In 1 John 5:4 the Spirit of God tells us, “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith.” It is very interesting and helpful to look at some of the Greek words used in the original writing. “Whatever” in verse 4 is the same word translated “Whoever” in verse 1, which I believe would have been better so translated here. And the “world” spoken of here in verse 4 is not the physical universe around us, but it is the arrangement or decoration, it is the maxims, precepts, and customs that we face every day in a society and system that is opposed to God’s commandments; this includes “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” 1 John 2:15. I like what the Message says here in verse 4, “Every God-begotten person conquers the world’s ways.” And Robertson’s word pictures points out that “overcomes the world” is “present active indicative of a continuous victory because (of) a continuous struggle, (and) keeps on conquering the world.” (Italics added) And our key to this overcoming is our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the ultimate overcomer!
Instead of a poem by Rose Hill today she has chosen the words of an old hymn written by John H. Yates.
Faith is the victory
(V 1) Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below, Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.
(V 2) His banner over us is love, Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith they, like a whirlwinds breath, Swept on o’er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death Is still our shining shield.
(3) To him who overcomes the foe White raiment shall be giv’n;
Before the angels he shall know His name confessed in heav’n.
Then onward from the hills of light, Our hearts with love a-flame;
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night, In Jesus conq’ring name.
(Refrain) Faith is the victory! Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory That overcomes the world.
Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.