Christ the Conqueror
by Pastor Reid Matthias
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Because everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world (1 John 5:4a).
If I write the word ‘conqueror,’ who first comes to mind?
Throughout history, there have been military leaders who have, through often brutal means, enlarged their territory. Genghis Kahn, the Mongol leader, conquered territory from eastern Europe across the entirety of Asia to Japan on the east. According to history, his superior military tactics, along with the Mongols’ expertise on horseback and with bow and arrow, allowed him to subdue any group that tried to stand in his way.
From the Apostle John’s perspective, though, conquering the world is not about taking territory, but actually giving it up. Or, as the NIV translates, ‘overcomes’ the world.
How does this happen? Is it by our superior tactics? Our war-like tendencies? Cutting the world down with weapons of destruction?
No, it is by the power of God and his empowerment of love to his children. ‘Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God … and everyone who has been born of God [ie received the Holy Spirit] overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith’ (1 John 5:4,5).
This is the victory. Christ the Conqueror through love. The free gift of grace through our faith in Christ Jesus allows us to give up our aspirations of conquering territory and allows God to conquer the terror of sin, death and the devil.
What kinds of things has the Holy Spirit helped you conquer in life? What are some things you’d like to ask for help with?
Heavenly Father, thank you for your amazing gift of faith. Thank you that it allows me to see that you have conquered the world so I might live freely in it. Your victory is immense! Praise Christ the Conqueror!
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