A troubled world breeds trouble. It can be troubling to witness and its troubles can even impact our own life. That is the troubling result when God’s Wisdom and Divine Will for living are not being duly acknowledged and are replaced with the mere wisdom of humanity. The trouble with the world’s effort to get the world’s troubles straightened out is that on its own it is a losing battle. However, the good news is that despite this troubling reality there is a reality of victory that has already occurred.
Even as Jesus faced His coming death on the cross, He encouraged His disciples in stating. . .
“(33) I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
Jesus did not tell the disciples He will overcome, but that “I have overcome the world.” The Greek word is from “nikao” which is also translated “conquering” and “to conquer”.
As Jesus has overcome, it is with Him that we too become overcomers or conquerors! That was part of the encouragement Paul also shared in his letter to Christians at Rome where we read. . .
“(35) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? (36) As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” (37) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:35-37 ESV)
The Greek word here is from “hupernikao” (“hupor”, “over”) referring to being “more than conquer” as in gaining a surpassing victory; literally being hyper-conquerors and therefore being pre-eminently victorious. [W.E.Vine]
Jesus has overcome the world. In Him we are led in overcoming as well! In spite of the world’s troubles, may we continue to take heart!
Have a great day ENCOURAGED BY THE ASSURANCE OF VICTORY IN CHRIST!
Carl
