“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4

Overcoming One

For the last several years the Lord has given me “a word” for the year. A couple of years ago it was peace, last year it was fearfully and wonderfully made, and this year it is overcoming one. I’m amazed at the promises contained in Revelation for he (she) who overcomes. We will be given: the ability to eat from the tree of life (2:7); hidden manna to eat and a white stone upon which is written a name no one knows except us (2:17); power over the nations (2:26); white garments and our name in the Book of Life—which Christ will confess before His Father and His angels (3:5). We will be pillars in the temple of God and will have the name of God, the New Jerusalem and Christ’s new name written on us (3:21); and we will be able to sit with Christ on His throne (3:21). Amazing.

Of course, such marvelous things do not come without a price. For us this particular meaning of Strong’s G3528 nikao pertains to Christians that hold fast their faith even unto death against the power of their foes, and temptations and persecutions. It is also used of one whom, by Christian constancy and courage, keeps himself unharmed and spotless from his adversary’s devices, solicitations, assaults (the devil) in 1 John 2:13, Revelation 12:11, and in 1 John 4:4, speaking of false teachers.

Revelation 12:11 says, “And they overcame him (the accuser of our brethren) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.” In place of overcame in different versions, the words defeated, triumphed, and conquered are used.

Revelation 17:14 tells us, “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” 

And finally: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things and I will be his God and he shall be My son” (Revelation 21:7).

Victory and the marvelous things we will receive do not come without a battle. In my flesh I will lose, every time, BUT I CAN overcome the enemy of my soul, the false teachers, and the world BECAUSE Christ is in me, and He already won the battle over death by going to the cross and resurrecting on the third day. He will win the final battle, and the war, when He defeats Satan once and for all.

“Father God, thank You for Your Son, the true Overcoming One and His victory on the cross. Give each of us strength, courage and perseverance to also be called overcoming one, as we remember that He who is in us truly is greater than he who is in the world. Amen.”