And guess what? Everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. Our victory is guaranteed. How inspiring! How encouraging!

I want you to have a glimpse at our ultimate victory. It is recorded in the book of the Revelation. The same Apostle John who wrote this Epistle of 1 John also wrote the Revelation. In this book he describes a vision that he saw of things that will eventually take place. Be encouraged as you read these words:

Revelation 20:10
[10] and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (ESV)

If you belong to Jesus you are on the winning team. You are on the Lord's side. Your victory is guaranteed! Be encouraged. This life is difficult. The enemy seems strong. But he will be destroyed.

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