DEVOTION – DAY 522

1 John 5:4 “Victory Over Sin”

1 John 5:4: “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

To overcome the world means to gain victory over the sinful patterns of life. When Christians obey God, they will be able to turn away from sinful actions and desires. Obedience to God is possible for Christians because they have been born again. They have the help of the Holy Spirit who indwells in them, that gives them the spiritual strength they need to resist sinful habits and desires. The apostle John speaks of two aspects of victory: 1) the initial victory of turning in faith from the world to God – that is what the phrase “has overcome the world” means; 2) the ongoing day to day victory of Christian living – that is what the phrase “overcomes the world” means.

A man was addicted to gambling. He could not resist the thrill of possibly winning money. Unfortunately, he lost more than he won, and he soon had mounting gambling debts. He tried to borrow money to clear some of his debts, and to try to win back some of his losses. This only led him further into debt. Eventually, his friends and family all refused to lend him anymore money because he would only lose it all on gambling. In the end, he realized that he had to do something to end his addiction. 

He agreed to stay at a rehabilitation center for people with drug or gambling addictions. He had to surrender his handphone and agree to the live by the strict rules at the center. The center was run by Christians and it was there that he learnt about the love of Jesus Christ and how he can invite Jesus into his life as his Lord and Savior. This man decided to become a Christian. At that point of his conversion, he “has overcome the world” – he realized that with Jesus’ help, he can turn from his gambling addiction and bad lifestyle choices. With the help of the Holy Spirit, he is also able to make daily choices that “overcomes the world” – he can find the strength never to gamble online, even when he leaves the rehabilitation center. Instead, he chose to spend his energy at his workplace and on weekends, to help out at his church. This is his way to claiming victory over his sin of being addicted to gambling.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us victory over sin and death. Please help us to stay closely to your and your Word so that we can overcome the world all the days of our lives. We humbly pray in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

1. How have the Lord helped you to overcome sinful lifestyle choices in the past? Share.
2. What are some things you can do at present to remain victorious over sins and temptations to sin?
3. How can you graciously help others you know who are struggling with their sinful pursuits?