Faithful on Fridays Blog

Overcome the World

It’s said we remember:

10% of what we read, 

20% of what we hear, 

30% of what we see, 

50% of what we see and hear, 

70% of what we discuss, 

80% of what we experience, and 

95% of what we teach others. 

I think that’s why the Apostle John constantly intrigues me. How could he possibly remember the words of Jesus in His Farewell Discourse (chapters 14-17); I can’t remember where I left my coffee! Except for the miraculous recall of the Spirit, he couldn’t.

The distance between the world of unbelievers and believers got wider with chapter fifteen in the beautiful description of our divine union with Christ and the pronouncement of being friends with Him. Friends love each other, friends stand by each other, and friends trust one another. Jesus called us friends (15:15) and declared that we didn’t choose Him … He chose us. 

In contrast, Jesus says this:

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:19 ESV

That’s pretty serious stuff. He goes on to teach that the world of unbelievers, who hated Him first, have no excuse for their sin since the gospel is clearly rejected (vs. 22-25). 

Jesus gave the promise of the Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Mediator, Defense Attorney, or more commonly known as the Holy Spirit to His friends. The Paracletos (Greek) is God who walks alongside you to bring help in your time of need. He’s there for you because He lives in you and as Jesus said in 16:1, He helps you from falling away. Do you need help in life? Do you need a defender? Guidance? Comfort? Hope? Don’t try to live life alone, in your own strength; He’s there for you every step of the way. Remember, friends always communicate.

The Holy Spirit was not sent only to develop friendship; He was also sent to bring conviction (16:8-11) to the world. Jesus said that the world is judged and found guilty, with plenty of evidence, and eventually the verdict will pronounced. Not true for a believer; Jesus took our guilty verdict and died the death we deserved. We are now considered righteous and our eternity will be spent with Him. The world, on the other hand, rejoices at His death (vs. 20) and their eternity destiny is also set.

Jesus’ disciples are a little confused, therefore, He offered them a clear finish to His teaching:

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

Friends, you are overcomers if you are friends with God. The Greek word for overcomer is nikao; it’s where we get the name Nike. We are Nike people and friends of God.