What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?

   The word overcoming may sound a bit daunting at first.  Like every Christian I've had my share of struggles, failures, and triumphs.  By looking at 1 John 5:4 it's evident that God's life in us is an overcoming life!

Because everything that has been begotten of God overcomes the world: and this the victory which overcomes the world—our faith.  1 John 5:4

    If you look at chapter 5, you'll see that your spirit overcomes not only the world but death, sin, the devil, and even idols. It's important to see that everything about overcoming hinges on our spirit being born of God.  One time I heard a message that talked about overcoming on Living Stream's website, and the brother reminded everyone that the capital Overcomer lives in our spirit!  

   I liked the practical ways that Witness Lee gives on pages 319-320 In chapter 36  that we can strengthen our spirit’s overcoming ability:

"Because our spirit has been regenerated, it cannot sin. On the contrary, our spirit can overcome all negative things….However, our body has not been regenerated, and our soul still remains without the life of God....When we remain in our spirit, stay in our spirit, and walk by our spirit, we shall see that our spirit has the life ability to overcome all negative things. This is why we need to exercise to have fellowship with the Lord and pray concerning the enjoyment of the Lord.  We also need to exercise our spirit to call on the Lord’s name and to pray-read the word.  This exercise stirs up the ability in our spirit to overcome the world" (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of 1 John.  Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1983, Print).

Last Friday I was listening to another message on Living Stream Ministry's website, and the brother encouraged everyone by saying God wants us to overcome, and we can pray, "Lord, make me a part of Your overcoming Bride!"

I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the  Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I'm cooking, cleaning, and typing.   

Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:

What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?
What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?
The Promise in 1 John 1:9
What is the Anointing in 1 John 2:27?
Taking a Closer Look at Abiding in 1 John 2:26
God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?
Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John